After I added the last wood shavings to the biomeiler, I began the activation process.
According to the thermocouples, the pile has been inactive since it was assembled. No part of the pile measures hotter than 32 F. That was partly strategic. I wanted to begin with a non-composting pile so I can rule out the effects of any latent heat when it comes time to calculate the heat produced by the composting.
To activate the pile, I have been pouring hot water into the inner core and outer core each time I go out for chores. So far, I have poured 10 gallons into the inner core and 60 gallons into the outer core. I have not seen any water come out, yet. My plan is to give the pile a little time to come into equilibrium, then take another round of temperature measurements and decide whether or not to add more water.
I found an air compressor on sale and will use it to begin aeration of the pile once it looks like the internal temperature would make it sensible. An air compressor is overkill for this purpose, but it was on sale and I had already planned to get one in the coming summer to use with a paint sprayer. So, it was not an unjustifiable expense.
