Schnellbestimmung des Wassergehalts von Holzscheiten

Abstract

For a rapid determination of the moisture content of wood logs numerous test devices in a price range between 10 and 800 Euros are available on the market. Comparative measurements with 12 wood samples in the usual moisture range show, that only few devices can fulfil the requirements concerning accuracy and repeatability when compared to moisture results from a drying cabinet determination. Moisture content readings higher than 30 % (i.e. 43 % wood humidity as based to the dry matter) should in most cases be interpreted carefully. The true moisture content is also almost consistently underestimated by the rapid test devices. The correct use of the terms „moisture content“ (wet basis) and the term „wood humidity“ (dry basis) as common in wood industry is sometimes questionable in the technical documents of the devices.