Building an empirical model for wet waste composting process by in situ measurement of moisture and temperature

Composting is a complex nonlinear biochemical process comprising of only two physical parameters affecting other variables. Critical parameters of the process to be controlled are temperature and moisture of the composting material. The process of breaking down the organic material by micro-organisms is dependent on moisture and temperature of the material. Uncontrolled moisture levels lead to foul smell while uncontrolled temperature results into burning of final product or nondegraded waste as it is. Adapting a robust control over temperature and moisture will ensure the reduction in foul smell and improve the quality of final compost. As per the observations, the behavior of process does not allow to build a mathematical model but needs to be controlled using an empirical model with the help of sensors for temperature and moisture. A need is created to have a mechanism for In Situ (online / live measurement during ongoing process) measurement of temperature and moisture of the compostable material at a same physical location and at the same time. The need can be catered by an integrated temperature moisture sensor for in situ measurement in composting and controlling the process for better outcome.