MoistTech will present its IR3000-F NIR moisture sensors at Petfood Forum 2026, highlighting real-time, non-contact moisture measurement for pet food production. The sensor supports improved process control, product consistency, and energy efficiency across manufacturing operations.
MoistTech Corp., one of the global leaders in moisture measurement and control, will showcase its IR3000-F Series Moisture Sensors at Petfood Forum 2026, taking place on April 27–29 in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. The system uses near-infrared (NIR) technology to provide real-time, non-contact moisture measurement across a wide range of products and raw materials used in pet food production.
Consistent moisture control is essential for producing high-quality animal kibble. Moisture content directly influences the balance of key ingredients, including protein, carbohydrates, and fats, helping manufacturers maintain a nutritious, uniform blend while protecting overall product quality. According to MoistTech, instant, continuous moisture measurement significantly enhances quality, productivity, and energy efficiency across pet food processing lines.
The company states that its state-of-the-art near-infrared technology delivers unmatched accuracy, providing reliable, repeatable results year after year with minimal or no maintenance. The IR3000-F sensors are pre-calibrated at the factory using customer samples and are designed not to drift over time, eliminating the need for frequent recalibration and the associated downtime and cost common with other technologies. Each IR3000-F can measure multiple kibble types and store up to 50 product calibrations in a single sensor.
The accuracy of the IR3000-F is unaffected by typical process variations such as product height and color, as well as ambient temperature and lighting conditions, which often impact competing solutions, says the company. MoistTech software automatically compensates for small gaps, inert material, foreign objects, and conveyor surfaces to ensure precise moisture readings. A cast aluminum enclosure efficiently disperses heat, maintaining optimal operating conditions and accuracy compared to polished steel housings that tend to retain heat. The IR3000-F delivers a rapid return on investment by improving product quality and consistency while reducing downtime, rework, and waste.
Maintaining proper moisture levels in pet food is critical to preventing mold growth and other quality issues that can compromise safety and brand reputation. Real-time, continuous moisture measurement enables operators to make immediate adjustments to the production process. Continuous NIR-based monitoring also supports precise control of ovens, dryers, roasters, and fryers, optimizing throughput and contributing to substantial energy savings.
According to MoistTech‘s statement, the IR3000-F sensor is a complete solution that is easy to install and integrate into existing production lines, without the need for additional hardware or software. Its non-contact design minimizes contamination and maintenance requirements, allowing for continuous operation without interrupting manufacturing processes. A wide variety of animal food products benefit from IR3000-F technology, including wet and dry kibble, fish food pellets, soft and hard pet foods, grass, and more.
