January 16, 2012 — The Moisture Meter Company — Immediate Release
Swift and simple strength grading (E-rating) and sorting of wood into strength classes:
As a result of the above new requirement, the Brookhuis product program includes quick and simple machine wood strength sorting systems, from versatile handhelds to inline systems for up to 180 boards per minute.
CE certification of wood is now a fact. In order to comply, either visual sorting or machine sorting is selected. For both variants a factory production control handbook must be put together. A significant difference between these methods is that for machine strength grading acting according to the handbook can be fully automated. For each batch; the order or work number, growth area, strength classes, dimensions and surface, as well as wood moisture content for dried wood (to be determined with a yearly calibrated moisture meter), and date and batch information, is to be stored. This information must be saved for 10 years+. Also an accompanying document per wood batch and a CE-marking per board (for machine sorting) or per batch (for visual sorting) is required. In case the dimensions of the wood are changed with more than 5 mm/ ±0. 2 inch (for dimensions up to 100 mm (4”)) or more than 10 mm/± 0.4inch (for dimensions equal or larger than 100 mm / ± 4”), the wood must once again be sorted in strength classes.
A definition of a machine strength sorting is: “a process for wood strength sorting by means of an installation, which measures the wood without destroying it. One or more wood characteristics are measured, complemented with a visual assessment. The wood is sorted in specific strength classes with information on bending strength and density. The method is either machine controlled or output controlled”. See the EN 14081 Standard.
Based on measurement of natural frequency
The Brookhuis sorting machines are indicated with the abbreviation "MTG". MTG stands for "Machine Timber Grading". "All MTG systems offered are based on measurement of the natural frequency of wood ", Pieter Rozema (together with Martien Elbers forming the Brookhuis Management Team) explains”. A stress wave activator and a stress wave detector is used. By means of mathematical prediction models for hardwood and softwood the E-Modulus (E-Rating) and the wood strength class are calculated”
Big asset: complete storage of measurement data & handheld set-up
The Timber Grader MTG is an easy to operate handheld Brookhuis device complying to all requirements of a machine sorting: overall characteristics according to EN 14081-1, approved for the Type-Testing according to EN 14081-2, production control (internal control) according to EN 14081-3, machine settings for machine output oriented systems according to EN 14081-4 as well as capture of the density by means of a scale (measurement) or without a scale (pre-set). US compliance is in the process and is expected shortly.
The company, all of its Agents and its local dealers see the advantages of this handheld device: "all measurements and sorting including date and time are stored with the Timber Grader MTG. This enables complete storage and control of all measurement data ". The accompanying document can be printed in several languages, simplifying export to countries with another language.
Customers, who select the handheld devices, are sorting smaller quantities or perhaps truss manufactures and carrying out the quality assurance in this manner using the handheld device. Saw mills and industries processing larger quantities of wood are also satisfied users of the MTG (control of other wood strength sorting systems, wood strength sorting of smaller quantities that can´t run over the production line or simple QC test control), as well as trade companies, importers, exporters, Construction firms, specialists and scientists.
For larger Capacities and in-line production the most economic approved sorting system:
The MTG-BATCH is the automated version of the handheld MTG-Grader., which, according to Brookhuis, is the most economic approved model, which can be integrated in e.g. a stacking or sorting line. The wood strength measurement and sorting performs with a speed up to 30 boards per minute. Also, the system can be equipped with an automated weighing installation and a contact free wood moisture measurement.
For even higher speeds we offer the “MTG-INLINE” system – “a superlative– Where the wood can pass along without restrain.” The Company announces. Weight and moisture measurement can needless to say, be integrated as well.
With this product line, Brookhuis offers swift, simple and approved machine strength sorting systems, from handheld to high speed for up to 180 boards per minute.
All Brookhuis instruments comply with international requirements and standards. With a worldwide network of competent agents and dealers, you can be sure of expert advice and the best service.
Brookhuis, located in Holland, specializes in developing and manufacturing of instruments to measure the moisture content in wood and construction materials as well as systems to determine the strength class of wood is represented in North America by The Moisture Meter Company LLC in Atlanta Georgia.
Handheld MTG shown in service
MTG-BATCH and MTG-Inline shown in Production lines