The FMI is a system developed that determines the wood moisture in the production line contact-free, with a view to sorting or selecting wood.
FMI Control unit
The FMI system consists of a control unit and one or more sensors. These sensors measure wood moisture content while the wood travels past them without making any contact. The FMI can easily measure the moisture content at a speed of 200 planks a minute with systems suitable for transversal transport, or 600 metres a minute with systems suitable for longitudinal transport.
Sensors - Depending on machine configuration, 2 sensor types are available:
1 - FMI L Sensor - for longitudinal wood feed
2 - FMI X Sensor - for transverse feed
The FMI type L sensor is a sensor through which the wood is transported longitudinally. The moisture measurement takes place along the whole length of the wood.
Photocells detect when the wood enters and leaves the sensor. When the wood leaves the sensor, the FMI calculates the following at high speed:
Minimum moisture content
Maximum moisture content
Average moisture content
The output relay for the purpose of marking or indicating can be set to the:
Average value
Peak value
Real time value
The FMI L sensor is used for the following applications
Moisture measurement in front of, or behind a planing machine
Moisture measurement for a cross-cut saw
Moisture measurement for a scanner
Moisture measurement in a production line
- FMI X Sensors - for transverse wood feed
The FMI type X sensor is a sensor over which the wood is transported transversally. The moisture measurement takes place over a length of 400 mm or 600 mm. A maximum of 3 sensors can be linked in order to measure the moisture content over a total length of 1,800 mm.
A photocell detects when the wood passes over the sensor. When the wood leaves the sensor, the FMI calculates the following at breakneck speed:
Minimum moisture content (with 2 or 3 sensors)
Maximum moisture content (with 1, 2 or 3 sensors)
Average moisture content (with 2 or 3 sensors)
The output relay for the purpose of marking or indicating can be set to the:
Average value (with 2 or 3 sensors)
Peak value (with 1, 2 or 3 sensors)
The FMI X sensor is used for the following applications
Moisture measurement for sorting
Moisture measurement for transverse transport in front of a planing machine
The FMI X sensor can easily be built into a sorting line. Reflection plates, or similar, are unnecessary.
The FMI sensor is connected to the control unit by means of a sensor cable with plugs.
Technical specifications
Moisture measurement over a length of 400 mm or 600 mm per sensor
Maximum wood speed: 200 planks per minute
400 measurements per second
Wood thickness 10-100 mm (70 mm effective)
Dimensions 400 x 200 x 150 mm or 600 x 200 x 150 mm
Weight 6 kg or 10 kg
FMI Control unit
The FMI control unit is the heart of every FMI system. The FMI system is provided with menu-driven software. The graphic display presents all information clearly and conveniently. The FMI control unit is dustproof and is available with a Perspex door if so desired.
In addition to the date and time, the measuring display provides the following information about the product to be measured.
Product name
Dimensions (width x thickness)
Specific weight
Minimum moisture content
Maximum moisture content
Real time measured value (analog)
Result of the measuring (digital)
When switched to statistic representation, the display provides the following information:
Percentage of measured wood per moisture content range
Number of measured planks per moisture content range
Average moisture content of the batch
Standard deviation of the measured batch
Number of measured planks
The connections of the digital in- and outputs are incorporated in the FMI control unit.
Product programs (250 or 1,000) settings include
Wood species
Specific weight
Dimensions
Package information
Measuring method
Limiting values (too wet / too dry)
Technical specifications
Accuracy 1% (typical)
Back-up memory
Graphic display with background lighting (65 x 120 mm)
Digital inputs for start/ stop and automatic zeros
Digital outputs for minimum moisture content, maximum moisture content, alarm and system
PC/ printer connection (RS232 / RS485)
Analog output 0(4)-20mA or 0-10 volts
Supply voltage 90-132/ 175-265 VAC; 47-440 Hz
Dimensions 38 x 380 x 240 mm
Weight 13 kg
Sorting
One of the most important aspects of the FMI system is its ability to sort wood, ensuring that only wood with the right moisture content is released for further production. It is also possible to set a number of limiting values so that wood can be sorted on the basis of moisture content. Sorting can also be carried out by hand with a marking system. If it is within the machine's capabilities, the FMI system can also control a fully automated sorting system.
Automation and system solutions
The expertise and the product range extends far beyond moisture measurement and sorting alone. A comprehensive solution can be supplied with electric, pneumatic and mechanical components. Systems can be delivered turnkey as well.