Product category:
Solid Waste Disposal and Land Pollution
News Release from: Gemini Data Loggers UK | Subject: Tinytag at Eden
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 16 May 2007
Monitoring composting processes to
PAS:100
Gemini Data Loggers has launched a conventional logger contained in a very robust nylon egg-shaped case, the 'Tinytag', specifically to meet the PAS:100 regulations on monitoring composting processes
Everyone producing high quality compost for resale or use in horticulture, agriculture, land restoration etc, will be aware of the PAS:100 regulations and the recently launched Quality Protocol for Compost that has come into force For temperature monitoring in composting systems that don't depend on stirring or turning (static systems), the compost can be easily monitored using loggers with probes
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 6 Jul 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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These loggers can either be cabled or wireless.
Effective monitoring of processes where the compost is stirred or turned (dynamic systems) such as aerated in-vessel, rotating drums or agitated bins, is harder to achieve.
Their flexibility and cost-effectiveness mean that they are well-known methods of producing high quality compost speedier, as the matter breaks down faster.
Further reading
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Gemini Data Loggers has launched the new and improved Tinytag View 2, an addition to the successful Tinytag range of temperature and humidity data loggers - improved performance at no extra cost
Aquatic 2 Logger for underwater temperature
Gemini Data Loggers has launched the Tinytag Aquatic 2 logger, specifically designed for long-term immersion and underwater temperature monitoring for environmental monitoring in rivers and oceans
Waterproof temperature monitoring with Tinytag
Gemini Data Loggers has launched the Tinytag Splash 2 logger, specifically designed for high temperature environments such as washer disinfectors and dishwashers
However, in order to comply with PAS:100, temperature monitoring is required and data loggers with probes are not well suited for this job.
A logger that could travel with the matter and monitor temperature during the process would give a much better indication of what is happening throughout.
Producing this kind of logger has proved a challenge for this industry.
Gemini Data Loggers, though water-proof and extremely rugged, found it very difficult to withstand the harsh conditions generated by compost turning equipment such as screw augers.
Something even more rugged was required to protect the circuit board that forms the core of the logger, and also produce accurate data.
Some composters have already tried to monitor these dynamic systems by attaching probed loggers to the side of the vessel.
The problem discovered was that though they monitor fixed points in the process (where the probe is placed) they still don't provide random data for the whole process.
The solution: Gemini Data Loggers has come up with is a conventional logger contained in a very robust nylon egg-shaped case, the 'Tinytag'.
The logger is bright yellow, to ensure it is spotted when the compost is passed through a grid at the end of the process.
Because of its shape the Tinytag logger is colloquially referred to as the 'egg logger'.
One example of successful use of our new 'Tinytag' egg logger is the Eden Project in Cornwall.
They have recently installed a 30m in-vessel composter that can hold up to 10 tonnes of waste, and makes easy work of the 2.5 tonnes/week of catering waste disposed of at the Project during peak season.
The Eden Project needs to prove compliance with PAS: 100 and Animal By-Product regulations, therefore 20 in-built loggers record data for this reason alone.
As the composting system is also a research project, it is important that additional data is collected to provide in-depth information on the process; Tinytag egg loggers are ideal to provide this.
"Whatever we chose for this job had to be rugged" commented Maureen Newton, Laboratory Manager at the Eden Project: "The only way out of the machine is through a screw auger, so we wanted a logger that would stay intact throughout the whole process.
The loggers could withstand the hostile environment in the vessel, and the brightness of the loggers means they are easy to spot, very useful if you don't want to go wading in compost!".
For further information on the challenges of compost monitoring, please contact Nigel Palmer, at Gemini Data Loggers. Request a free brochure from Gemini Data Loggers UK ...
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