Abstract: System and method for monitoring of environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity and pressure, inside a granulated material pile, particularly piles of fertilizer, at production and storage sites. Environmental condition detectors in a plurality of first housing segments are spaced apart within the pile by intermediate elongate second housing segments to form an elongate columnar housing which extends within the pile. Data can be transmitted through electrical cables or by radio frequency transmitted data. The conditions at various levels adjacent each first housing segment can be monitored and correlated with the aging of the pile until the pile reaches grade. The data may be displayed and processed to correlate and profile the data for signs of pile set.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a dust content in a sample of granules includes an elongate vertically oriented generally cylindrical hollow tower with a bottom portion, an intermediate portion and a top portion adapted to detachably engage the intermediate portion. The bottom portion further includes collection means for collecting the granules processed through the tower. Air is recirculated through the apparatus using air recirculation means such as a blower/vacuum device. A series of valves and pressure sensing gauges for regulating and controlling the air flow are installed within the recirculation path. The tower intermediate portion further includes a plurality of horizontally oriented grates, each grate being secured in a predetermined space apart relationship. A filter is used between the top portion and the intermediate portion to trap dust blown from the granules as the granules are dropping through the grates.