Handheld moisture analyzer for paper

Douglas W. Nishimura <dwnpph<-at->rit<.>edu> writes

>We are currently involved in a research into water "events" with
>digitally printed materials and we're hoping that someone might have
>a recommendation for a good handheld, accurate moisture analyzer for
>paper.

We have used the Delmhorst Model P-2000

    <URL:http://www.delmhorst.com/Moisture-Meters/Other-Markets/Paper/P-2000>

The basic meter has two stick-pins for moisture content readings in
materials like carpeting and plywood.  For bound books there is the
19-E electrode with two paddles that are inserted between pages.
Perhaps for your purposes, you may want the 43-E electrode that is
used on single sheets of paper.

Note: We have used these units for a number of years.  The
manufacturer recommends recalibration on a regular basis (1-3
years).  Also, the instruction manual recommends the removal of the
battery if the unit will not be used for six months.  One other
important detail was recently learned when we saw numerous readings
of -4.2 (negative 4.2).  We assumed that the unit had an error.
Since the meter had recently been recalibrated, we called the
manufacturer and learned that if the meter shows the "-4.2" that it
means the moisture content is less than 4.3%.

William Minter
Senior Book Conservator
Digitization and Preservation Department
The Pennsylvania State University
402 Pattee Library
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-2885


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 29:1
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