Posted to News on 22nd May 2013, 00:00
Analyzer key for accelerated composting
An organic fertilizer manufacturer has selected Michell's XZR500 analyzer to monitor oxygen levels in its composting process. The innovative process dramatically reduces the time taken to break down animal dung into a useable form and the XZR500 forms part of the control system. Traditionally animal dung takes around 21 days to compost, however the fertilizer manufacturer achieves this in just 24 hours, with great benefits to their efficiency and costs.
>The dung is fed into a rotating cylinder which agitates it for 24 hours during which time the composting process is completed. Conditions in the compositing chamber are very aggressive: the chicken and cow excrement used as a compost feedstock produce high levels of ammonia. The conditions in the chamber are also very humid with temperatures ranging between 20 and 70°C. After the process is completed, the compost is dried and powdered.
>The XZR500 - usually associated with applications measuring the combustion efficiency in boilers, incinerators and furnaces - helps to ensure the levels of oxygen in the composting chamber remain at the optimum level for maximum performance.
>The XZR500's probe is placed directly into the air outlet and an ejector is used to pull a sample out to the sensor housed in the ex-situ head. The MSRS zirconium oxide sensor is able to withstand the harsh atmosphere in the composting chamber without the need for a sampling system and does not require frequent replacement, ensuring low running costs.
>The previous analyzer used in process had needed a sampling system with a more complex installation and routine maintenance. The original sensor used in this application was an electro-chemical cell which depleted over time, needed periodic replacing and added to the cost of ownership.
