QN-100 NIR Moisture Sensor — Technical Specifications
Full technical specifications for the QN-100 NIR Moisture Sensor — designed for continuous, non-contact moisture measurement in industrial bulk solids and powder processes.
QN-100 NIR Moisture Sensor
The QN-100 is a rugged, industrial-grade near-infrared moisture sensor designed for continuous, real-time measurement of moisture content in bulk solids, powders, and granular materials. Using precision NIR filters, the sensor measures the characteristic absorption of moisture in the near-infrared spectrum without any contact with the product.
The integrated HMI touchscreen provides live readings, a 60-minute trend chart, and full on-sensor calibration and configuration. Three 4–20 mA analogue outputs and a choice of industrial fieldbus protocols — Profinet, Profibus DP, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, and EtherCAT — ensure straightforward integration into existing control architectures. The IP65-rated sensor housing is built for the demands of continuous industrial operation.
How NIR moisture measurement works
Water absorbs near-infrared light at specific, well-characterised wavelengths — most strongly around 1940 nm. The QN-100 compares a moisture-sensitive measurement wavelength against reference wavelengths that are largely insensitive to moisture, isolating the moisture signal from other factors like colour, particle size, and surface texture.
A baseline correction algorithm — Interpolated Baseline Correction (IBC) — converts the raw optical signal into a compensated reading, which is then mapped to a moisture percentage using a product-specific calibration curve.
Read the Full Technical Reference →Real-World Applications
The QN-100 is deployed across diverse industrial processes and integration points, delivering accurate moisture measurement where it matters most.
Conveyor Integration
Direct in-line moisture measurement of finished products on drying conveyor systems with integrated process feedback and control.
Hopper Monitoring
Real-time moisture measurement through transparent optical window for in-silo quality control and batch release decisions.
Precision Sensor Head
Ruggedised optical and electronic design engineered for stable operation in demanding industrial environments with reliable long-term performance.
Technical Dimensions
Complete engineering drawings and dimensional data for installation planning, integration design, and procurement specifications.
Detailed Technical Data
| Measurement Range | 0 to 30 % Low Moisture, 30 to 90% High Moisture |
| Accuracy | ±0.05 % moisture (typical) |
| Repeatability | ±0.02 % moisture (1σ, stable conditions) |
| Resolution | 3 decimal places |
| Response Time | Configurable (damping filter 1 - 10 s typical) |
| Update Rate | 10 Hz internal; output updated continuously |
| Calibration Method | Two-point laboratory reference |
| Stored Calibrations | Up to 256 product calibrations |
| Technology | Near-infrared (NIR), diffuse reflectance |
| Light Source | Tungsten halogen lamp |
| Lamp Life | > 20,000 hours (typical) |
| Filter 1 | Reference channel |
| Filter 2 | Moisture measurement channel |
| Filter 3 | Reference channel |
| Detector | Pbs photodetector |
| Standoff Distance | 250–450 mm from window face |
| Supply Voltage | 230 VAC or 24 VDC |
| Power Consumption | < 30 W (sensor + HMI combined) |
| Analogue Outputs | 3 × 4–20 mA (isolated) |
| AO Resolution | 16-bit DAC |
| AO Accuracy | ±0.1 % full scale |
| Digital Outputs | 3 × NPN/PNP, 24 V DC |
| Digital Inputs | 4 × 24 V DC |
| Protection | Reverse polarity, overvoltage protected |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +60 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -20 to +70 °C |
| Humidity | 10 to 90 % RH, non-condensing |
| Enclosure (Sensor) | IP65 (NEMA 4) |
| Enclosure (HMI) | IP54 (NEMA 12) |
| HMI Display | 7″ colour TFT touchscreen |
| Certifications | CE marked, RoHS compliant |
| HMI Interface | Integrated 7″ colour touchscreen; USB service port |
| Fieldbus Options | Profinet, Profibus DP, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, EtherCAT (specify at order) |
| Ethernet | 10/100 BaseT, RJ45 connector |
| IP Configuration | Static IP or DHCP, configurable via HMI |
| Data Endianness | Big-endian or Little-endian (configurable via HMI) |
| Process Data | Up to 3 measurement values available on fieldbus |
Interested in the QN-100?
Our applications team is on hand to discuss your process, recommend the right configuration, and arrange a demonstration.