Abstract for presentation at Chemeca 2007

Measurement of Timber Moisture Content and Gradients by Non-Invasive Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy

  • John Kavanagh, Univeristy of Sydney, Australia
  • A/Prof Timothy Langrish, The Univeristy of Sydney, Australia
  • Dr Terry Chilcott, Univeristy of Sydney, Australia
  • Prof Hans Coster, Univeristy of Sydney, Australia

    • The moisture content and gradient of Radiata Pine was measured using an INPHAZE Electrical Impedance Spectroscope from frequencies of 0.01 to 100,000 Hz. The conductance, capacitance and impedance of the timber were found to vary with moisture content for the timber in the range of 180 to 20%, based on final oven-dry weights.

    Further the EIS results gave insights into the structure and location of the moisture within the timber. The variation of phase angle with frequency changed abruptly around the fibre saturation point. The variation of conductance with frequency, indicated that the timber moisture content was not uniform, and the higher moisture concentration in the centre of the timber was confirmed using four terminal EIS measurements. Hence it is a non invasive method for measuring timber moisture profiles, with the potential to validate drying models and for online measurements.

    Conference Organiser - ICMS Pty Ltd