C-lock GreenFeed Manuale utente

Table of Contents

Introduction 4

Science and Mathematics of GreenFeed 4

GreenFeed Component Layout 8

Assembling GreenFeed 9

Setting Up GreenFeed 9

Selecting a Location for GreenFeed 9

Anchoring GreenFeed 10

Setting Up Alleyways 11

Protecting GreenFeed 12

Powering On GreenFeed 12

Powering Off GreenFeed 12

Control Feed Mobile App 13

Scanning for Systems 14

Controlling GreenFeed 14

Connecting GreenFeed to a Different WiFi Network 15

Calibrating GreenFeed 17

Standard Calibrations 17

CO2Recovery 18

Maintenance 19

Cleaning the Head Position Sensor 19

Replacing and Cleaning the Air Filter 20

Filling the Hopper Bin 21

Storing GreenFeed 22

Secondary Sample Filter 24

Controlling GreenFeed 24

Data Flow 25

GreenFeed GUI Control InterfaceTM 26

Instrument Specifications 27

1. Introduction

1.1. Science and Mathematics of GreenFeed

GreenFeed (TM, Patent Pending) is a system to monitor the metabolic gas composition of

animals in a cost-effective, non-intrusive way. Its design and measurement capabilities have

been initially tailored to the measurement of metabolic gases emitted from ruminants. The

system is optimized to quantitatively capture the breath of cattle and to analyze the emitted

gases for trace constituents, including methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and

water-vapor.

GreenFeed is an important tool for research scientists as well as for those responsible for

the husbandry of animals, especially ruminants, because it provides new data that allows

scientists and producers to monitor trace gas emissions with a high time-resolution in

near-real time, remotely from a large number of individual animals in a cost-effective and

non-intrusive way. The trace gas composition and flux rates are important because they can

reflect changes in the animal’s physical and biological condition. This can lead to improved

animal health, higher feed efficiency, lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increased

production and lower costs to operators and to society.

The purpose is to attract animals to a specific location periodically throughout the day for at

least five minutes so that emitted gases can be measured at the location without interfering

with an animal’s normal routine. For this purpose, an automated feeder has been developed

which will attract the animals. While the animals are at the station, air is drawn past the

animal’s nose and into a collection pipe. The concentrations are analyzed in the pipe

second-by-second using a non-dispersive infrared analyzer. A flow meter is also used to

measure the pipe flow. In addition, a number of strategies have been implemented to

ensure that a uniform flow measurement and mixed sampling measurement are

obtained. Once the methane concentrations and air flow rates are known, it is possible to

calculate a mass emissions rate from the animal while it is visiting the feeder.

The mass flux of CH4and CO2is calculated by multiplying the measured increase in

concentrations from ambient levels related to the animal, by the measured airflow rate, and

then applying the ideal gas laws. Also, a “capture” rate adjustment factor, as discussed

below, is applied. The correct dimensional conversion factors are also used.

Where:

CR= Capture rate of emissions into collection pipe, determined using the tracer (%)

Δt= Time period over which emissions are measured (1 second)

CH4avg = Average concentrations during the measurement period (%)

CH4bkgrnd = Background concentrations of CH4(%)

Qair = Airflow rate during the measurement period (flow per unit time)

Fc= Dimensional factor

Once the volume of CH4is calculated, the number of CH4molecules per unit time can be

calculated using the ideal gas law. Then, the mass of CH4emitted per unit time can be

calculated by multiplying by the molecular weight of CH4.

With ever-changing wind currents and movement of the animal’s head, it is important to

collect additional data to characterize the “catch” rate of the animal’s breath that is pulled

into the feeder. To do this, multiple techniques have been implemented to help understand

the catch rates and mixing conditions inside the feeder, these techniques include:

- Incorporating a “head” position sensor inside the unit.

- Monitoring the wind speed and direction to ensure 100% capture of emissions

- Including wind-shielding “wings” on the GreenFeed that block wind currents

The aerodynamics of the feeder have also been designed to capture as much of the emitted

gas from the animal as possible under a wide range of environmental conditions. C-Lock has

found that even in 55 km/hour head-on winds, it is possible to capture approximately 70%

of the animal’s breath into the sample pipe.

Figure 1 includes a typical 20-minute snap shot of “Head/Nose Position”, “CH4”, and “CO2”

concentrations from a GreenFeed stand-alone feeder. This data represents a series of

different animals. In the data, it is possible to see each eructation event (typically every

30-45 seconds), the metabolic CO2rates, and CO2spike that is emitted with each associated

eructation.

Figure 1) Typical CH4and CO2Data Obtained from the GreenFeed System

As GreenFeed is used in the field, and data is collected, new potential uses of the data are

even still being discovered. For example, as highlighted in Figure 2, an animal enters the

feeder and does not immediately eructate. However, the concentration of methane

increases a small amount before an eructation occurs. We believe that this increase is

associated with methane expelled through the lungs, which is a normal part of the

physiological process in the animal. It therefore should be possible to estimate the ratio of

lung methane compared to eructated methane.

Once GreenFeed collects the data, the data is automatically processed and the results are

calculated for each animal. A daily report for the herd average and animal specific emissions

is emailed to the user. The user can access the controls for the feeder through a

user-friendly, secure, web-based interface.

Figure 2) Example Data from GreenFeed System, Methane Production, by Source

The GreenFeed system has also been designed so that each animal can be fed a specific

amount of food supplement in a specific time period. In addition, with multiple feeders,

specific animals could be allowed to eat at one feeder and others at a different feeder with

different feed types. Therefore, the animals can be treated differently, and the system is

very flexible for adapting to a specific research program.

1.2. GreenFeed Component Layout

Figure 3 shows the layout of GreenFeed, including the essential components. Note the path

of the animal’s emissions:

1) From the animal muzzle, the air is collected through the feeding dish up through the

primary air filter - where debris and large particles are removed

2) Next it is directed through the pipe past the air flow meter - this sensor is used to

measure the air velocity, represented as Qair in the equation from section 1.1

3) The air continues flowing upward through the fan, which introduces more eddie

currents to ensure a homogenous mixture of the gas.

4) The fan exhausts the air out the outlet, but before exiting, a subsample of the gas is

collected just before the air flow outlet.

5) The subsample is pumped from the fan exhaust down to the bottom of the system,

passing through a secondary filter to remove finer debris, then into the electronics

box, where the sample is processed for gas concentrations.

Figure 3) Sensors and Layout of Included Components in the Stand-Alone GreenFeed

1.3. Assembling GreenFeed

If you opted for a remote-assisted self-installation, then instructions for assembling

GreenFeed vary depending on the particular system type. For walk-through instructions for

your GreenFeed, please visit our playlists at https://videos.c-lockinc.com. There you will find

video playlists for assembling:

●GreenFeed Pasture Trailer Setup

●GreenFeed Free Stall Setup

These videos will walk you through assembling your system from first unpacking it, all the

way to initial power-on. For answers to specific questions, please contact

[email protected].

2. Setting Up GreenFeed

2.1. Selecting a Location for GreenFeed

Picking the location and layout for GreenFeed is crucial to collection valid measurements.

Some considerations include:

1) Ensuring enough airflow in the environment to prevent background gas concentrations

from building up. A closed barn is not an ideal location without ventilation.

2) Preventing animals from gathering around the system, which will also increase the

background concentrations.

3) Allowing only one animal to visit GreenFeed at a time. This requires the use of alleyways

to prevent multiple animals from fitting into the feed area at once.

4) Protecting the back of GreenFeed, as there is important calibration and electrical

equipment that must *not* be accessible by the animals.

5) Allowing enough space in front of GreenFeed to ensure that a ~2 meter alleyway way fit

comfortably in front, allowing a passageway for the animals to approach GreenFeed.

6) Ensuring there is enough space behind GreenFeed for a person to comfortably fit. Much

of the maintenance that must be done on a regular basis requires being behind

GreenFeed.

7) Using sturdy structures to anchor GreenFeed in place.

8) Free-stall GreenFeed setups require a standard AC power outlet (110V or 220V). Please

ensure you have a means of safely running power to the system.

In a common freestall scenario, dedicating one of the stalls would be adequate, as long as

there is ample space to put a 2 meter alleyway in the front.

Figure 4) Dimensions of GreenFeed

2.2. Anchoring GreenFeed

Once a location is selected, GreenFeed must be anchored into place. Some common

techniques include:

1) Using rebar or lead-anchors to secure it firmly to the ground.

2) Using alleyways, fencing, or walls in conjunction with chains or cables to secure the

system.

In a Pasture Trailer, the weight of the trailer will be enough to secure GreenFeed.

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