Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Obtained 8 samples from the Oceanside compost facility. Samples are currently in the convection oven.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Purchase Ram Rod or design it in the shop.
Determine how to convert between volumetric and gravimetric moisture measurements. (Tim)
Obtain access to wastewater facility in San Diego to obtain samples of biosolids. (Armando)
Contact ESI to obtain information regarding calibration process, material/electrical properties of the probe, and the effect of temperature on calculations. (Paulie, Evan)
If possible, ask an applications engineer about the 4 pins on the connectors (i.e. what data or signals is transmitted along each line? That way, we can begin to incorporate a digital display)
A previous email from ESI contact, Andrew Evans, provides some information:
Probes have a SDI-12 pin that can be connected to a digital device that uses the signal
The probe can be found here: http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Switchcraft/EN3C4MX/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMvG94qpybaIZR9xRg6HOzxYrQGxnuYkmFk%3d
Insert the 8 segment probe into 7 different samples of a KNOWN moisture, then relay the data to esica.
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Do more testing to determine if there is a relationship between the probe measurements vs. true.
Reotemp is in the process of ordering another type of TDR probe. Once that comes in, we can test the two probes.
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
From last quarter, we were advised to not neglect the mechanical aspects of the project, since we've been primarily focused on finding a technology.
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
None as of yet.
Risks and Areas of Concern
Ram rod will not work since using a shovel did not work - compost is too compact.
Pitchfork worked well. Tim mentioned using an auger drill.
Idea: let the helical shape be hollow so we can place the probe inside it.
If TDR probes do not work, we have to start searching for something else.
Australian manufacturer is plausible.
Resources or Information Required but not Available
Information from ESI (sometimes unresponsive).
Schedule
The primary deliverable for Nate O'Connor is the data for both compost and bio-solids.
Tweak the Gantt Chart since we are no longer attempting to design our own TDR sensor.
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
Spent: $633.44
Items not included: 5 gallon buckets (x3)
Remaining: $5366.56
Progress on Report and Webpage