Organic systems
MEA can supply systems to monitor compost heaps, worm farms and other organic recycling facilities.
MEA's systems can be configured to meet the needs of both the plant operator and the regulatory bodies overseeing the plant. For example, sensors to monitor the performance of the recycling process can be combined with sensors to monitor secondary factors such as ground water levels and leeching to ensure a facility is operating in accordance with its license conditions.
EXAMPLES OF SOME MEA SYSTEMS
Windrow monitoring
To produce high quality, sterile compost in the shortest time and with the minimum labour input requires conditions in the windrows to be accurately controlled. MEA can supply systems to monitor the the moisture levels, temperature, oxygen and CO2 levels in the windrows. Outputs from the system can then be programmed to interface to operate the irrigation system or to generate alarms.
Gas levels in the windrows can be monitored using a sensing lance which draws air in from the the compost and passes it back to a fume cabinet for analysis. Moisture and temperature levels can be monitored continuously using an Aquaflex Sensor. The Aquaflex sensor is also suitable for use as a portable sensor. Its large sampling volume making it less susceptible to the variations in bulk density which render other sensors unusable.
Leachate monitoring
In composting applications, operators must ensure that nutrient rich water does not leach through into the ground water. Compost beds are normally laid out on a clay lined pad which is sloped to direct run of run water to collection drains. Sensors can be installed in the clay bed to monitor for leaching events.
The Aquaflex sensor is used in these applications because of its large sampling volume. The sensor can be connected to a number of MEA's logging systems.
Using MEA Radio, a number of sensors can be deployed on the site and the data from the sensors sent back to a data logger located in a central location. The data is collected and managed using Magpie software.
Where the cost of the monitoring equipment minimised, the Aquaflex can be used in conjunction with MEA's ABug. The ABug is a battery powered logger, to which up to 2 Aquaflex sensors can be connected. Data from the Bugs is collected using the MEA Retriever and then displayed using the MEA Bug software.
Worm Farms
Worms are a living creature and must be looked after just as any other animal must. The Aquaflex sensor as part of an MEA monitoring system can be used to provide data on moisture and temperature levels in the worm castings. Outputs from the system can then be programmed to interface to operate the irrigation system or to generate alarms.
Data from the logger provides a permanent record of conditions on the site, and can be used in maintaining Quality certification.
Where more comprehensive monitoring is required, MEA can build a custom logging system and fit it out with CO2 and or Oxygen sensors as well as moisture and temperature sensors. When deployed in conjunction with MEA Radio, data can be delivered to the operator's desktop.