| Pathogens sometimes survive in composting systems seeming to meet required pathogen reduction criteria. To investigate the reasons for this survival, a method to monitor temperatures as experienced by random compost particles was desired. A temperature data logger/probe was developed and testing carried out to determine if it would perform as required in a composting environment. A commercially available device was also tested. Power loss due to battery connection breakage was a problem in high-impact situations (e.g. windrow turning). Tests of case strength indicated that aluminum was a suitable case material, but should be anodized to prevent corrosion. Initial testing also implied that probes of densities ranging from 800 to 2000 kg/m3 would distribute randomly, as desired, during windrow turning events. Though the operation of these devices was promising, improvements were necessary. Once the design is optimized, the devices will be useful in future research regarding pathogen inactivation during composting. |
