Temperature Monitoring
The CRS Temperature Monitoring System is used to:
- Monitor and record the processing conditions in the CRS Composting Tunnels
- Produce appropriate management information for operations staff
- Generate records which demonstrate compliance with legal requirements for the Animal By-Products Regulations (ABPR)
The CRS Temperature Monitoring System records the processing conditions of temperature and time within the Composting Tunnels, transmits the data to a remote data logger and then downloads the data into a personal computer (PC). Using CRS Batchtrack Management Software, the PC can produce management information for the site operations staff, a daily diary of batch movements and permanent batch records of the compost processed.
The CRS Temperature Monitoring System is composed of seven elements:
1. Temperature probes
The temperature probes are 4 m in length and are constructed in stainless steel. Each probe is equipped with a calibrated thermocouple. The probes are inserted through the roof and the thermocouples record the temperature at a variety of locations within the Composting Tunnels. The probes are connected to a transmitter using high temperature grade cable.
2. Transmitters
Each Composting Tunnel has a dedicated radio transmitter which relays the temperature records to a data logger via a receiver. The transmitters are mounted in waterproof housings and are powered by batteries. The transmitter uses licence exempt frequencies compliant with EN-300-200-1.
3. Receiver aerial
A single receiver aerial on site receives the data from the transmitters
and passes it to the data logger. The receiver should be placed in a line
of sight to the Composting
Tunnel giving a range in excess of 500m under normal conditions.
4. Data logger
The data logger is an industry standard data logger which records the data and holds it in an internal memory. There are 124 input channels able to receive information from 124 probes. It operates at temperatures from -30°C to +65°C and uses mains power with a battery back-up. A serial port (RS232) connection interfaces the data logger with a PC.
5. Personal Computer
A PC, usually located in the Site Management Office, interrogates the data logger and records a copy of the data in its internal memory. The data can then be viewed, printed out and stored. Both historical and current data are held on the PC. Records of compost material movements are also entered onto the PC. The CRS Batchtrack Management Software can then present the information in various user controlled forms including batch-specific records with full traceability. The software is also programmed to inform the operators when any given batch of compost has completed its statutory time/temperature conditions required by the ABPR.
6. Printer
A standard PC printer is used to provide hard copy of the batch records and site diaries.
7. Internet
Batch records following the entire treatment process can be exported via
the Internet as downloadable files to remote locations for third party viewing,
quality assurance procedures or trouble shooting.
