Agricultural research into industrial-scale organic waste management requires precise thermal profiling to ensure the efficacy of the composting process. By deploying a wireless sensor network within a specialized aerobic composting system, researchers can monitor internal temperatures across multiple zones without the mechanical complications of cabling in a high-moisture, corrosive environment.
- Wireless RTD Sensing: Eliminates cable management issues in rotating or high-activity composting vessels.
- High-Temperature Mineral Insulation: Protects the sensor probe from the aggressive chemical and thermal conditions within the biomass.
- Multi-Channel Data Acquisition: Consolidates thermal data from five distinct points into a single receiver hub.
- Regulatory Band Compliance: Utilizes the 2.4GHz ISM band for reliable, license-free transmission in industrial and research settings.
A large-scale agricultural research facility required a robust thermal monitoring solution for an aerobic composting project involving an Ecodrum system. The application demanded the ability to measure internal temperatures at five different locations within the composting biomass to track the aerobic decomposition progress and ensure pathogen reduction. The physical environment posed a significant challenge; the high moisture content and chemical activity of composting materials are notoriously aggressive, and the mechanical movement of the composting drum made traditional hard-wired sensors impractical and prone to failure. The project required sensors with a 290 mm insertion length to reach the core of the material, utilizing a 6 mm diameter probe and a 1/4″ BSP process connection to secure the instrumentation to the drum wall.
The solution involved the deployment of the IWTT series of wireless temperature transmitters, specifically configured with PT100 mineral-insulated probes. These sensors utilize the 2.4GHz ISM band with an IEEE 802.15.4 based protocol, ensuring a reliable signal path through the industrial environment of a research station. The mineral insulation of the probe provides the necessary durability against the corrosive nature of organic waste, while the wireless design removes the need for expensive slip rings or complex cable runs that would otherwise be required on a rotating drum. These battery-powered nodes are designed for long-term deployment, offering up to a five-year battery life at typical transmission rates, which significantly reduces the maintenance burden for the research technicians.
To centralize the data, an IWR-5 series receiver was selected to pair with the five distributed temperature nodes. This receiver provides five independent analog outputs, allowing for direct integration into existing data acquisition systems or local control loops. For applications requiring more advanced data handling, the IWR-PORT series gateway offers a digital alternative, capable of aggregating data from up to 128 transmitters and providing connectivity via Modbus RTU over RS-485 or Ethernet TCP/IP. This digital gateway approach is particularly beneficial for researchers who wish to log time-stamped data directly to a network or cloud-based platform for detailed analysis of the composting thermophilic phases. The end-to-end accuracy of 0.25% full-scale ensures that the thermal data gathered is of the high quality necessary for scientific agricultural research.
IWTT PT100 Wireless Transmitter
- Part No: IWTTP300A
- Probe Type: PT100 Mineral Insulated
- Probe Size: Diameter 6mm length 300mm
- Material: Stainless Steel, M12 x 1.75 Connection Head Thread
- Output: Wireless
- Process Connection: 1/4″ BSP
- Compression Fitting: Yes with 1/4″ BSP Thread
IWR-5 Five Channel Wireless Signal Receiver
- Part No: IWR-5
- Output: User-selectable 1-5V or 4-20 mA
- Power Supply: 12-32V dc
- Transmission Range: Up to 500 m line-of-site range
- Accuracy: <±0.25% FS BFSL end to end
- LED indication of the wireless link
- Installation: DIN rail or wall mounting kits available