IMG-S: Precision Moisture Measurement for the Straw & Biomass Sector
Digitalized and fast truckload measurement for pulp yield, calorific value, and storage safety
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The IMG-S Solution
Straw and biomass materials present unique challenges in terms of moisture variability, energy value, and storage safety. Without accurate, full-load measurement, key decisions in procurement, production, and energy utilization are often based on incomplete or unreliable data.
The IMG-S system provides a fully automated, real-time solution for measuring entire truckloads, enabling precise control over material quality, calorific value, and process efficiency. By replacing sampling with comprehensive data, it helps eliminate uncertainty, reduce operational risks, and support more transparent, data-driven decision-making.
The Challenge
In the pulp and biomass sector, straw bales are used as raw material for pulp production and as biomass for energy. But their true value — and safety — is determined by accurate knowledge of moisture content.
The risks are significant:
Pulp yield uncertainty — without precise moisture data, fiber balance and production planning become inconsistent.
Calorific value disputes — energy settlements depend on KJ/ton, yet traditional methods cannot calculate this accurately.
Hidden fire hazards — bales with >20–25% moisture can develop microbial activity that generates internal heat, leading to rot, mold, and even spontaneous combustion within 2–6 weeks of storage.
Non-representative sampling — handheld or lab checks only measure a few spots of the delivery, ignoring extreme wet spots that pose the greatest risks.
Compliance pressure — sustainable biomass sourcing requires transparent, verifiable and digital data for CSR reporting and EU green regulations.
Solution
Dunakontroll’s Industrial Moisture Gate for Straw (IMG-S) delivers fast, digital, and representative measurement of entire truckloads — solving the key challenges of pulp yield, calorific value, and storage safety.
Full truckload measurement in under 60 seconds — no unloading, no manual sampling
Accurate pulp yield prediction — enabling smarter process optimization and fiber balance control
Calorific value calculation (KJ/ton) — transparent, fair settlements in biomass trade
ERP/IT integration — instant data transfer for smarter, digitalized operations
Accurate full-load measurement
for straw and biomass materials
Real-time moisture data for better yield control, energy optimization, and safer storage
How does it work?
Key Benefits for Pulp & Biomass Companies
The Microwave System generates multiple polarized low-power electromagnetic fields. Variations caused by water in the bales provide precise information about moisture content—helping you Maximize Yield through accurate, full-load measurement.
The 3D Optical System collects physical data on the truckload: width, length, height, speed, gaps, and load structure. This data controls the microwave system and calculates total load volume, enabling you to Optimize Energy Value with reliable calorific insights and fair material evaluation.
Together, these technologies Ensure Storage Safety and operational stability by detecting moisture-related risks early and providing consistent, data-driven control across your entire process.
BUSINESS IMPACT
Transparent Procurement
Pay for usable fiber instead of hidden water, ensuring fair and accurate material pricing.
Accurate Energy Value Calculation
Precise calorific value (KJ/ton) enables fair biomass settlements and better energy optimization.
Reduced Supplier Disputes
Verifiable, digital measurement data minimizes conflicts and strengthens supplier relationships.
Stronger Profitability
Data-driven energy input management improves cost efficiency and overall profitability.
OPERATIONAL & DATA PERFORMANCE
Determine the true dry matter content of incoming straw loads to support fair purchasing and supplier settlement.
Storage Risk Control
Identify high-moisture bales before storage to reduce the risk of mould, self-heating, material degradation and fire.
Efficient Feedstock Planning
Use objective intake data to sort, blend and schedule straw effectively for stable and efficient processing.
