Challenges of temperature measurement in industrial composting plants

Temperature plays a key role in composting plants because, high enough, it reliably eliminates dangerous microorganisms. In some cases, the treatment temperature for all batches of a composting system must be measured at regular intervals and documented. In addition, this data should be available to the relevant governmental verification body, which at any time conditions the recognition of the compost produced as hygienically harmless.

During hygienic processing, it is crucial to ensure constant temperature monitoring of the material being processed. This process requires continuous, non-invasive and direct measurement of temperature, followed by automatic recording of the collected data. Traditional methods of manual temperature monitoring by composting plant operators are still often used, which are time-consuming and costly, generating high personnel expenses.

Advantages of wireless compost temperature measurement

Traditional compost sensors and thermometers often involve cumbersome wiring, resulting in high costs and time-consuming installations. Modern wireless solutions offer a number of advantages, eliminating these problems. We will discuss the advantages of this measurement solution using our JUMO wTRANS B temperature sensor as an example.

Wireless temperature sensors are mounted directly in compost mounds, without the need to stretch expensive wiring. The transmitter, located in the holder of our sensor, is protected by a waterproof housing, guaranteeing resistance to the harsh conditions of the composting mound.

The system works on the principle of wireless data transmission, transmitting measured temperature values at regular intervals to a universal receiver. The radio frequencies used are resistant to external interference, ensuring reliable communication even over distances of several hundred meters.

The receiver can handle up to 16 temperature sensors simultaneously, integrating data from the entire composter. The collected information is then transmitted to master systems (e.g. composting control systems) via an RS485 Modbus interface.

Documenting measured temperature values with a PLC

PLC control systems, such as the JUMO mTRON T, make it possible to precisely record, monitor and document the temperature in the composter. Measured values are displayed on the multifunction panel in various formats including text, curves or bar graphs. Users are free to choose their preferred method of data presentation on the device, customizing it to their needs.

The multifunction panel allows not only data visualization, but also convenient system configuration. User-assigned password-protected access guarantees a high level of security and protects against unauthorized access to the system.

Access to data on the computer is provided by a built-in web server, and data recording is protected against tampering. An optional software package allows the automatic creation of a log for the production batch (e.g., in PDF format). The PLC makes composting more efficient and process documentation easy and secure.

Temperature measurement in composting plants – a summary

The use of JUMO's temperature measurement system makes it possible to meet RAL's important quality standards. The process of monitoring and documenting temperature in composting plants has now become much easier. It eliminates the need to record data manually - it is automatically documented and recorded, making it easier to verify the hygiene of the composting process. In addition, with it, the use of separate data loggers is no longer required. The lack of the need to install cables makes the system extremely easy to install and flexible.

About the author

My name is Ewelina Szmit and I have been working in the field of content marketing for several years, combining my professional skills with my passion for writing. I believe that even the most technical topics can be presented in an interesting and accessible way for everyone. Outside of work, I develop my creativity by creating newspaper collages. I like to spend my free time most actively, walking my dog or running.

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