Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Went to AgriServices and collected 100 more data points (25 in a localized area) for a statistical average method with the new 1 meter long probe. The 8 segments along the length of the probe were recorded as well.
machined the aluminum insert for the ESI probe clamp attachment.
Spoke with Nathan at ReoTemp and will design around the probe we are currently using for testing.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
(Team) Revisit the compost facility to record 100 more data points. 25 in each localized area for statistical analysis.
(Evan) Machined ESI clamp attachment (nearly finished)
(Paulie) Purchase the compost manager from Austrailia.
(Tim) Data analysis and gravimetric method for the newest 100 samples.
(Armando) purchased a steel rod we will use in for the insertion probe and t-handle.
(team) completed the necessary changes needed on the report draft.
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
(Evan) Machine clamping mechanism for probe in the machine shop (almost finished).
(Armando) Weld insertion probe and t-handle together
(Tim and Paulie) Investigate the possibility to use speed of sound in conjuncture with the ESI probe for accurate density readings
(Team) Complete the second draft of the Final Report. Create powerpoint presentation for Tuesdays lecture.
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
18 Feb 2016 meeting at Reotemp:
Discussed the result from our last round of temperature testing. Confirmed the effects of 1% discrepency for every 5OC.
Last ditched effort to obtain results in the expectable tolerance of +/- %5: use a statistical method and gather 25 data points and average them together. This is in response to the varying density of the compost.
We have decided to use an "insertion" approach, so the usage of the final design will generally follow: insert, wait, read, remove.
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
9 Feb 2016 Meeting with Instructor:
use a statistical approach to reduce the varying effects of density
investigate the use of speed of sound in measuring the localized density of the compost. (perhaps within the pile)
told the professor about the possible scope creep of tearing apart the probe to investigate the technology. Prof. T was strongly against a change in the project this late in the quarter.
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
2 Feb 2016 Proof of Concept Presentation
Vibrate the probe before the measurement starts to promote settling of compost
Is calibration affected differently depending on region?
Taper the end of the ramrod for easier insertion (especially if the cross-sectional area is larger in the final design)
Better body language (e.g. hands out of pockets), secure ESI probe via fasteners or bolts/nuts.
How to compensate for temperature? Redundancy in presentation slides
Risks and Areas of Concern
The affect of temperature may be higher then we originally expected. A scaling factor needs to be determined for more accurate measurements.
Density is the one variable that we are having trouble with the most. Using a statistical approach to mitigate its effects.
Resources or Information Required but not Available
Schedule
See Updated Gantt Chart.
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
spent an additional ~$120 on hardhats, vests, and 5 gallon buckets.
approximately more than $3000 remaining.
ReoTemp would like for us to purchase a CompostManager probe at $3,600. This would put us above our initial proposed budget. Will proceed once instructor has approved the purchase.
Progress on Report and Webpage
Complete the second draft of the final report. Due Friday (2/26) by midnight.