Composting Technologies

Windrow Gases

Composting - a living process!

Composting is an aerobic process (with oxygen). A well-aerated compost windrow is a basic requirement for efficient decomposition. Within the rotting process microorganisms breathe oxygen and convert this to carbon dioxide. Therefore, the measurement of these two gases informs about the current status of the “aerobic” degradation process.

Measuring the windrow gases is particularly important at non-aerated composting windrows in order to guarantee sufficient oxygen supply.

The so-called "breathing" of the microorganisms consumes oxygen and transforms it to carbon dioxide. The process is endangered if the oxygen content is too low. The process results in high odour emissions and climate-relevant gases such as methane.

Our electronic windrow gas instrument enables you to get a quick overview about your current process conditions. The instrument is capable of measuring five different gases at the same time and on top of this it is handy and low-maintenance.

Technical data:

  • Methane (CH4)
  • Oxygen (O2)
  • Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Expandable with

  • Ammonia (NH3)
  • Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
Download Description Windrow gas instrument (pdf) 187 KB

Composting requires oxygen to provide a balanced microbial flora.

The microorganisms consume oxygen and produce carbon dioxide. If the carbon dioxide content is too high it is necessary to aerate (active aeration/turning). A lack of air turns the compost anaerobic leading to high odour emissions, prolonged process duration and bad compost quality.

Our measuring instrument for CO2 gives you a quick view about the current process condition. This measuring instrument is easy to handle and to service.

Download Brochure Measurement Technology (pdf) 2 KB