Inline Moisture Sensors

Global Inline Moisture Sensors Market to Reach US$2.3 Billion by 2030

The global market for Inline Moisture Sensors estimated at US$1.9 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$2.3 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.8% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Contact Type, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 3.2% CAGR and reach US$1.6 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Non-Contact Type segment is estimated at 5.1% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$511.7 Million While China is Forecast to Grow at 6.9% CAGR

The Inline Moisture Sensors market in the U.S. is estimated at US$511.7 Million in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$471.0 Million by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 6.9% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.6% and 2.9% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 2.2% CAGR.

Global Inline Moisture Sensors Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Are Inline Moisture Sensors Becoming Indispensable in Process Industries?

Inline moisture sensors are rapidly gaining prominence across manufacturing and processing industries where moisture content directly impacts product quality, shelf life, energy consumption, and compliance standards. These sensors provide real-time, non-destructive measurement of moisture levels within raw materials, semi-finished goods, or final products during production. Unlike traditional lab-based testing, which involves sampling and delays, inline systems deliver continuous feedback that helps manufacturers optimize process parameters on the fly—improving consistency, reducing waste, and enhancing throughput.

Industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, pulp and paper, agriculture, biomass, and construction materials rely heavily on accurate moisture control. Even minor variations in moisture levels can lead to structural instability, microbial growth, poor machinability, or energy inefficiencies during drying. Inline moisture sensors address these issues by enabling precision monitoring at critical control points, such as mixers, dryers, conveyors, or extruders. As production demands rise and quality standards tighten globally, these sensors are playing a crucial role in closing the loop between measurement, process control, and product performance.

What Technologies Are Powering the Evolution of Inline Moisture Detection?

Modern inline moisture sensors are leveraging a range of advanced technologies to deliver accurate, reliable, and application-specific measurements. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is one of the most widely adopted methods, offering rapid, non-contact analysis suitable for a broad range of materials. These sensors can be mounted above conveyor belts, inside hoppers, or at dryer exits to provide continuous moisture readings without disrupting the process. Microwave and radio frequency (RF)-based sensors are used in applications where deep penetration and bulk moisture profiling are required, such as in biomass or thick fiber materials.

Capacitive, resistive, and optical sensors are also employed in niche applications where surface moisture detection or low-moisture range sensitivity is critical. The latest sensors feature digital interfaces, self-calibration capabilities, and integration with PLCs, SCADA systems, or industrial IoT platforms. Cloud connectivity, edge analytics, and embedded machine learning algorithms are further enhancing sensor intelligence, allowing predictive moisture control, anomaly detection, and trend forecasting. These advancements are shifting moisture sensors from simple detection tools to core elements in adaptive process automation ecosystems.

Which Industries and Use Cases Are Driving Demand for Inline Moisture Sensors?

The food and beverage industry is among the largest adopters of inline moisture sensors, using them to monitor ingredients, powders, doughs, cereals, and snacks throughout production and packaging. Moisture control is essential for product texture, taste, and microbial stability. In the paper and pulp industry, inline sensors monitor moisture content of pulp slurries and paper webs to ensure smooth processing and reduce drying energy costs. In agriculture and biomass sectors, moisture sensors are used to assess feedstock quality in real time—crucial for pelletizing, combustion, or fermentation processes.

In construction materials such as cement, gypsum, and insulation boards, maintaining optimal moisture levels ensures mechanical integrity and regulatory compliance. Chemical manufacturers rely on moisture sensors to control solvent evaporation, powder mixing, and granulation. The pharmaceutical industry uses inline NIR and microwave sensors to monitor moisture in tablets, granules, and capsules, aligning with GMP and FDA guidelines. Additionally, wood processing and textiles industries deploy these sensors to maintain structural quality and minimize warping or shrinkage. These diverse applications reflect the critical importance of inline moisture measurement across materials and value chains.

The Growth in the Inline Moisture Sensors Market Is Driven by Several Factors…

The growth in the inline moisture sensors market is driven by several factors including increasing demand for real-time quality assurance, rising energy costs, and tighter product specification standards across manufacturing industries. As producers aim to minimize waste, reduce rework, and improve energy efficiency—particularly in drying-intensive operations—inline moisture sensors offer immediate ROI by optimizing moisture control. Regulatory requirements and industry certifications are further compelling manufacturers to adopt in-process moisture monitoring as part of traceable and compliant production systems.

Technological advancements in sensor miniaturization, connectivity, and calibration stability are making these systems more adaptable and easier to deploy across different production environments. The expansion of Industry 4.0 and smart factory frameworks is also pushing manufacturers to integrate real-time sensor data into predictive control loops and digital twins, enabling better decision-making. Furthermore, as raw material variability increases due to globalized supply chains and sustainability efforts, the need for inline, adaptive moisture sensing continues to rise. These dynamics are establishing inline moisture sensors as a critical component of modern process control and intelligent manufacturing strategies.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Inline Moisture Sensors market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Type (Contact Type, Non-Contact Type); Application (Industrial, Commercial)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 42 Featured) -

• Endress+Hauser
• Finna Sensors
• GE Measurement & Control (Baker Hughes)
• Haimo Technologies
• Hydronix
• IMKO Micromodultechnik
• Kett US
• Lufft
• Mahlo GmbH
• Meter Group (Ametek)
• Michell Instruments
• MoistTech Corporation
• PCE Instruments
• Process Sensors Corporation
• S+S Regeltechnik
• Shaw Moisture Meters
• SpectraSensors (Endress+Hauser)
• TDK Corporation
• Thermo Fisher Scientific
• WORK Microwave GmbH

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