User Manual
SONO-MIX MINI Version 2_7
2017-05-12
Page 4
1. Instrument Description SONO-MIX MINI
1.1.1. The patented TRIME
®
TDR-Measuring Method
The TDR technology (
T
ime-
D
omain-
R
eflectometry) is a radar-based dielectric measuring procedure at
which the transit times of electromagnetic pulses for the measurement of dielectricity constants,
respectively the moisture content are determined.
The SONO-MIX MINI Mixer Probe consists of a high grade steel casing with a wear-resistant sensor
head made of hardened steel and ceramic. An integrated TRIME TDR measuring transducer is
installed into the casing. A high frequency TDR pulse (1GHz), passes along wave guides and
generates an electro-magnetic field around these guides and herewith also in the material
surrounding the probe. Using a new patented measuring method, IMKO has achieved to measure the
transit time of this pulse with a resolution of 1 picosecond (1x10
-12
), consequently determine the
moisture and to provide information in regard to the concrete composition.
The established moisture content, as well as the concrete composition, respectively the temperature,
can either be uploaded directly into a SPC via two analogue outputs 0(4)...20mA or recalled via a
serial interface.
1.1.2. TRIME
®
compared to other Measuring Methods
In contrary to conventional capacitive or microwave measuring methods, the TRIME
®
technology (
T
ime-
Domain-
R
eflectometry with
I
ntelligent
M
icromodule
E
lements) does not only enable the measuring of
the moisture but also to verify if the cement content specified in a recipe has been complied with. This
means more reliability at the mixing fresh concrete.
TRIME-TDR technology operates in the ideal frequency range between 600MHz and 1,2 GHz.
Capacitive measuring methods (also referred to as Frequency-Domain-Technology) , depending on the
device, operate within a frequency range between 5MHz and 40MHz and are therefore prone to
interference due to disturbance such as the temperature and the mineral contents of the measured
material. Microwave measuring systems operate with high frequencies >2GHz. At these frequencies,
nonlinearities are generated which require very complex compensation. For this reason, microwave
measuring methods are more sensitive in regard to temperature variation.
SONO probes calibrate themselves in the event of abrasion due to a novel and innovative probe design.
This consequently means longer maintenance intervals and, at the same time, more precise
measurement values.
The quality of fresh concrete is the decisive factor for the stability and the durability of concrete
constructions. Hereby, the two parameters moisture and cement content assume a central role as
these determine the consistency and the desired mechanical stability of concrete. The measurement
of these two basic parameters therefore warrant for ideal quality and durability.
SONO-MIX MINI accurately measures both in the dry mixture and in the wet mixture. A "dry mixture"
can e.g. be mixed with residual water varying solids content so that the water content to 70% target is
met. The remaining 30% clean water content can then be dosed with SONO-MIX MINI precisely.
1.1.3. Areas of Application
The SONO-MIX MINI probe is suited for installation into e.g. intensive mixers and chutes and other
plant engineering.
