This morning, I began the aeration of the biomeiler. The temperature readings in the pile indicate that the interior is beginning to compost. The goal of aeration is to switch the composting to an aerobic process, rather than have it be completely anaerobic.
For our purposes, the important difference between the two is in the speed and the heat production. Aerobic composting is quicker and the heat is released faster. The total amount of heat released is about the same in both cases, and is also about the same as the amount of heat we would get by burning the material. The rate and amount of heat release is one of the major advantages of using a biomeiler. We effectively have a small wood stove running continuously, without the danger of a fire or exhaust gases, and the end result is compost, rather than ashes.
The air temperature was about -15F, which made me worry about running the air compressor outdoors. So, I plugged it in in the work room of the coop and ran the air hose under the door and over to the biomeiler. I clamped the compressor’s hose onto the aeration hose and started the compressor. It was quickly apparent that there was a problem.
The aeration system is essentially an open hose, but pressure was building up in the air tank. I tested the connections and found that air was not entering the tire valve on the aeration hose. Removing the valve core and taking it inside to warm up solved the problem. There was probably some moisture in the valve which froze it closed. After replacing the valve core, everything went smoothly and air was pumped into the biomeiler for about five minutes.
My fingers are crossed. With luck, there will shortly be a temperature increase in the pile.
Now there is a bit of uncertainty in my ease of following the beiomiler restart. I can’t imagine what your own nerves have in reaction to this experience.
The mystery ensues!