Microwave Sensing of Quality Attributes of Agriculture and Food Products

Abstract

Highly automated and computerized processes in agricultural and food industries require the development of sensors for continuous measurement and monitoring of quality attributes for agricultural and food products. Recent advances in calibration methods and availability of reliable and inexpensive microwave components offer an opportunity for the development of a new generation of low-cost microwave sensors for process monitoring and control. This paper discusses both the development of calibration methods for indirect determination of bulk density and moisture content from measurement of the dielectric properties at a single microwave frequency and development of inexpensive microwave meters for routine characterization of grain, seed and in-shell peanuts in static and dynamic situations. Accuracy and savings associated with the use of such devices are also covered.