agratronix WCT-2 User manual

Operator’s Manual
Portable Wood Chip
Moisture Tester
ENGLISH
DOCU-M0137 0212

Introduction
THANK YOU for purchasing a Wood Chip Moisture Tester.
READ THIS MANUAL carefully to learn how to operate and service the
Moisture Tester correctly. Failure to do so could result in personal injury
or equipment damage.
THIS MANUAL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED a permanent part of the
Moisture Tester and remain with the Moisture Tester when you sell it.
WARRANTY is provided for customers who operate and maintain the
Moisture Tester as described in this manual.
This warranty provides you the assurance that we will back our products
where defects appear within the warranty period. In some circumstances,
the manufacturer also provides field improvements, often without charge
to the customer, even if the product is out of warranty. Should the Mois-
ture Tester be abused, or modified to change specifications, the warranty
will become void and field improvements may be denied.
PROOF OF PURCHASE (retail sales receipt) must be included with the
returned Moisture Tester to obtain free warranty service. Without proof, the
Moisture Tester will be assumed to be out of warranty and repair costs will
be invoiced.
RECORD SERIAL NUMBERS. Accurately record all the numbers on the
back cover of this manual, and refer to it in all communication with the
factory. The manufacturer, needs these numbers when you order parts
or obtain service.
All information, illustrations and specifications in this manual are based on the latest
information available at the time of publication. The right is reserved to make changes at
any time without notice.
i

Contents
Set Up and Installation
Contents of the Case ......................................................................... 05-1
General ............................................................................................... 05-1
Operation
General ...............................................................................................10-1
Measurement Preparation ..................................................................10-1
Step-by-Step Measurement ...............................................................10-2
Automatic Average Calculation ..........................................................10-3
Erasing the Average Calculation Memory ..........................................10-3
Adjusting the Result ...........................................................................10-4
Erasing of the Scale Adjustment ........................................................10-4
Types of Wood Chips
Wood Chips ........................................................................................15-1
Fine Logging Residue Chips ..............................................................15-1
Medium-Course Logging Residue Chips ............................................15-1
Coarse Logging Residue Chips ..........................................................15-1
Battery Replacement
Battery ................................................................................................20-1
Warranty and Service .......................................................................25-1
Manufacturer’s Contact Information ...............................................30-1
CAUTION: The Wood Chip Moisture Tester may cause
harm if used improperly. Please use the pointed probe
tip with care.
ii

Set Up and Installation
05-1
CONTENTS OF THE CASE
• Wood Chip Moisture Tester with dish probe
• Carrying case
• Operating instructions
GENERAL
The Wood Chip Moisture Tester measures the moisture content of differ-
ent types of wood chips that are typically used as solid fuels in various
power plants. The tester can measure common types of wood chips,
from coarse chips to fine logging residue chips. The measurement range
extends up to 70% of moisture.
The tester shows the moisture content of the material in weight percent.
Measurement range for wood chips is 12-40% and logging residue chips
30-70%.

GENERAL
One can measure the moisture content of the wood chips directly from
the storage pile or from the load. It is also possible to take a measure-
ment by gathering a sample of the material and measuring it from a
plastic 5 gallon bucket.
Take measurements from different places throughout the mass to en-
sure that the final moisture reading represents the average quality of the
whole mass. Make several measurements if needed.
The measurement itself happens in the ball-shaped zone, that is situated
between the metal tip of the probe and the dish part. The diameter of the
measurement zone is about 7.5 inches (20 cm).
The quality of the wood chips affects the measurement result. Using the
pictures and descriptions in section 15, define what type of wood chips is
closest to the material you are going to measure. Choose the measure-
ment scale according to the kind of wood chips. Step-by-step measure-
ment instructions on page 10-2 explains the important notice on possible
risks of measuring moisture content in frozen wood chips.
MEASUREMENT PREPARATION
In order to make the transportation easier the dish probe is packed in a
sturdy carrying case disassembled. Assemble the tester as follows:
Before carrying out any measurements and every time before measuring
the new/different types of wood chips choose the appropriate scale.
Operation
10-1
1. Unscrew cap from probe
2. Identify 4 Pieces:
A. Cap
B. Probe
C. Dish
D. Tester
3. Screw Cap to Tester
4. Balance Dish on Cap
5. Using little force, tighten
Dish into place by screw-
ing Probe into Cap.
Now the moisture tester is
ready for use.
A
B
CD
1 & 2 3
4 5

Operation
10-2
MEASUREMENT PREPARATION (CON’T)
Switch the tester on with a single press on the POWER - button. The
number of the used scale will appear on the testers’s display. When the
number of the scale is displayed, you can change the scale by pushing
the FUNCTION - button:
-1- Scale for wood chips
-2- Scale for fine logging residue chips
-3- Scale for medium coarse logging residue chips
-4- Scale for coarse logging residue chips
After the correct scale is chosen, RUN will display and in a moment the
tester will turn off. Now the moisture tester is ready for use.
The setting of the scale is permanent, it will stay the same until the op-
erator changes it.
-0- scale is used by the repair department to calibrate the moisture testers.
Descriptions of the various wood chips mentioned above are presented
on page 15-1.
STEP-BY-STEP MEASUREMENT
If using this wood chip tester to measure from a storage pile or from the
load, remove some material from the surface. The top layer can be drier
because of the sun or more wet because of rain.
In winter, the top layer of the uncovered pile of wood chips can be deeply
frozen. Never measure moisture content in frozen wood chips. When
measuring moisture content in frozen wood chips the measurement
result is incorrect. Remember that all the storage piles of wood chips are
always melted from the inside. Take the sample of wood chips from the
inside of the storage pile and take the measurement from it.
Push the tip of the probe into the storage pile, so that the dish of the
probe is firmly touching the wood chips.
IMPORTANT: Keep the tester firmly pressed against the material during
the whole measurement.
Switch the tester on with a single press of the POWER - button.
The number of the selected scale will appear on the display. After that the
tester proceeds to the measurement. RUN will be displayed during the
measurement. The result of the measurement (moisture content) will be
displayed in weight percent. After the measurement the tester will auto-
matically turn off and will be ready for a new measurement.

Operation
AUTOMATIC AVERAGE CALCULATION
The tester can calculate the average value of several measurements.
After the measurement has been made, the result can be saved for the
average calculation.
Saving the measurement result for the average calculation
Take the measurement as usual. When the result is displayed, push the
FUNCTION - button for a short time. A will appear on the display and the
tester will add the measurement result for the average calculation. The
average calculation is ready when two numbers, for example A05 and
25.6, appear alternating on the display.
In this case A05 means that the number of measurement results includ-
ed into the average value is 5. Number 25.6 is the average value of those
5 measurements.
If you do not want to include the measurement result into the average cal-
culation, do not take any readings after the measurement, just wait until
the tester automatically turns off and is ready for the next measurement.
Before calculating the average value of every new lot of material, make
sure that average calculation memory is empty and erase it if needed.
ERASING THE AVERAGE CALCULATION MEMORY
Push and hold the FUNCTION - button. Switch the tester on with a single
press of the POWER - button.
When you see A on the display, release the FUNCTION - button. If the
average value appears on the display now, you can erase it by pushing
and holding the FUNCTION - button. The memory is erased, when 0 ap-
pears on the display.
NOTE: Always remember to erase the average calculation memory
after the measurement series so that the previous average value will
not affect the average value of the new lot.
Average calculation memory can accommodate a maximum of 99 test
results. If no more results can be added to the memory, the number on
the display will start blinking.
10-3

Operation
ADJUSTING THE RESULT
If the quality of the measured material is different from normal, the result
can be incorrect. You can adjust the result shown by the tester to conform
with a reference value.
Adjusting the value upwards - When the measurement result is dis-
played make the double press on the FUNCTION - button. Three bars
will appear on the upper edge of the display. Wait for a moment and
the result appears on the display again. Now each time you push the
FUNCTION - button, 0.1 moisture % will be added to the result.
Adjusting the value downwards - When the measurement result is
displayed, push the FUNCTION - button three times. Three bars will
appear on the lower edge of the display. Wait for a moment and
the result appears on the display again. Now each time you push the
FUNCTION - button, 0.1 moisture % will be deducted from the result.
NOTE: This adjustment is specific to the used scale. In other words
there may be defined specific adjustment for each scale.
ERASING OF THE SCALE ADJUSTMENT
When the moisture content result is displayed, you can erase the adjust-
ment. To do that push and hold FUNCTION - button for about 6 seconds.
When the result value on the display changes, you know that the adjust-
ment has been erased.
NOTE: Usually the moisture in wood chip piles is not evenly distributed.
Always make several measurements to get a proper average moisture
reading for the pile.
10-4

Types of Wood Chips
Scale 1: Wood Chips - Some pieces of wood a few inches in size, that
are the resultant pieces from many different types of wood: tree trunks,
decayed trees, pallets etc. Usually the material is rather dry, often drained
under some shelter in the open air.
Scale 2: Fine Logging Residue Chips - Mass of wood chips containing nee-
dles, small parts of branches and so on. Usually the mass contains different
sorts of rot materials and needles from the soil, often decayed pieces as well.
Scale 3: Medium-Coarse Logging Residue Chips - Type of wood chips
containing needles and parts of branches. This sort is coarser than the
previous scale. Usually this sort of wood chips contains a lot of needles.
Scale 4: Coarse Logging Residue Chips - Usually contains big, some-
times longer than 4 inches (10 cm), parts of tree branches or tops of
trees. Needles and smaller parts of wood are presented in the mass as
well. May also contain parts of birch and fir bark.
15-1

Battery Replacement
BATTERY
The tester is powered by a 9V alka-
line battery.
This tester gives a warning about the
low battery voltage with LOBAT - text
in the left upper part of the display. If
the battery is almost empty, the dis-
play will show some random marks
and LOBAT text can fade.
The battery box is located on the bot-
tom of the tester. Open the box by pushing the locking lever over the bat-
tery symbol as shown in the picture (see image) and replace the battery.
Remove the battery from the tester, if the device is not used for a long
period of time. To ensure the correct functioning of the tester replace the
battery regularly. If you suspect a fault in the tester, always test the bat-
tery first.
NOTE:A battery slowly discharges itself even if the tester is not used.
20-1

Warranty and Service
If the Moisture Tester should display inaccurate readings or cease to
operate, follow these steps:
1. Review this manual, particularly the Operations sections.
2. Call the toll-free number, 1-800-821-9542, and ask for customer
service. Be certain to call between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern
Standard Time. Describe the problem to our service personnel so
that a determination can be made as to what is wrong with the tester.
If necessary, arrangements can be made for repair or replacement
and a Return Authorization number will be given to you. Be certain to
have the serial number available .
3. In the event factory service is required AND AUTHORIZATION HAS
BEEN OBTAINED, remove the battery from the tester, pack the unit
carefully and return to AgraTronix PREPAID. Do not return the bat-
tery. Be certain to include your name and return address.
4. Do not return the tester without following the above procedure. THERE
WILL BE A $15.00 HANDLING CHARGE MADE ON ALL UNITS RE-
TURNED AND NOT FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE.
5. Repairs will be made free of charge during the warranty period. After
the warranty expires, the tester will be repaired at a flat rate.
IMPORTANT WARRANTY INFORMATION
1. PROOF OF PURCHASE (retail sales receipt) must be included with
returned tester to obtain free warranty service. Without proof, tester
will be assumed to be out of warranty and repair costs will be invoiced.
2. Every tester has a serial number identification. Note this serial
number on the appropriate line on the next page and refer to it in all
communication with the factory.
LIMITED WARRANTY
This Moisture Tester is guaranteed to be free from defects in materials and work-
manship for two years in North America and for one year overseas from date of
retail purchase. This warranty does not cover the battery or damage resulting
from misuse, neglect, accident or improper installation or maintenance. This war-
ranty does not apply to any product which has been repaired or altered outside
the factory. The manufacturer does not assume any liability for damage from
misuse, dropping the tester or damage resulting from or damage caused by water
or from unauthorized repair. The warranty does not cover any damage which may
directly, indirectly, consequentially or incidentally result from use or inability to
use this moisture tester.
The foregoing warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties of mer-
chantability, fitness for purpose and any other obligation or liability in connection
with its product.
25-1

Toll-Free 1-800-821-9542
1-330-562-2222
FAX [phone]
www.AgraTronix.com
10375 State Route 43
Streetsboro, OH 44241
USA
© 2012 AgraTronix, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Warranty and Service
Manufacturer’s Contact Information
RECORD SERIAL NUMBER
NOTE: The tester serial number is located on the bottom or back side of
the unit.
Write your model number, serial number and date of purchase in the
space provided below. The manufacturer needs this information when
ordering parts and when filing warranty claims.
Date of Purchase __________________________________
Serial No. ________________________________________
Model No. ________________________________________
(To be filled in by purchaser)
30-1