TIP 0304-63

ISSUED – 1996
WITHDRAWN – 2003
REVISED AND REINSTATED – 2003
© 2003 TAPPI

The information and data contained in this document were prepared

by a technical committee of the Association. The committee and the
Association assume no liability or responsibility in connection with
the use of such information or data, including but not limited to any
liability or responsibility under patent, copyright, or trade secret laws.
The user is responsible for determining that this document is the
most recent edition published.

Determination of moisture in containerboard using a

hand held moisture meter

1. Scope

1.1 This Technical Information Paper describes a method for measuring moisture in rolls of containerboard
using a hand held moisture meter, one that is capable of measuring changes in the dielectric constant of the
containerboard due to the presence of moisture.
1.2 As the dielectric constant is also affected to a large degree by the density of the roll of containerboards, it
is necessary to compensate for density when using a hand held moisture meter (see appendix).
1.3 Measurements can be made on static or rotating rolls of containerboard, but as the instrument measures
the moisture content of the outer 50 mm of the roll, this amount should be removed before a reading is taken.
1.4 Measurements are significantly affected by roll temperature, with elevated temperatures (fresh rolls)
yielding high results and cold rolls (outside storage) yielding low results. If it is necessary to measure the moisture
content of hot or cold rolls, calibration curves can be prepared, and used in conjunction with a temperature sensing
device.
1.5 By moving a hand held moisture meter across a roll, and recording the moisture content at specific
locations, it is possible to obtain a cross direction moisture profile.
1.6 By measuring the moisture at specific times as the roll unwinds, it is possible to obtain a machine
direction moisture profile.

2. Apparatus/Material

2.1 Hand held moisture meter - see supplier list in the appendix.
2.2 Balance, capable of an accuracy of at least 0.01 g.
2.3 Sharp knife.
2.4 Oven, capable of being controlled at 105 ± 2º C, with free access of air.
2.5 Desiccator.

3. Safety precautions

When measuring the moistened rotating rolls of liner or medium, take care not to allow the instrument to fall into
the machine or allow injury due to bodily contact with the moving roll.

4. Sampling

As the moisture content of a roll of containerboard is constant over long periods of time in areas out of direct
contact with ambient air, moisture readings should only be made on roll after the out 50 mm (2 inches) have been
removed. This is best accomplished while the roll is being run on the corrugator. Readings should not be attempted on
rolls that are less than 280 mm (11 inches) in diameter.

TIP Category: Data and Calculations

TAPPI
TIP 0304-63 Determination of moisture in containerboard / 2
using a hand held moisture meter

5. Procedure for instrument calibration

5.1 A hand held moisture meter measures the moisture content of paper by sensing the dielectric constant.
The density of the containerboard being tested has a major effect on the operation of the instrument. It may therefore be
necessary to establish “Standard Numbers” for a range of containerboard densities (see appendix).
5.1.1 Obtain a butt roll of the grade of containerboard for which the instrument is to be calibrated at the time
that it has been run to a butt on the corrugator. Preferably this roll will have a moisture content approximately in the
center of the range of interest, and an even moisture profile. The minimum roll diameter should be 300 mm (12 inches).
The roll should be at ambient plant temperature.
5.1.2 With a pencil, mark off an area on the surface of the roll approximately 200 mm (8 inches) by 250 mm
(10 inches).
5.1.3 Using a sharp knife, cut along the marked area to a depth of at least 6 mm (0.25 inch).
5.1.4 Remove the cube of containerboard that has been cut, discard the top two sheets, then either weigh the
removed sample immediately or transfer to a plastic bag, and weigh immediately after removal of sample from the bag.
5.1.5 Tape a piece of plastic over the area of the roll where the sample was taken. (Cover at least 100 mm (4
inches) around the hole.)
5.1.6 Place the weighed sample of containerboard in a drying oven set at 105º C ± 2º, and dry to constant
weight.

Original Weight - Dry Weight

% Moisture =
Original Weight

5.1.7 Take instrument to containerboard roll, and following the manufacturer’s instructions, prepare the
instrument to make a reading. Remove the plastic covering, and place the instrument in the hole where the moisture
sample was taken. Turn the density knob to the value equal to that of the % moisture obtained by the oven test.
5.1.8 Remove the instrument from the hole, and note the density setting.
5.1.8.1 The density setting obtained is the Standard Number for that grade of containerboard, and should be
recorded for future use.
5.1.8.2 When conducting moisture tests on the grade tested, all that is necessary is to dial the Standard Number
for a grade.
5.1.9 A Standard Number should be determined for a grade, when its density differs by more than 10% from a
grade with a known Standard Number.

6. Procedure for determining roll moisture

6.1 Turn instrument on, hold away from body and other objects. Zero instrument according to
manufacturer’s instructions.
6.2 Adjust density knob to the predetermined standard value for the grade tested.
6.3 Hold instrument against roll at predetermined increments and record moisture readings after the
instrument has been in contact for at least 3 seconds.

Keywords

Containerboards, Moisture, Dielectric constant, Rolls.

Appendix

Determination of roll density - As the density of a roll of containerboard significantly affects a moisture reading
obtained by the use of a hand held moisture meter, it is necessary to determine and record the approximate roll densities
of the grades of containerboards normally tested at a specific location. Where the hand held moisture meter is being used
on grades of undetermined density, it will be necessary to determine the density of the roll prior to making the moisture
measurement.
3 / Determination of moisture in containerboard TIP 0304-63
using a hand held moisture meter

Metric method

1. Measure the diameter of the roll to the nearest millimeter; record as a fraction of a meter.
2. Note width of roll from label and record in meters (mm) (cm)
1000 100
3. Note weight of roll from label and record in tonnes (kg)
1000
4. Roll density:

tonnes
g/cc = 2
 dia 
π  x width
 2 

Imperial method

1. Measure the diameter of the roll to the nearest 1/8 inch; record as a fraction of an inch.
2. Note width of roll from label and record in inches.
3. Note weight of roll from label and record in pounds [weight in lbs = W].

4. Roll density:

W x 110.6
lb/ ∈ 3 = 2
 dia 
π  x width (inches)
 2 

Hand held moisture meter supplier list

Aqua Measure Instruments Co., San Dimas, CA.

Dovey Corporation, Anderson, IN

Additional information

Effective date of issue: December 19, 2003

Working Group Members:

Raymond Shultz, Beacon Container Corp. - Chairman

Richard Wohlberg, Dovey Corp.
Peter Snyder, Harper/Love Adhesive
George Rennie, Retired
Ron Mires, I.M.A. Ltd. (Israel)