Best Practices for Sampling and Handling Plastic Granulate for Moisture Measurement

Drying plastic granulate is a critical step in producing high-quality plastic products.
To obtain reliable moisture measurement results, it’s not only the measuring device that matters – correct sampling and proper handling of the material are just as important. Even small mistakes can lead to inaccurate readings and poor decision-making.

This article outlines the key points to consider when taking samples from a granulate dryer and highlights best practices that have proven effective in real-world applications.

1. Safety First

When monitoring granulate moisture during the drying process, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential.
Wear:

• heat-resistant protective gloves

• safety glasses

• appropriate protective clothing

Plastic granulate can be extremely hot when removed from the dryer – posing a burn hazard. Always handle with care and work attentively.

2. Prevent Moisture Contamination

For an accurate residual moisture determination, the condition of the sample must be preserved exactly as it is inside the dryer.
This means keeping the sample exposed to (humid) ambient air for as short a time as possible.

Important:
The warmer and drier the granulate, the faster it will reabsorb moisture from the environment. Improper handling can lead to significant measurement errors in just a few seconds.

3. Sampling Procedure – Step by Step

1. Completely fill the sample container to minimize the volume of ambient air inside and reduce unwanted moisture uptake before measurement.	2. Wipe dust or granulate residues from the rim of the container before sealing.
3. If necessary, tap the container lightly on the table to settle the granulate before cleaning the rim.	4. Tightly close the lid, ensuring it doesn’t skip the thread and become loose.

Following this procedure ensures that your moisture measurement in plastic granulate is as accurate as possible – enabling you to make decisions based on reliable data.

Conclusion:
Proper sample collection and handling are crucial factors for achieving precise measurement results.
By consistently applying these best practices, you safeguard product quality and avoid incorrect decisions caused by inaccurate moisture readings.