Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Graphs and data produced by Tim consistently show that device is feasible (within +/- 5% without calibration).
Fieldscout probe seems to provide wildly inconsistent readings.
Awaiting calibration
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Revisted El Corazon Compost Facility and took 9 measurements using the ram rod excavation method.
5 samples (including 1 outlier) from a freshly turned pile, and another 4 from another pile that had not been turned.
After samples were obtained, Evan used the Fieldscout probe to take more measurements.
Obtained dry bulk density of compost at various depths.
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
(Team) possibly revisit the site again and obtain profiling samples via the 4 ft probe.
(Armando) Attempt to re-establish supply of biosolids, fabricate handles for makeshift ramrod
(Paulie) Prepare preliminary (presentable) First Draft of report
Abstract, Project Description, and compiling data.
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
18 January 2016:
Design Proposal: "Invasive" approach (leaving probe in to settle between scarab turnings) or "semi-instantaneous" approach
Conversation with Mary (owner of compost facility) regarding leaving probe in piles; she confirmed, not an issue
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
19 January 2016 meeting in EBU II:
Since the steel ram rod from Competitive Metals experienced buckling, Dr. T recommended using stainless steel or Al for final design/further testing.
Pedro suggested a design proposal in which a trigger could be pulled in order to extend the probe.
Emphasize repeatability, industry standards, and consistent metric units (with imperial units in parentheses).
From Mary, Owner Agronomist on 22 January 2016:
Consider the amount of time that has elapsed since a pile has been turned; observe variation, if any, in probe readings.
Possibly schedule a meeting with Nathan O'Connor to discuss applicability and usage.
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
No comments.
Risks and Areas of Concern
Resources or Information Required but not Available
Additional probe(s) that Nate would like us to test.
Schedule
The upcoming milestone: Get new probe from Nathan. Same technology as ESI probe, except there are 8 sensors divided by diodes. Testing will include readings of the 8 sensors (individually) and an average. Ram rod design will need to be developed in order to gather empirical data over the weekend and/or on Friday.
Update Gantt chart.
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
No student purchases have been made since last meeting.
Spent: $1479.93
Remaining: $4520.07
Progress on Report and Webpage
Included 'impact on society' section.