PROTIMETER MOISTURE IN BUILDINGS PROTIMETER / DAMPNESS SURVEY
PROTIMETER SPEEDY MOISTURE TESTER PROTIMETER AQUANT
PROTIMETER HUMILOG DATA LOGGERS MICROLANCE INSERTION MOISTURE METER

 

GE Protimeter
Moisture in buildings

Moisture meters and hygrometers for measuring moisture in building materials and for dampness diagnosis in buildings

Protimeter MMS BLD5800

The Moisture Measurement System from GE Protimeter merges moisture meter and hygrometer functionality into one product to give a highly versatile moisture measuring instrument and a powerful dampness diagnosis tool.

Three primary modes of operation are available:

  • Moisture meter modes, for rapid moisture level measurement of woodwork, walls and floors
  • Hygrometer mode, for measuring relative humidity and temperature of environments
  • Condensator mode, for condensation risk assessment and confirmation

Moisture Meter Modes

The MMS may be used as a moisture meter in two operational modes to suit a wide range of measurement applications and requirements.

  • Search mode uses radio frequency technology to give a relative measurement of moisture beneath surfaces
  • Measure mode uses pin-type electrodes to give precise wood moisture equivalent (WME) measurements in wood and masonry

The Search mode gives instant relative moisture condition measurements within walls and floors. This capability is useful for identifying areas of concern that may then require a more detailed investigation. It is also ideal for monitoring the moisture level of large areas and for routine surveying where it may be impractical or undesirable to mark the surface with pin electrodes.

The Measure mode gives actual moisture content values in wood and wood moisture equivalent (WME) values in other non - conductive materials. WME values may be used to assess the
moisture condition of the materials, as the critical moisture level thresholds for wood are known. The measurement is precise and specific to the contact area of the pin electrodes or deep wall probes.

When the Search and Measure modes are used together surface moisture can be distinguished from sub-surface moisture. This capability gives surveyors and other users a better understanding
of drying profiles in material and aids dampness diagnosis.

Hygrometer Mode
In Hygrometer mode the MMS measures

  • Relative humidity
  • Ambient temperature
  • Dew point
  • Mixing ratio/absolute humidity (MMS-Plus version only)

The MMS uses the interchangeable and
replaceable HygrostickTM sensor to measure humidity and temperature.

The Hygrostick may be connected directly into the MMS instrument for
measuring conditions in rooms and other
environments or via an extension lead. This facility makes the MMS an ideal instrument to measure the Equilibrium Relative Humidity (ERH) of walls and floors using Hygrosticks that have been placed into pre-drilled clearance holes.

Condensator Mode

The Condensator mode is used for confirming the presence of condensation
and/or risk assessment by comparing surface temperatures with the dew point of the environment under investigation. When used with the surface temperature sensor the MMS can make the following measurements.

  • Relative humidity
  • Ambient temperature
  • Dew point
  • Surface temperature
  • Difference between surface temperature and dew point

Protimeter Mini BLD2000

The definitive general purpose moisture meter for building surveying, timber inspection and a very broad range of other applications.

Ergonomic design and tactile grip for comfort and
ease of use.

Ultra bright display of sixty LEDs for clear visibility.

Measurement range 6 - 90% for versatility.

Supplied with pouch, moisture probe, ‘calcheck’ and wood calibration table.

Download PDF Catalogue

Protimeter Hygromaster BLD4700

Used in conjunction with the detachable
Hygrostick probe, the Hygromaster is an
easy to use, versatile hygrometer.

Large LCD shows %rh, ambient and dewpoint
temperatures.

Embeddable Hygrosticks
can be used to measure the equilibrium
relative humidity value of walls and floors.

May be used with optional surface temperature probe.

Supplied with pouch and one Hygrostick.

Protimeter Surveymaster BLD5360

This dual mode moisture meter is used primarily for diagnosing dampness problems in buildings.

Search mode detects the presence of moisture beneath surfaces by using radio frequency.

Measure mode gives a precise moisture level value in wood and
other building materials from pin electrodes or deep wall probes.

Supplied with pouch, moisture probe, deep wall probes, ‘calcheck’ and wood calibration table.

Protimeter Timbermaster BLD5601

The Timbermaster is the instrument of choice for quality control applications across the wood industries, from the sawmill to finished products.

Large LCD shows moisture content and temperature.

Moisture values are automatically corrected for temperature when the temperature probe is used.

May be used with optional hammer electrode for sub - surface measurement.

Supplied with pouch, moisture probe, temperature probe, ‘calcheck’ and wood calibration table.

Specification:

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Solid Floors

If moisture related floor failures are to be avoided, concrete floor slabs,cementitious screeds and anhydrite screeds have to be in a dry condition before decorative floor finishes, including wood, vinyl and carpet are laid. Many countries have adopted floor testing standards that use ERH measurement techniques whilst others use the DIN18365 standard which specifies moisture content measurement techniques. The Speedy tester is used to measure the moisture content of a sample of material removed from the floor before the decorative finish is laid.

Speedy® moisture testers for soils, sands, powders, aggregates, concrete and masonry

Speedy® Moisture Tester

Speedy moisture testers from Ashworth Instrumentation are used throughout the world by a diverse range of industries to measure the moisture content of materials including soils, aggregates, concrete, sand and powders. Principal users include geotechnical engineers on civil engineering projects, building surveyors and restorers. Other substantial user groups include mining, steel production, foundries and ceramics.

Operating Principle

The Speedy tester is a portable system comprising a vessel with an integral pressure gauge, a weighing scale and a carry case. A small sample of the material is prepared, weighed and placed into the vessel. A reagent is then added and the vessel is sealed and shaken to mix the reagent with the sample. Free moisture within the sample reacts with the reagent to produce a gas and pressure rise within the vessel that is proportional to the amount of moisture. The moisture content value is then read directly form the calibrated pressure gauge.

Speedy® User Benefits

When compared with other moisture measurement systems, the Speedy tester is often the most practical solution, especially when working in the field.

  • Accurate and simple to use
  • Robust and reliable
  • Portable and requires no external power source
  • Versatile - many materials can be measured over a wide moisture content range

Speedy® 2000 Series Test Procedure

The Speedy 2000 series of moisture testers combines time proven dependability of the pressure test procedure with the convenience of an electronic balance. Moisture measurements are obtained by following a simple test procedure:

  • Prepare and weigh the material sample using the electronic balance
  • Place the sample in the Speedy vessel
  • Add the reagent to the recess in the Speedy cap and seal the vessel
  • Shake the Speedy to mix the reagent with the sample
  • Read the moisture content directly from the integral gauge

Speedy® Series Components

All the component parts of the Speedy 2000 series have been selected for their quality, functionality and durability for use in demanding field or site locations.

  • Speedy vessel manufactured from cast aluminium and fitted with a calibrated pressure gauge
  • Electronic balance with large scale pad
  • Comprehensive user instructions
  • Waterproof and shockproof carry case with high density foam insert

A pressure gauge with a moisture measurement range of 0 - 20% is fitted as standard to both the Large and Small vessels, but gauges with both wider and narrower moisture ranges are available.

Roads and Highways

Knowledge of the moisture content of soil is crucial throughout geotechnical engineering practice. Engineers use the Speedy for field control of compacted earth embankments and other structures and to measure the water content of soil to ensure it is within specified ranges. Confidence in the test results is crucial, but the test equipment also has to be robust and simple to use. The Speedy tester meets both of these requirements. It is recommended by the American Highway Authority and is approved by the American Society of State Highway Transportation Officials (ASSHTO) and by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Aggregates, Sand and Concrete

The moisture content of freshly mixed concrete affects the workability, blending, segregation, strength and drying rate of the finished product. The Speedy tester is an ideal on-site quality control tool that enables the site manager to ensure best practice is being followed. Moisture levels of aggregates and sand can be checked prior to use to ensure that the correct amount of water is added when mixing with cement. The moisture content of ready-mix concrete can be checked on site arrival to ensure it is within specification.

Building Restoration and Refurbishment

Building surveyors involved with diagnosing the cause of dampness in buildings use the Speedy tester to determine the moisture level in walls and floors. The Speedy c o m p l e m e n t s moisture meters and hygrometers that are also used for diagnosis. If the structure under investigation is contaminated with conductive hygroscopic salts, moisture meter readings may not truly reflect the moisture condition. Ambiguity that may be associated with interpreting moisture meter readings in contaminated material are reduced by also measuring the actual moisture content of wall or floor samples with the Speedy tester and by using a hygrometer to measure the material?s equilibrium relative humidity (ERH). The Building Research Establishment Digest 245 details how a Speedy tester is used in the context of rising dampness diagnosis and treatment.

 

Speedy 2000 Series Specification:

Series L2000 S2000
Description
Scope of supply (Note that the calcium carbide reagent that is used with the Speedy testers must be ordered separately)

Large Speedy vessel fitted with
calibrated pressure gauge,
electronic balance, heavy duty
carry case with fitted foam
inserts, cleaning brush and
cloth, two steel samplepulverising
balls, measuring
scoop, instructions
Standard Speedy vessel fitted
with calibrated pressure gauge,
electronic balance, heavy duty
carry case with fitted foam
inserts, cleaning brush and
cloth, measuring scoop,
instructions
Nominal gross weight 6kg 5.5kg
Nominal gross dimensions 51 x 38 x 20 cm 51 x 38 x 20 cm
Moisture measurement range expressed as a percentage of the wet weight of the sample. 0 - 20 % (standard)
0 - 10 % (option)
0 - 50 % (option)
0 - 20 % (standard)
0 - 5 % (option)
0 - 10 % (option)
Sample weight For 0 - 20 %mc range : 20g
For 0 - 10 %mc range : 40g
For 0 - 50 %mc range : 8g
For 0 - 20 %mc range : 6g
For 0 - 5 %mc range : 10g
For 0 - 10 %mc range : 12g
Maximum sample size 20mm 10mm

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The Protimeter Aquant

The Aquant is used to assess and monitor the relative moisture level of materials including plaster, masonry, concrete and fibreglass (GRP). It is ideal for checking the relative moisture condition of building elements such as solid walls and floors prior to more rigorous and time consuming investigative procedures that may be required. Leak paths in shower cubicles (behind ceramic tiles), in caravans/motor homes and mobile homes can be identified with the Aquant before visible water damage occurs. The Aquant may also be used for surveying GRP boat hulls for the early detection of damp spots that could lead to blistering caused by osmosis.

Aquant Features

The Aquant has a digital display that is synchronised with a colour coded LED scale. The display shows the relative moisture level of the material under investigation on a scale of 0-1000 and the colour coded LED scale indicates the material's moisture condition.

Using the Aquant

The Aquant is simply held against the surface of the material under investigation as shown. The relative moisture level is measured by radio frequency to a nominal depth of 10- 20mm. There are no needles to mark the surface.

 

 

Specification:

Product Protimeter Aquant
Part No. BLD5760

Scope of supply

Instrument, pouch, instructions

Weight 150g / 6oz
Dimensions 160 x 30 x 48 mm / 6" x 1" x 2"
Displays LCD: 0-1000 relative scale
LED: green-yellow-red scale of 60 lights, synchronised with threshold values of the LCD display
Power One 9V 6F22R battery
Features Beeper. May be switched on/off by the user. Auto switch off. May be switched off, or set between 1-3 minutes, by the user.

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Protimeter MMS & Hygrostick

Developed by Protimeter, this test gives the ERH within the slab for the most reliable and meaningful measurement. Small air pockets are created in the slab at the required points of measurements by drilling holes and inserting sealed humidity sleeves. After 24 hours the Protimeter Hygrostick sensor is placed in the humidity sleeve and the ERH measurement is taken.

The Protimeter sleeve technique has been widely adopted by contractors monitoring the drying rate of large surface areas and by specialist adhesive suppliers as an aid to identifying the most appropriate adhesive systems that satisfy performance specifications and time constraints.

Protimeter MMS & humidity box

BS8203, BS8201 and BS5325 recommend this test. A humidity box placed on the slab isolates a small pocket of air from the environment. Given sufficient time, the humidity of the air pocket equilibrates with that of the slab. The ERH of the slab is obtained by measuring the humidity of this isolated air pocket.

Suitable for establishing the ERH at the surface of screeds, but a time consuming test to undertake. Often impractical to leave humidity boxes in place for sufficient time for power floated slabs.

Protimeter MMS in search mode

The Protimeter MMS and Surveymaster SM instruments may be used to assess the overall moisture condition of a substance and to identify local damp spots quickly and non-destructively. The radio frequency sensor incorporated in these meters is held against the surface to give a qualitative indication of the residual moisture to a nominal depth of 15-20mm.

This technique is often used to identify the most appropriate points of measurement for taking sub-surface or surface ERH measurements.

Protimeter resistance-type moisture meters may be used to obtain actual moisture content (%mc) values in wood and Wood Moisture Equivalent (WME) values in other substrates by pushing the pin electrodes of the meter into the material. A WME measurement is the theoretical %mc value that would be attained by a piece of wood in contact with and in moisture equilibrium with the material under test. Protimeter WME measurements can be used directly to establish if non-conductive materials are in a dry, at risk or damp condition as the critical %mc thresholds for wood are known.

Protimeter Concretemaster in Gel-bridge electrode mode

Developed by Protimeter for determining the moisture level of sand-cement screeds. Two small holes – drilled 150 mm apart – are filled with a conductive gel. Electrodes are inserted, and the moisture content between them is displayed on the meter.

Whilst this test is quick and simple to perform, it is only accurate for 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5 cement : sand screeds. Only relative readings can be obtained in screeds containing admixes, or when the ratio is not known.

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Humilog Data Loggers

Humilog data loggers from GE Protimeter enable you to monitor moisture conditions and drying rates in buildings and environments reliably and extremely cost effectively.

The Humilog BLD4100 model measures and stores:

• relative humidity and air temperature of environments

• surface temperatures

• moisture levels (expressed as WME values) of walls, floors and other building components.

Additionally, the Humilog software automatically calculates the dewpoint temperature. This unique function, when coupled with a surface temperature measurement, is useful when diagnosing or monitoring condensation events in homes, public buildings and storage environments.

Logged data may be downloaded to a PC in tabular and graphical form for analysis. The example illustrates how the Humilog is used to confirm the occurrence of condensation by monitoring humidity, air and surface temperature. Condensation occurs when the surface temperature falls below the dewpoint, as shown by the bottom two curves. Typical Humilog applications include:

• Environmental monitoring in buildings

• Condensation risk assessment and diagnosis

• Monitoring the drying rates of damp walls and floors in new constructions

• Flood damage management

 

Specification:

Series Humilog BLD4100
Description Multichannel data logger for measuring relative humidity, air temperature, surface temperature and moisture level of materials in buildings.

System configuration

 

 

 

 

Sensor cables

1 dedicated channel for measuring humidity, nominal range 30 - 98%rh
1 dedicated channel for measuring ambient air temperature, nominal range0 - 40 °C
1 channel for wide moisture range measurement of materials, nominally 8 - 95%WME, temperature correctable if an optional remote temperature sensor is used.
1 channel for narrow moisture range measurement of materials, nominally 12 - 24%WME, temperature correctable if an optional remote temperature sensor is used.
2 channels for remote temperature sensors, nominal range0 - 40 °C Humilog system has been tested with 10m sensor cable lengths.

Log capacity Nominally, 500 x 6 measurements
Battery life Nominally, 4 years based on 6-hour sample rate and fortnightly download.
Dimensions 170x92x47mm (63/4x31/2x2in)
Weight 400 g (14 oz)
PC/Interface 32 bit Windows/RS232

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The ability to rapidly and accurately measure the moisture content of hundreds of tonsof material. There is no sampling or laborious use of chemicals, balances or ovens. The key to the MicroLance is the streamlined sensor known for its shape as the warhead. This robust and accurate sensor can penetrate many feet into large loads, which is particularly important as water usually settles in the most inaccessible lower parts of the bulk. The reading is made instantaneously, allowing large quantities of material to be rapidly tested. An 'averager' facility provides a single reading for the whole of the bulk. With thousands of users in many industries around the world, the amazing simplicity, speed of use and accuracy have made the MicroLance the perfect instrument for bulk moisture measurement.

For most materials and processes there are precious few techniques for water content measurement. Existing methods often require tedious sampling and tend to be either crude and time-consuming or involve delicate and expensive laboratory-type equipment. Enter the MicroLance. Invented by Hydramotion and used throughout the world, this unique instrument was born out of this need for fast and accurate water content measurement of sand, cement and other bulk materials in industry.

The instrument measures moisture and temperature of minerals and building materials at depths up to six feet (nearly 2 meters) - simply by insertion. The digital readings are shown instantly. The MicroLance has a built-in computer which gives it the flexibility to handle a wide range of materials and water contents.

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