The temperature during the mushroom substrate production process determines the quality, yield and health of the mycelium. Even slight deviations can disrupt the fermentation and pasteurisation of the substrate, leading to losses and yield problems. How to maintain optimal conditions and avoid downtime? Our client, a producer of substrate for mushroom cultivation, struggled with cable probes failing in a humid and dusty environment. Temperature monitoring interruptions meant additional costs, delays and the risk of substrate quality loss. A solution was needed that would provide reliable measurements, withstand harsh conditions and allow continuous monitoring of the process. In this case study, we show how a wireless temperature monitoring system eliminated cable problems, ensured stable fermentation conditions and reduced maintenance costs. Read on to find out how modern temperature sensors have improved the production of mushroom substrate!
Temperature has a huge impact on the quality of the mushroom substrate. The correct course of fermentation and pasteurisation, which prepare the substrate for cultivation, depends on it. If the temperature is too low, the processes are too slow, and if it is too high, nutritional values may be lost and the structure of the substrate destroyed.
Lack of stable control can lead to uneven substrate quality, which affects the yield and productivity of mushroom and mushroom cultivation. Underheated batches can encourage the growth of unwanted micro-organisms and overheated batches can inhibit mycelial growth. This means losses for the grower.
Difficult environmental conditions are also a problem. Humidity, dust and intensive use of the equipment mean that traditional cable probes are often damaged, leading to interruptions in temperature monitoring.
Our customer, a producer of compost for mushroom cultivation, was struggling with frequent failures of cable probes, which were subject to mechanical damage in the harsh production conditions. Moisture, dust and intensive use led to abrasion of the cables, which caused interruptions in temperature monitoring.
The lack of continuity of measurements made it difficult to record the temperature to maintain stable conditions during the production of the growing medium. Each sensor failure meant a service intervention was required, which generated additional costs and could lead to delays in the process.
The client needed a solution that would eliminate the problem of cable damage, provide continuous wireless temperature monitoring and withstand demanding operating conditions.
The customer needed a system that would allow him to accurately monitor the temperature of the substrate and at the same time solve the problem of frequent cable failures. He opted for wireless temperature sensors that perform well even in the demanding conditions of mushroom substrate production.
JUMO Wtrans B took control of the measurements in the various fermentation and pasteurisation zones. No cables that were previously damaged. Without the risk of downtime and additional costs. With a range of up to 300 metres, the sensors operate reliably throughout the plant and their resistance to moisture and dust allows them to operate in harsh environments without interference.
Additional support is provided by resistance thermometers, which measure the temperature inside the substrate. They ensure that fermentation conditions remain stable and the mycelium develops within optimum parameters.
The data from the sensors goes to the JUMO variTRON 300 PLC, which acts as a receiver for the temperature sensors in the Wtrans B series. It continuously analyses the temperature and reacts immediately to deviations, sending alerts as necessary.
The entire system works in conjunction with the modular JUMO mTRON T controller, which manages process automation and enables temperature regulation and control in various production zones. Its modular design allows the system to be easily extended in the future with additional sensors and functions, adapting it to the changing needs of the plant.
Wireless temperature transmitter for installation in the JUMO Wtrans B head (707060)
The customer finally got rid of the problem of damaged cables and downtime in temperature monitoring. The wireless measuring system works reliably, eliminating failures that previously generated additional costs and delays in production.
Thanks to continuous temperature monitoring, it has been possible to maintain optimum conditions at every stage of compost production. The system transmits data in real time, making it possible to react quickly to any deviations and ensure process stability.
Fewer failures also mean lower maintenance costs and less unplanned downtime. The customer no longer has to regularly replace faulty sensors and the technical staff can focus on other tasks.
Better temperature control has translated into higher substrate quality, which has had a direct impact on the productivity of mushroom cultivation in mushroom farms. Stable growth conditions mean healthier, better-developed mycelium and more predictable yields. The new system has given the customer more control, fewer problems and real savings.
Contact us and check out our range of temperature measurement systems and solutions, including resistance temperature sensors with Pt100, Pt500 or Pt1000 measuring element, thermocouples, temperature transmitters, temperature controllers, including universal PID controllers and PLCs!
My name is Ewelina Szmit and I have been working in content marketing for several years, combining my professional skills with my passion for writing. I am convinced that even the most technical topics can be presented in an interesting and accessible way for everyone. Outside of work, I unleash my creativity by creating newspaper collages. I like to spend my free time being active, walking my dog or running.
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