Uncertainty of Moisture Measurements Methods for Grains

It is important for food scientists to be able to reliably measure moisture content as it is one of the most commonly measured properties of food materials especially grains. In addition, the moisture monitoring techniques will provide for better control of processing for value added applications and improved end product quality. They will provide more precise moisture information that can be used in optimizing grain drying with resulting higher quality products and significant energy savings in grain drying operations. A number of techniques and electronic meters have been developed for this purpose, which vary in their accuracy, cost, speed, sensitivity, specificity, ease of operation, etc...The uncertainty in the moisture content measured by drying method, which is the highest standard method in grain moisture measurements, was evaluated. The uncertainties for other electronics meters to be used as secondary standard for determination of moisture in grain, which are very fast and easy to be used, were calculated and its traceability to Inter-National System of units(SI) was established.