COMPO-BALL

Novel on-line composting monitoring system

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Composting represents a sustainable solution for the treatment of organic waste, whatever its origin, however the economic returns of composting could be increased by improving the quality of the final product. The starting waste material from farms is more homogeneous and has a higher percentage of organic waste than household recycled waste. To this end, the final quality of the compost could be sufficiently high for use as a fertilizer not only on the farm where it has been produced, but also for its commercialisation. To achieve this, the production process needs to be well controlled. While the main biological and chemical parameters affecting the composting process are well known, the technological solutions available for monitoring and controlling the process are very limited. The present COMPO-BALL project will develop an on-line wireless system for the measurement of temperature and humidity at various points in the composting material. The proposed solution consists of a set of independent sensor nodes, i.e. the nodes will not require any external connections to feed or read the sensors, and which will be encapsulated in an inert material. COMPO-BALL could also be used in other types of composting processes whereby the starting material is quite homogeneous, as is the case with sewage for example, as well as for any other biological process where monitoring is essential, i.e. grain fermentation. Furthermore, we envisage this novel system as a starting point to extend this organic composting monitoring technology to monitoring the composting of household recycled waste. This would allow for a higher economic return, and smaller composting plants could be considered. Smaller composting plants could be located closer to the urban nucleus, which would reduce transport costs.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Compost from organic waste is a valuable resource for soil health and plant growth. This form of recycling can become profitable thanks to a monitoring solution proposed by EU-fundedresearchers.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Whatever its origin, the outcome of composting organic waste can result in high quality composts, rich in beneficial biota that help to make nutrients in the soil or products harmful to plants. Even following organic waste composting standards and protocols is not always a guarantee that quality compost is produced.

To abide by stringent regulations and to ensure efficient and effective composting, both the temperature and moisture of the windrows must be measured constantly. With the support of the EU, the 'Novel on-line composting monitoring system' (http://www.compoball.eu (COMPO-BALL)) project developed a new system for continuous transmission of data from various points in the composting material.

The product will be brought to market under the name 'SensoBall'. A set of wireless autonomous sensorseliminates the need for running wires or for operators to climb on piles several times a week to collect temperature and moisture measurements. Continuous transmission of data from sensors to a centralised location for analysis enablescomposting process in any location.

Advanced electronics send out a strong signals that are received from up to 30 sensor nodes. The rigid polyrethane material used for protecting each sensor has been successfully tested to resist exposure to hostile environments. Before Sensoball, no system was available for both temperature and moisture measurements during the composting process.

By observing these indicators of compost activity, users can more accurately determine when microorganisms need air and piles to be turned. This is a critical issue for efficient composting that yields a high quality product. Continuous monitoring can also provide an early warning to potential fire hazards when the temperature exceeds recommended ranges.

The COMPO-BALL project has developed an affordable, easy to use and yet robust system that can boost the profitability of composting plants. Designed for, and tested in composting plants across Europe, the COMPO-BALL researchers also envisage the use of the new technology formonitoring the composting of household waste to reduce the organic matter in landfill sites.