GREISINGER GMK 100 Capacitive Moisture Measurement Device Instruction Manual

GREISINGER GMK 100 Capacitive Moisture Measurement Device

Product Information

• Specifications
  • Model: GMK 100
  • Version: 1.3
  • Measurement Type: Capacitive moisture measurement
  • Measurement Range: Not specified
  • Minimum Material Thickness: 10mm
  • Measurement Spot: Insulated spot at the rear side of the device
• Product Description
  • The GMK 100 is a capacitive moisture measurement device designed for non-destructive measurement of moisture and water content in materials with a flat surface.
  • It provides accurate and reliable measurements without the need for damaging or altering the material.
• Scope of Supply
  • The device comes with the following items:
  • GMK 100 Moisture Measurement Device
• Operating Manual
  • Operation and Maintenance Advice
  • Before using the device, it is important to carefully read and understand the operating manual.
  • Familiarize yourself with the device’s operation and keep the manual within easy reach for reference.
  • Regular maintenance is recommended to ensure optimal performance.
  • Keep the device clean and protected from dust and moisture. Refer to the operating manual for detailed maintenance instructions.

Product Usage Instructions

• Start of Operation
  • Ensure that the device is properly charged or connected to a power source.
  • Power on the device using the designated button or switch.
  • Wait for the device to initialize and display the measurement interface.
• Measurement Basics
  • The GMK 100 allows for the measurement of moisture and water content in materials. It utilizes a capacitive measurement technique to provide accurate results.
• Moisture (U) and Water Content (W)
  • Moisture (U) refers to the amount of moisture present in the material, expressed as a percentage. Water content (W) represents the weight of water contained within the material, also expressed as a percentage.
• CM-Moisture
  • The device also provides a measurement value called CM-Moisture.
  • This value represents the moisture content of the material in a standardized way, allowing for easy comparison between different materials.
• FAQ
  • How do I dispose of the device?
  • Refer to the disposal instructions provided in the operating manual for proper disposal methods. Do not dispose of the device with regular household waste.

General Note

• Read this document carefully and get used to the operation of the device before you use it.
• Keep this document within easy reach near the device for consulting in case of doubt.

Safety

Intended Use

• The device is designed for measurements of moisture (%u) and water content (%w) of materials with a flat surface and a thickness of at least 10mm.
• The measurement takes place at an insulated measuring spot at the rear side of the device.

Applicable for:

• wood
• concrete and floor screed
• plaster
• etc.

The device must be used only according to its intended purpose and under suitable conditions. Personnel which starts up, operate, and maintain the device have to have sufficient knowledge of the measuring procedure and the meaning of the resulting measured values, this manual delivers valuable help for this. The instructions of the manual have to be understood, regarded, and followed. To be sure that there´s no risk arising due to misinterpretation of measured values, the operator must have further knowledge in case of doubt – the user is liable for any harm/damage resulting from misinterpretation due to insufficient knowledge. The manufacturer will assume no liability or warranty in case of usage for other purpose than the intended one, ignoring this manual, operating by unqualified staff as well as unauthorized modifications to the device. Use the device carefully and according to its technical data (do not throw it, strike it, …) Protect the device from dirt.

Safety symbols

Safety signs and symbols

Warnings are labeled in this document with the following signs:

• Caution! This symbol warns of imminent danger, death, serious injuries, and significant damage to property at non-observance.
• Attention! This symbol warns of possible dangers or dangerous situations that can provoke damage to the device or environment at non-observance.
• Note! This symbol points out processes that can indirectly influence operation, possibly cause incorrect measurement or provoke unforeseen reactions at non-observance.

Reasonably foreseeable misuse

• This device must not be used in potentially explosive areas!
• The device must not be used by a patient for diagnosis or any other medical purpose!
• Do not use these products as safety or emergency stop devices or in any other application where failure of the product could result in personal injury or material damage.
• Any failure to comply with these instructions could result in death, serious injury, and material damage.
• The measuring principle implies that both water and metal are influencing the display value.
• Eventually, existing metal structures may hurt the measuring, please consider the Measurement Basics (chapter 6).

Safety guidelines

This device has been designed and tested by the safety regulations for electronic devices. However, its trouble-free operation and reliability cannot be guaranteed unless the standard safety measures and special safety advice given in this manual will be adhered to when using the device.

1. Trouble-free operation and reliability of the device can only be guaranteed if the device is not subjected to any other climatic conditions than those stated under “Specification”. If the device is transported from a cold to a warm environment condensation may cause in a failure of the function. In such a case make sure the device temperature has adjusted to the ambient temperature before trying a new start-up.
2. If there is a risk whatsoever involved in running it, the device has to be switched off immediately and to be marked accordingly to avoid restarting. Operator safety may be a risk if: – there is visible damage to the device – the device is not working as specified – the device has been stored under unsuitable conditions for a longer time. In case of doubt, please return the device to the manufacturer for repair or maintenance.

Product Description

Scope of supply
The scope of supply includes:

• GMK 100
• 9V – battery
• Operating manual
• Short manual

Operation and maintenance advice

• Battery powered supply If ‘bAt’ is shown in the lower display the battery has been used up and needs to be replaced. However, the device will operate correctly for a certain time.
• The battery has to be taken out when storing the device above 50°C. We recommend taking out the battery if the device is not used for a longer period.

Display and Control Elements

Display elements

1. Main display Display of the current moisture or water content
2. Material display The name of the selected material characteristic curve is displayed.
3. Moisture rating Moisture rating via bar graph.
4. HLD The measuring value is ‘frozen‘ (hold-key)

Control elements

Measuring spot: rear side

The rear side of the device:

• The entire light grey surface has to lie on the measured material without any air gap.
• The areas “10 mm” (dark grey) and “25 mm” (white) mark the area under which it is predominantly measured.

Start of Operation

• Switch the device on with the key .
• After the segment test, the device displays some information about its configuration:
• 5. 10 if there is a slope adjustment for the 10 mm measurement (p.r.t. chapter 14)
• 5.20 if there is a slope adjustment for the 25 mm measurement (p.r.t. chapter 14)
• P.OF if the automatic-off-function is activated (p.r.t chapter 13)

The device is ready for measuring afterward.

Measurement Basics

Measuring field & depth

• The device measures with an electric field (capacitive measuring method), which propagates from the rear side downwards.
• The measuring depth can be changed between approx. 10 mm and 25 mm with the sliding switch.
• Side view: measuring field and penetration depth for switch setting “10 mm”
• Side view: measuring field and penetration depth for switch setting “25 mm”

The specifications for the penetration depth10 mm and 25 mm are just approximate values. The actual depth will be the higher the wetter the measured material is. Therefore areas deeper than 25 mm will be measured in very wet materials and for switch setting 25 mm. On the rear side the area is marked under that it is predominantly measured. For precise measurements, the device has to lie on the measured material not only at the marked measuring spot but at its whole rear side. If there is an air gap between device and material the measured value will be too dry.

Here are some examples for measurements that are not precise at all. (Measured value too dry in all cases):

Moisture rating (‘WET’ – ‘MEDIUM’ – ‘DRY’)

• In addition to the measuring value there is a moisture rating via bar graph and acoustic signal (if activated (p.r.t. chapter 13):
• Therefore the determination ‘wet or dry’ is easy and comfortable for most applications and has no longer be deduced from literature and tables.
• However, this rating can only be a first approximate value, because factors like the application field of the measured material have to be taken into account for the final rating.
• This device cannot completely replace the knowledge of an experienced craftsman or technical expert.

Hold the device

• The water content of the hand has an impact on the measuring value, if the device is held inappropriately.
• The best results will be obtained if you lay the device down or hold it the way as shown in picture 3.
  • Picture 1: Held in a wrong way!
  • Picture 2: laid down – right!
  • Picture 3: Held in the right way!

Characteristics and materials

You can find a list of different types of wood and their corresponding characteristics d.xx in the addendum.

The materials are selected with these keys:

• material selection upwards: press
• Material selection downwards: press at the same time
• The use of inappropriate characteristics can cause faulty measurements!

Zeroing function

• It is recommended to run regularly the zeroing function for best measuring results:
• Hold the device in the air as shown in the left picture and press the key “hold” for 2 seconds.
• You can easily see whether the zero point is ok with the “rEF” characteristics. If the device shows at the air a value <0.5 or >0.5 or “Er.4” with “rEF” characteristics you have to run the zeroing function.
• Please pay attention not to influence the zeroing function with your hands. The best way to ensure this is shown left.
• NOTE: The zeroing function adjusts the zero-point for both 10 mm and 25 mm at the same time.

Wood Measuring

• Choose material corresponding to your type of wood according to the table in addendum A. Example: You want to measure Scots pine -> select material d.50
• The best results are obtained if you measure crossways to the wood’s grain. (see the right picture)
• Unplaned and wrinkled surfaces are causing too low measuring results!
• NOTE: Wood is a natural product. Its density fluctuates due to the tree’s growth and flaws (knots, cracks, resin pockets, etc.). This may lead to measuring errors up to several %u because the measurement depends on density.
• If your kind of wood is not listed in addendum A, you have to know its density (dry): for example, a wood of density 0.68 kg/dm3 is measured with material d.70 (approximate actual density to the next material 0.52 ->d.50, 0.53 -> d.55).

Plaster Measuring

• Rough surfaces will influence the measuring results.
• Precise values are only obtained at an even surface and without any air gap between the surface and the device.
• Metal grids can cause additional measuring faults.
• Use measuring depth “10 mm” if you want to rate plaster moisture.
• There are a lot of different products for plastering with highly varying densities.
• This can lead to erroneous measurements because the measurement significantly depends on density.
• Please consider the notes of Chapter 11 “Measurement of Other Materials” if you rate an unfamiliar plaster.

Floor screed Measurement

• Use measuring depth “25 mm” for floor screed measurements to rate ideally the whole thickness of the screed.
• NOTE: Floor screed dries patchy and therefore areas may be differently wet. A big amount of water has to be released upwards (evaporate) before you can tile it. The floor screed has to be drier if a vapor-tight covering should be used as if it would be with a diffusion permeable covering.
• Therefore the moisture rating of the device can only be a first approximate value and the decision whether the floor is ready for further covering or not cannot be based only on this rating.
• Reinforcements (iron) or floor heating near the surface may cause erroneous measuring results. Please consider Chapter 12.2 CM-moisture.

Plasterboard Measurement

• Plasterboard is usually relatively slim (i.e. 12.5mm) -> select measuring depth 10mm.
• Screws, cables, and constructions behind the plasterboard (supporting stand) may falsify the measurement.

Measurement of Other Materials

• The device has not saved characteristics for all materials. But even if there is no characteristic curve for your material you can do significant relative measurements. We recommend the material “rEF” (dimensionless digit-value, intentional no %u or %w display) for this purpose.
• For example, if you want to evaluate water damage you can measure surely dry spot and an evidently wet one (identifiable by salt efflorescence, water spots, mold growth, etc.).
• Then you can compare the other measuring values with them and get the moisture distribution of your measuring area or find the reason for the moisture penetration.
• You do not need absolute values (%u or %w) for this.
• NOTE: Please consider that the configuration of the measured wall (cavity block, cement joints, reinforcements, etc.) may also influence the measuring values.

Additional Information on Moisture Measurement

Moisture u and water content w

Either moisture or water content w is needed according to the application. Carpenter, joiner, etc. normally use moisture (relating to oven-dry mass) Water content w is normally used for combustibles (i.e. wood briquette). You can choose whether the device should use moisture or water content (p.r.t. chapter 13).

Moisture u (relating to oven-dry mass)

• moisture u[%] = ( (mass wet – mass dry ) / mass dry) 100 or: moisture u[%] = (mass water/mass dry) 100

The unit is %u (also common: % atro, weight percent).

• mass wet: mass of the sample (= total mass = mass water + mass dry)
• mass water: mass of the water contained in the sample mass dry: mass of the oven-dried sample after (water has been evaporated)
• Example: 1kg wet wood that contains 500g water has a moisture u of 100%.

Water content w (= moisture relating to wet total mass)

water content [%] = ( (mass wet – mass dry) / mass wet) 100 or: water content [%] = (mass water/mass wet) 100

• The unit is %w
• Example: 1kg wet wood that contains 500g water has a water content of 50%.

CM-Moisture

• The CM-moisture (unit [CM%]) is often used for materials like floor screed.
• This moisture rating is correlated to the moisture u: it is calculated by the same equations.
• It is measured by the CM method (destructive testing with high complexity).
• It is the only accredited measuring method (besides the time-consuming oven-dry method) for floor screed measurements in Germany.
• The values measured with the CM method and oven-dry method (%u) may differ for some materials.
• Especially for building materials containing cement CM measurements will always get lower values than oven-dry measurements.
• The conversion is material-dependent because the differences between both values depend on the used product. The conversion shown in the left picture is a practicable approximation.
• For gypsum, gypsum plaster, and anhydrite screed the value %u equals approximately the CM- value.

Configuration of the Device

Follow these instructions to configure the functions of the device:

• Switch the device off.
• Press and keep it pressed, while turning the device on (press shortly).
• Release the sort button not before the first parameter “P.OF” is displayed.
• Set parameters with up or down .
• Jump to the next parameter by pressing .

• Press again to store changed settings, and the device restarts (segment test).
• NOTE: If there is no key pressed within the menu mode within 2 minutes, the configuration will be canceled, and the entered settings will be lost!

Adjustment

The accuracy can be checked with the testing probe PW 25 (optional accessories). Select the material “rEF” and run the zeroing function (p.r.t. chapter 6.5). Lay the device onto the testing cube. If the device displays a different value than the value printed on the cube for the GMK 100, you can use the slope correction to adjust the device:

Displayed value rEF =(measured value rEF * (1 + slope correction / 100)

Follow these instructions to adjust the device:

• Switch the device off.
• Press and keep it pressed, while turning the device on (press shortly).
• Release the hold button not before the first parameter “S. 10” is displayed.
• Set parameters with up or down.
• Jump to the next parameter by pressing.

• Press again to store changed settings, and the device restarts (segment test).
• NOTE: If there is no key pressed within the menu mode within 2 minutes, the configuration will be canceled, and the entered settings will be lost!

Accuracy Inspection: Adjustment /Update Service

• You can send the device to the manufacturer or retailer for adjustment and inspection.
• Moreover, the manufacturer can do the latest software updates.
• This ensures that future improvements are provided to owners of older devices in a cost-saving way.
• You can display the current software version if you do not release the on/off button after you switch the device on, but hold it for more than 5 seconds. (i.e. “r. 1.0”)

Error and System Messages

Reshipment and Disposal

Reshipment

All devices returned to the manufacturer have to be free of any residual measuring media and other hazardous substances. Measuring residuals at housing or sensors may be a risk for persons or the environment.
Use an adequate transport package for reshipment, especially for fully functional devices. Please make sure that the device is protected in the package by enough packing materials. Add the completed reshipment form to the GHM website
http://www.ghm-messtechnik.de/downloads/ghm-formulare.html.

Disposal instructions

• Batteries must not be disposed of in the regular domestic waste but at the designated collecting points.
• The device must not be disposed of in the unsorted municipal waste!
• Send the device directly to us (sufficiently stamped), if it should be disposed of.
• We will dispose of the device appropriate and environmentally sound.

Technical Data

__**Measurement __**

Method| Capacitive (=dielectric) measuring method, non-destructive
Depth| 2 selectable: approx. 10 mm and approx. 25 mm
Materials| 18 characteristic curves for wood and popular materials, additionally reference curve for high-resolution relative measurements
Resolution| 0.1 %; for more than 19.9 %: 1 % (for both %u and %w)
Range| Water content (w):        0.0 … 50% (wood)

Material moisture (u): 0.0 … 100% (wood), 0.0…~8.0 (concrete etc.)

Moisture rating| Display: Rating of the moisture in 6 levels from WET to DRY Acoustic: Signal tone, depending on moisture rating
Accuracy| The achievable accuracy depends significantly on the application and the properties of the measured material!
Display| 2 displays for material and measured value, backlight
Hold function| Press the button to freeze the current value.
Working temperature| -25 to 50 °C; 0 to 80 % RH (noncondensing)
 |
Storage temperature| -25 to 70 °C
Power supply| 9 V-battery type IEC 6F22 (included)
Power consumption (measurement)| Approx. 0.12 mA (battery lifetime: more than 2500 hours for alkaline battery)
Power consumption (backlight)| Approx. 2.5 mA (Backlight reduces battery lifetime! Automatic turn-off function is selectable)
Used battery display| “bAt” displayed if battery used, warning: “bAt” blinking
Auto off-function| The device will be automatically switched off if not operated for a longer time

(adjustable from 1..120min)

Housing| impact-resistant ABS plastic housing, front side IP65
Dimension| Approx. 106 x 67 x 30 mm (H x W x D)
Weight| Approx. 135g incl. battery
Directives and standards:| The instruments confirm to following European Directives: 2014/30/EU EMC Directive

2011/65/EU      RoHS

Applied harmonized standards:

EN 61326-1 : 2013    emissions level: class B

emi immunity according to table A.1 Additional fault: <1%

Addendum A: Wood types table

Almon

| d.50
Maple, New Guinea| Flindersia pimentelianan| d.55
Maple, Sugar-| Acer saccharum| d.70
english| lat.| charact.
---|---|---
Maple, Sycamore-| Acer pseudoplatanus| d.55
Mengkulang| Heritiera spp.| d.65
Meranti, Dark Red-| Shorea spp.| d.65
Meranti, White-| Shorea hypochra| d.55
Meranti, Yellow-| Shorea multiflora| d.55
Merawan| Hopea sulcala| d.70
Merbau| Intsia spp.| d.75
Mersawa| Anisoptera laevis| d.60
Messmate| Eucalyptus obliqua| d.80
Oak, Northern Red-| Quercus spp.| d.65
Oak, Sessile-| Quercus petraea| d.65
Oak, Sawtooth-| Quercus spp.| d.65
Oak, White-| Quercus spp.| d.65
Olive| Olea hochstetteri| d.85
Padouk, African-| Pterocarpus soyauxii| d.70
Paldao| Dracontomelum dao| d.65
Pine, Black-| Podocarpus spicatus| d.50
Pine, European Black-| Pinus nigra| d.55
Pine, Loblolly-| Pinus taeda| d.50
Pine, Lodgeole-| Pinus contorta| d.45
Pine, Longleaf-| Pinus palustris| d.60
Pine, Maritime-| Pinus pinaster| d.50
Pine, Norway-| Pinus resinosa| d.45
Pine, Parana-| Araucaria angustifolia| d.50
Pine, Ponderosa-| Pinus ponderosa| d.45
Pine, Radiata-| Pinus radiata| d.50
Pine, Scots-| Pinus sylvestris| d.50
Pine, Sugar-| Pinus lambertiana| d.45
Poplar, Black-| Populus nigra| d.45
Redcedar, Western-| Thuja plicata| d.45
Rengas| Gluta spp.| d.60
Rimu| Dacrydium cupressinum| d.50
Redwood, California-| Sequoia sempervirens| d.45
Rosewood, Brazilian| Dalbergia latifolia / -nigra| d.85
Rosewood, N. Guinea| Pterocarpus indicus| d.55
Rubber Tree| Hevea Brasiliensis| d.50
Sapele| Entandrophragma cylind.| d.65
Sipo| Entrandrophragma utile| d.60
Spruce| Picea abies| d.45
Spruce, Sitka-| Picea sitchensis| d.45
Tiama| Entandrophr. angolense| d.55
Teak| Tectona grandis| d.65
Torem| Manilkara kanosiensis| d.95
Tualang| Koompassia excelsa| d.80
Walnut, Eastern Black-| Juglans nigra| d.60
Walnut, Common-| Juglans regia| d.60
Wenge| Millettia laurentii| d.80

• Please carefully read these instructions before use! WEEE-Reg.-Nr. DE 93889386
• Please consider the safety instructions!
• Please keep for future reference!

CONTACT

• GHM GROUP – Greisinger
• GHM Messtechnik GmbH
• Hans-Sachs-Str. 26
• 93128 Regenstauf
• GERMANY
• Tel.: +49 9402 9383-0
• info@greisinger.de.
• www.greisinger.de.

Capacitive moisture measurement device for non-destructive measurement

References

• Senseca Germany GmbH - Business Unit Portable
• Manual-Hub.com – Free PDF manuals!

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