Development of non-destructive moisture meter for coffee beans
2019
Joaquin, A.C. | Avila, R.P. | Ramos, M.E.V. | Martinez, R.C.
To ensure the best quality in coffee beans, accurate and effective instrument and process of moisture content (MC) monitoring is very critical. Inaccurate process and instruments in MC determination may mean considerable quantitative and qualitative losses. It may prevent farmers and processors to command premium selling price. In the Philippines, empirical method is still the most common practice but accuracy with this practice varies because of different standards. It is also highly dependent on human perception. Moreover, prohibitive cost of imported moisture meters inhibits the local coffee farmers and traders from acquisition of available technologies. Inaccuracy, complicated operations, after-sales services and availability of spare parts are among other reported concerns in the use of imported moisture meters. This project developed a simple, portable yet accurate coffee MC meter to address the subjectivity of empirical method and aimed to offer a less-expensive and locally-made MC measuring tool. The developed prototype adopted a capacitive sensor oscillator circuit and can measure both green coffee beans (gcb) and parchment coffee. The prototype comprised of two-concentric cylinder test chamber, where whole coffee beans are placed; metal encasement containing the circuit and other peripherals; and control and measurement panel. It was micro-controller based, with LCD read-out which displays MC reading and battery life. Validation and field testing results indicated that the prototype unit MC meter was sufficiently accurate for Arabica, Liberica and Robusta varieties. Fabrication cost was estimated at PhP 14,000.00. This is 40% to 60% cheaper than the imported coffee moisture meters.
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