Smart Sensor, Smarter Production

At ES Canada, we don’t just distribute solutions, we deliver results. When The BE-Hive, a fast-growing vegan food manufacturer in Nashville, Tennessee, needed a smarter way to manage temperature monitoring across their facility, we stepped in along with Icicle Technologies to make it happen. 

Their challenge was clear: too much time spent walking the floor with a temperature gun, and not enough time focused on production. Johnny, their Quality Assurance Manager, was losing 10+ minutes per day just checking temperatures across multiple zones. That’s time that could and should be spent on what matters most: making high-quality vegan products. 

COMPANY PROFILE

The BE-Hive is a fast-growing vegan food manufacturer based in Nashville, Tennessee. Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, the company sought to modernize its temperature monitoring process to improve efficiency and product consistency.

CHALLENGE

• Milesight EM300-TH sensors for temperature and humidity monitoring.
• A LoRaWAN gateway to transmit data wirelessly.
• Integration with Icicle for real-time visibility and alerts.

1. Sensor Deployment 

2. Real-Time Monitoring & Alerts:

• Automated alerts for temperature excursions across critical zones.
• Historical data is searchable and accessible from any computer in the facility.

3. Improved Product Consistency:

• Humidity tracking helps maintain ideal storage conditions.
• Reduced variability in product quality across batches.

TESTIMONIAL

“The initial pilot experience was rather easy on my end. The fact that it had such integration with Icicle was a big selling point for us. I didn’t have to learn a new system or change our workflow, it just worked.What really impressed me was how quickly we saw results. Within days, we had real-time visibility into our temperature zones, and the alerts gave us peace of mind we didn’t have before. It’s one less thing I have to worry about, and it’s freed up time for me and my team to focus on what we do best; making great vegan food.”

CONCLUSION

By partnering with ES Canada, The BE-Hive transformed a time-consuming QA process into a streamlined, automated system. The integration of smart sensors and real-time monitoring not only saved time but also improved product consistency and operational confidence.

This case proves that with the right technology, even small producers can achieve big results.

Why Pegasor’s Number-Based UFP Measurement Solutions Are Essential

By: Mauli Sood

Understanding Ultrafine Particles: Why Measurement Matters

Ultrafine particles (UFPs), typically defined as particles smaller than 0.1 microns (PM0.1), are increasingly recognized for their significant impact on air quality and human health. Traditional mass-based measurement methods such as gravimetric, light scattering, beta attenuation, and TEOM are effective for larger particles (like PM2.5), but often fail to accurately detect or quantify UFPs.

Mass-Based vs. Number-Based Measurements: The Critical Difference

When it comes to monitoring ultrafine particles (UFPs), the method you choose makes all the difference.

• Mass-Based Measurement: Each nanogram of particulate matter is counted equally, regardless of particle size. Although this method works well for general air quality monitoring and regulatory compliance, it usually overlooks the vast numbers of ultrafine particles, which contribute little to total mass.
• Number-Based Measurement: Each particle, regardless of mass or size, is counted equally. This method is essential to UFPs, making it indispensable for applications where understanding exposure to ultrafine particles is critical.

Imagine a particle distribution centered at 190nm. From a mass perspective, this is the median. But when viewed through a number-based lens, the median shifts to 100nm. This shift demonstrates how measurements based on mass and those based on numbers provide rather different information about the same air sample.

In fact, 50% of the total mass can be made up of just 8% of the particles. That means mass based systems can hardly see 92% of the particles, which are primarily ultrafine. Pegasor's technology ensures they are not missed.

Why Does This Matter?

While 50% of the mass may contain over 90% of the particles, the remaining mass is dominated by a small fraction of much larger particles. This means that mass-based methods can miss dramatic changes in UFP number concentration, changes that may have significant implications for health and atmospheric science.

Pegasor: Leading the Way in Number-Based UFP Monitoring

Pegasor’s Unique Approach

Pegasor specializes in advanced number-based measurement solutions, designed specifically to address the limitations of traditional mass-based techniques. Our instruments, such as the Pegasor AQ Urban and Pegasor GHG, provide real-time, high-sensitivity detection of ultrafine particles, delivering both particle number concentration and size distribution data.

How It Works

Pegasor sensors work by charging particles as they pass through the device. The sensor then detects the tiny electric signals from these particles. Think of it like scanning people by the static charge on their clothes instead of weighing them. This makes it incredibly fast, accurate, and ideal for measuring ultrafine particles (UFPs), which traditional methods often lack.

Key Advantages of Pegasor’s Technology

• Real-Time Measurement: Immediate feedback and a response time of less than 0.2 seconds on UFP concentrations and size distributions.
  
  Figure 1: Pegasor Particle Sensor PPS-G2 Operating Principle
  
  
• Broad Size Range: Accurate detection from a few nanometers up to several microns. Determines particle size by measuring electrical mobility, with a consistent fit across various particle types and sizes.
  
  Figure 2: Pegasor Particle Sensor Concentration & Size Distribution Response Time
  
  
• Unbiased Data: Unlike light scattering or extinction-based methods, Pegasor’s technology is not biased toward larger particles. While many sensors struggle with small particles and are more sensitive to larger ones, Pegasor detects particles of all sizes evenly.
  
  Figure 3: Pegasor Particle Sensor Size Determination
  
  
• Portable and Robust: Ideal for both stationary and mobile applications, from urban air quality monitoring to occupational exposure assessment.

Whether you are conducting environmental research, monitoring urban air quality, or assessing occupational exposure, Pegasor’s number-based technology gives you the clarity and precision you need.

Applications

• Urban Air Quality Monitoring
• Industrial Emissions and Workplace Safety
• Vehicle Emissions Testing
• Atmospheric and Climate Research

Why Choose Pegasor?

By choosing Pegasor’s number-based UFP measurement solutions, you gain access to the most comprehensive and actionable data on ultrafine particles available. Our technology empowers researchers, regulators, and industry professionals to:

• Measure particle number concentration and size distribution
• Operate without dilution, preserving sample integrity
• Provide real time data for dynamic environments
• Enable deeper insights into exposure and atmospheric processes

Ready to see what you have been missing?

Discover how Pegasor’s UFP monitoring solutions can transform your understanding of air quality.

Contact us today to speak with an expert or request a demo.

Respirometry is the measurement and interpretation of the biological oxygen consumption rate under well defined experimental conditions. Because oxygen consumption is directly associated with both biomass growth and substrate removal, respirometry is a very useful technique for monitoring, modeling and control of the activated sludge process

The Respirometry technology is a well known since long. But, on the recent years, it has experimented an important step forward by improving its performance by developing different operation modes and also including, besides the oxygen sensor, some complementary sensors to monitor and assess some conditions, such as Temperature, pH, ORP, that could make a critical influence in the organics and nitrogen treatment.

The advanced multipurpose Respirometry systems are able to combine all the measurements in powerful software which, in a relatively simple way, is able to determine a series of fundamental parameters which can lead to some essential applications that no wastewater treatment process should ignore and that represent the vertebral column of its performance. In addition, this advanced respirometry system can also include a special reactor to carry out respirometry tests with moving bed biofilms (for MBBR) or granular biomass.

Download the white paper

By Ayyan Karmakar, Ankur Mehta

DOWNLOAD THE WHITE PAPER

This white paper presents how real-time odour impact assessment can be carried out and how that helps in the effective management of odour complaints. 

Odour is the perception of smell; it may range from being unpleasant (like the rotten smell of garbage) to pleasant (fragrance). Odours, pleasant or unpleasant; are produced by inhaling airborne volatile organic and inorganic compounds. Populations do not generally perceive other common air pollutants, even if the exposure limit concentrations are exceeded. On the contrary, odours can be perceived even at below normal exposure limit concentrations.

Also, due to its subjective nature, the level of odour sensitivity can vary from person to person within the same community. It is therefore very important to measure odour in quantifiable units to be able to control it. Olfactometry is the method of converting human sensory signals of odour perception into measurable values. Usually, a group of people are employed as a human panel for odour detection and assessment.

Although odour sensitivity differs from person to person, at sufficiently high concentrations, odorous compounds can have impacts on human health and well-being. If the offensive odour persists, it generally leads to headache, nausea, stress, anxiety, vomiting, sleep disorder, behavioural changes. Moreover, the odour generating pollutants also cause irritation to eyes, respiratory tract, skin, bronchi, lungs and prolonged exposure can cause serious health issues. People are increasingly complaining about their inability to enjoy their own property and outdoor activities such as gardening, playing outside etc. due to odour nuisance in their neighbourhood. Complaint management of odour impact is crucial for improved odour management and mitigation. Data from real-time odour monitoring provides essential inputs to carry out odour impact analysis which helps in the effective resolution of odour complaints.

DOWNLOAD THE WHITE PAPER

Do you remember the time when Pablo Escobar ruled the exports of Marijuana and Cannabis?

Those times were chaotic. Growing Cannabis was an illegal task in many states. Yet, people always found a way to cultivate Cannabis despite governmental regulations. However, the times have changed now. Growing Cannabis does not require people to struggle as much, as it is now legal to cultivate them in many states. In this blog, we will learn about the growth and certain challenges faced in this industry.

To give you an estimate, there are almost 70 countries that have accepted Cannabis into medicines. Refer to the infographics below to know more about the consumption and growth of the plant.

One of the major problems with the industry is the lack of Air Quality monitoring. There have been numerous concerns related to air pollution from such a facility. Some of these concerns relate to odour and other harmful gaseous emissions.

So, how do we combat this problem? How do we prove that there is harm or no harm around such facilities? Having an Air Quality Monitoring system can help answer a lot of these questions. A number of industries across the world identify various emissions from an industrial plant by using these monitors. It can monitor the air quality on a real-time basis and give out accurate readings of such emissions.

It is important to note that before installing such a monitor, we must first understand what are the various parameters to be monitored. this brings us to a major question – What are the emissions from a CCF? Read more to find out.

What are the emissions from a Cannabis Cultivation Facility (CCF)?

Have you ever walked across the street and caught a whiff of burning tobacco from the smokers on the street? Or even walked across a Chinese food store or your favourite Indian supermarket? You are sure to smell the spices and other items on display. The same follows with a Cannabis Cultivation Facility.

There have been concerns about emissions of odour and other air pollutants in such facilities. Some of them are noxious gaseous substances and even dust.

Some of the emissions that are noted in a Cannabis Cultivation Facility are:

1. VOCs
2. Odour
3. Dust
4. Harmful gaseous substances

VOC

VOCs are short for Volatile Organic Compounds. They are chemical compounds that are released into the air from substances in our homes and even the environment. 

Imagine staying in a room for 24 hours. No windows opened, or ventilation facility. Would the room still smell fresh like it did before you came? Of course, not. As humans, we are also responsible for releasing some of these chemicals, just the way plants and other living organisms do. These get classified into Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds (BVOC). Subsequently, with Cannabis belonging to the Flora species, it is obvious that there will be a release of BVOCs. 

Cannabis belonging to the Flora species, it is obvious that there will be a release of BVOCs. In a study published in the Atmospheric Environment Journal(2020) titled ‘Ambient measurements of monoterpenes near cannabis cultivation facilities in Denver, Colorado’, the authors have done extensive research on a number of` CCFs. It was noted that there was a large quantity of d-limonene (30%), β-myrcene (20%), and α-pinene (15%) being emitted.

It is also important that the BVOC emissions from Cannabis vary in the following aspects:

• Cultivation practices – Indoor/Outdoor
• Stage of plant growth
• Environmental conditions exposed to the plant.

Odour

There is no doubt that exposure to a constant environmental odour can get annoying. It can also affect one’s health. Cannabis growing facilities have on a large scale been seen as a regional odour contributor.

There have been numerous claims that describe the smell around a CCF. Most of them not being very pleasant. In the article mentioned above, an analysis of the chemical property leading to an odour was also done. It was noted that the presence of dimethylsulfide was found in trace amounts. Dimethylsulfide is said to have a strong rotten egg smell. Even though its trace amount was small, the intensity could vary depending on cultivation and environmental factors.

Particulate Matter

We have established that the BVOC emissions are present in the CCF. These VOCs , when released into the atmosphere, they chemically react with other air pollutants to form fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Although such formation of particulate matter is indirect, their accumulation could lead to being harmful to human health and even other vegetation.

Other Harmful Gaseous Emissions

Much like particulate matter, there are many other harmful gaseous substances that can be formulated from the emissions from a CCF. With certain BVOCs interacting in the ambient atmosphere with other air pollutants, it can contribute to the formation of some harmful gaseous air pollutants. Some of them are:

• Ozone (O3)
• Nitrate (NO3)
• Hydroxide (OH)

Even if these emissions are indirect in nature, it is still important to monitor the air quality on a real-time basis. As high concentrations of such gaseous levels might cause a number of health effects.

Benefits of monitoring emissions from CCF

We have now understood the different emissions that occur from a cannabis facility. Would you say that it is important to monitor such emissions? Monitoring the Air Quality in a cannabis facility has a lot of advantages. Read more to find out.

Health implications

It is no secret that being exposed to toxic gases like CO2, OH, and NO3 can cause major health issues. Additionally, Dust particles like PM2.5 and PM10 can also cause problems to our health This is one of the reasons why several health organizations have put out certain standards for safe breathing conditions. For more information, read our blog on WHO on Air Quality. Understanding the various emission levels could help the CCF to improve its best practices in cultivating Cannabis. Subsequently, right precautions can be adopted. This will help the workers and even the neighbours safeguard their health.

Best output for the Cannabis plant growth

You may be wondering how this would impact the growth of cannabis. Having an air quality monitor can help identify the necessary environmental conditions for the growth of the plant. Similarly, It can help you understand the right temperature, humidity and other environmental conditions. This helps you make an informed decision.

Better Governance

Getting accurate data on the various air pollution levels will be helpful in making better decisions in the future. If you have the right amount of data, the government can make an informed decision that would best suit the needs of its people. This also applies to company policies and local governance as well.

Building public confidence

In the information age that we are currently living, people like to be aware of their environment. Thus, having a device like such can help people understand the impact on the environment better. This helps them make an informed decision.

Oizom’s Solution To Cannabis Air Quality Monitoring

Oizom offers a wide range of solutions in this regard. Oizom specialises in monitoring air quality on a real-time basis. As stated earlier, having an Air Quality monitor can help you understand the air quality in and around such a Cannabis Cultivation Facility.

The reason why many states and even industrial zones are opting for installing monitors is so that they can study if a particular area has an air pollution problem. It can even detect hazardous particles in the air that deter from safe breathing. Accordingly, a decision can be made that best suits to combat a particular problem.

Some of Oizom’s Air Quality Monitoring Solutions include the following:

Polludrone

The Polludrone measures all major ambient parameters for air pollution. The Polludrone uses our patented e-breathing sampling technology that offers higher accuracy and near-reference data. Hence, by creating a dense network of data points, the Polludrone is powered to generate hyperlocal pollution data. To know more about Polludrone, click here.

Odosense

One of the major concerns that arise from being in and around a CCF was the odour. Oizom’s Odour Monitoring system can monitor odour and various noxious gases on a real-time basis. You can also monitor meteorological parameters like wind speed, and wind direction by using external modules. The weather modules enable us to trace the odorant dispersion plume and identify the odour source. To know more about Odosense, click here.

Monitoring a Cannabis Facility might be a game-changer, not just for the cultivator, but for a number of people. Because of the limited research conducted on this topic, On-ground ambient monitoring in and around a CCF will be a pioneering guide to the upcoming generations.

Oizom believes in a world where people from all corners have access to clean air. Having an effective and functioning Air quality monitoring system is the first step on that path. 

To know more about Ambient monitoring in and around a Cannabis Cultivation Facility, reach out to us at info[@]es-canada.com

With the deteriorating quality of air in many countries, it is important now more than ever to keep track of the air that we breathe. Maintaining a repository system that tracks the air quality by deploying an accurate and affordable air quality monitoring system on a real-time basis is essential. It can help us to be sure that the air quality we breathe is within acceptable standards.

NEW GUIDELINES BY WHO ON AIR QUALITY

The World Health Organisation has released new guidelines on air quality that is considered safe to breathe. The WHO recommends that average annual readings of small and hazardous airborne particles belonging to the category of PM2.5 should not be more than 5 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3).

It was shocking to note that not a single country managed to meet the standards set by WHO on air quality. In fact, more than 90% of the world’s population has been breathing in polluted air. A recent survey on Air Quality suggests that only 3.4% of the 6,475 cities that were surveyed met the standards set by WHO in 2021.

A revised list of Key pollutants made in 2005 includes: 

• Particulate Matter (PM) – PM10 and PM2.5
• Ozone (O3)
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
• Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

IMPORTANCE OF ACHIEVING THE GUIDELINES

The reason why a lot of scientists and leaders around the world are stressing about maintaining a good quality of air is simple. It affects our health and causes a number of environmental and health issues. Read more about this in our recent blog: Human health risks due to rising air pollution.

Scientists are now claiming that breathing in polluted air reduces life expectancy by 20 months. Children’s lives are shortened by at least a year and a half because of harmful pollutants in the air. An increase in lung damage could permanently stay throughout their adulthood. WHO report on Health and safety measures warns that constant exposure to polluted air can lead to:

• Early-onset of Dementia
• Cancer
• Heart diseases
• Diabetes
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

MEETING THE STANDARDS

A common question that pops with the current times is whether or not meeting such standards is even possible? In other words, is it possible to obtain the WHO guidelines on having 5.0 μg/m3 in our air? 

Scientists and leaders of many countries are optimistic that they can reach such standards set by the WHO. However, it takes a lot of time and effort to improve a country’s air quality. State policies and the execution of such policies will matter a great deal in achieving these goals.

Country specific targets

Canada : The Canadian government estimate that every year in Canada, air pollution is linked to:

• 15,300 premature deaths 
• 2.7 million asthma symptom days 
• 35 million acute respiratory symptom days 

They estimate the socio-economic costs of the health impacts of air pollution in Canada at $120B per year (based on 2016 currency).

Source : https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/air-quality/outdoor-pollution-health.html

India – A recent survey held by IQAir noted that the city that harboured the cleanest air in India exceeded the guidelines set by WHO by at least 3 times the prescribed limit. In India, the governmental policies to reduce air pollution include the National Clean Air Program (NCAP), 2019. This programme aims to cut down pollution levels in more than 100 cities by 20-30% by 2024.

US – The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has incorporated the Clean Air Act 1970 since its establishment. This has helped the US government to reduce the air pollution levels along with keeping up with the economic growth. However, the revised guidelines of WHO on air quality are yet to be met.

Europe – The council of the European Union has made many strides in drafting policies that help reduce air pollution. The improvements made however still do not match the standards set by WHO.

EXPERTS’ OPINIONS ON MEETING THE STANDARDS OF WHO ON AIR QUALITY

Some scientists and experts are optimistic that it is possible to achieve such a feat. For the researchers, these results are a mixed bag. It was stated that air pollution is short-lived and that it dissipates once people reduce traffic and industry. “If we make decisions based on science and informed by data, then this experiment shows that cleaner air for all is achievable,” says Gupta. 

The India Example:

Experts like Sachchida Nand Tripathi in his article explained how the guidelines set by the WHO on air quality do not legally bind in India. He stated that “Critical first step is to conduct nationwide epidemiological studies and gather expansive raw health data on air pollution as a risk factor. Without this, it would be difficult to get a picture of just how many Indians, regardless of age, gender and occupation, are suffering under bad air”

The China Example:

Another example of such is that of China. China had taken spots in the top 14 polluted spaces for a long time. It has improved its position by climbing down to the 22nd spot in recent years. This shows us that policies and active execution by the state and industries could help reduce pollution levels. They focused on monitoring air continuously and seeing what affects its quality. This helps them to make decisions that best suit their targets.

ROLE OF AIR QUALITY MONITORING SYSTEMS IN ACHIEVING CLEAN AIR

In order to check if the WHO standards are met, a number of Smart cities, Industrial areas, and even smart campuses have invested in a real-time monitoring Air quality system. This helps to notify the authorities of any kind of hazardous particles in the air, dust, and even any particle-specific component.

How does having an air quality monitoring system even help in maintaining a safe medium with the standards of WHO on air quality?

The reason why many states and even industrial zones are opting for installing monitors is so that they can study if a particular area has an air pollution problem. It can even detect hazardous particles in the air that deter from safe breathing. Accordingly, a decision can be made that best suits to combat a particular problem. This further can help the stakeholders accomplish the targets set by WHO.

Written By : Saipriya Velur (Oizom)

Published On April 4, 2022