Respirometer Oxymax-C

General Information Oxymax-C is a special adaptation of the Columbus Instruments Oxymax Deluxe System with features specific to compost research. The instrument incorporates specially designed air-flow and temperature controllers that provide a composting environment that is under very precise control. Oxymax-C automatically regulates air-flow as a means of controlling temperature of the composting process. An Oxymax-C system comprises an isothermal composting reactor designed to accelerate the decay process by optimization of temperature and air flow. Temperature control is implemented by two control mechanisms: air circulation and an insulating water jacket. A temperature probe, placed in the composting mass, serves as feedback to the air flow controller. The operator selects the desired operating temperature and Oxymax-C regulates the air flow in accordance with the demand of the composting material to maintain the set-point. An additional temperature control system tracks the compost performance and regulates the operating temperature of a water jacket that surrounds the composting reactor. The jacket temperature tracks the compost temperature to maintain an iso-thermal environment. Temperature controlling activities take place while Oxymax-C makes periodic measurements of the respirometric performance of the composting material.