GSI and BinTech says their new Binspector-CO2 bin monitor will help growers detect grain spoilage early before thousands of dollars of damage have occurred.

The Binspector-CO2 monitors a grain bin for the presence of carbon dioxide. It will send a text message, voice mail or e-mail through a wireless communications service when problems are detected.

Spoilage in grain from molds or insects will generate heat and carbon dioxide. Unlike heat that stays isolated in the spoiled area, carbon dioxide quickly rises to the surface and into the headspace of the bin. A Binspector hanging in the headspace will detect the first whiffs of carbon dioxide. Heat-sensing monitors do not detect spoilage problems until considerably more grain damage has occurred, the companies say.

The special monitor also benefits workers, because when a monitor is used, they do not need to climb up on bins to physically check grain conditions.

The Binspector monitors temperature and relative humidity in addition to carbon dioxide. Growers may access all the data from a Binspector through an Internet-connected computer.

The Binspector is easily installed on the ceiling of a bin. The sensor is encased in a protective housing than includes a dust filter to exclude dust from air samples. A solar panel powers the Binspector, eliminating the need for a power cord.

List price of Binspector is $10,500, with the first two years of Web access and warning alerts included. For more information, call GSI at 888/474-2567 or visit www.gsiag.com.