CN111233525B

CN111233525B - Method for producing biologically active organic products from food and feed production side streams

Info

Publication number: CN111233525B
Application number: CN201910117827.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: T·皮拉; P·劳卢马
Original assignee: Ikluson
Current assignee: Ikluson
Priority date: 2018-11-29
Filing date: 2019-02-15
Publication date: 2024-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2039-02-15
Also published as: CN210885845U; CN111233525A; WO2020109661A1; FI20186018A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to treating a food and/or feed production side stream, and more particularly to a method of producing a bioactive organic product from the food and/or feed production side stream. The present disclosure also relates to an apparatus for treating biomass from a food and/or feed production side stream.

Description

Method for producing biologically active organic products from food and feed production side streams

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to processing food and/or feed production side streams, and more particularly to a method of producing bioactive organic products from the food and/or feed production side streams. The present disclosure also relates to an apparatus for treating biomass from a food and/or feed production side stream.

Background

Industrial processing of raw materials in the food and feed production industry produces large amounts of by-products, which constitutes a serious disposal problem, as they often occur seasonally and are prone to microbial decay. For example, food and feed production and industry produce several so-called sidestream streams in addition to their major products. Problems associated with untreated and unprocessed biomass, such as food and/or feed production side streams, are increasingly threatening to the environment and especially to clean water. If the side stream is discarded, it is treated as waste, which creates environmental burden and disposal costs. The restrictions regarding incineration and landfill disposal of biodegradable and other organic waste are becoming ever more stringent. It is therefore important to acknowledge the potential of sidestream and develop methods to exploit them. In addition, the waste gases produced in food and feed production and industrial processes require efficient treatment methods.

There are also disadvantages and risks due to digestion of sludge or waste liquid, for example in biogas production. In practice biogas production is always a centralized solution. Composting has high operating costs and long processing times, and requires the use of organic or inert supports. Composting is always a centralized solution on a commercial scale. Incineration of energy production is limited by regulations; this is an expensive solution due to high operating costs and investments. Indeed, landfills are not alternatives in many countries; disposal of biological waste at landfills is a significant environmental threat.

Attempts have been made to treat organic materials. Patent publication EP 2919900B1 discloses a method and an apparatus for treating organic waste. However, the existing methods and devices only partially provide a satisfactory solution. There remains a need to provide an improved method in which ventilation is improved in particular.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus that at least partially overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. The object of the present disclosure is achieved by a new and improved method and apparatus, characterized by what is stated in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed in the dependent claims. The present disclosure is based on the idea of producing bioactive organic end products from food and/or feed production side streams. The method and apparatus are implemented at a food and/or feed production site, providing raw materials from the production process directly to the method according to the present disclosure. Transferring feedstock, i.e., biomass, directly from the food and/or feed production process into the methods of the present disclosure minimizes the risk of any contaminating or spontaneous anaerobic microbial processes.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for producing a biologically active organic product from a food and/or feed production side stream, wherein the process comprises providing biomass derived from the food and/or feed production side stream comprising 2-45% (dry weight) crude protein, at least 10% (dry weight) carbohydrate, at least 2% (dry weight) lipid (fat), at most 75% (dry weight) total fibre, wherein at most 15% (dry weight) of the fibre is lignin and the moisture content is at least 30-85%, and providing a device for treating biomass, the device comprising: a vessel having an inlet for supplying biomass to the vessel and having an outlet for discharging treated biomass in the form of bioactive organic products from the vessel; and optionally a buffer tank for storing biomass prior to the biomass being fed to the vessel, feeding biomass to the vessel through a buffer tank inlet or optionally to a buffer tank, optionally moving biomass gradually from the buffer tank into the vessel, moving biomass on at least one support structure in the vessel to an outlet of the vessel, feeding gas into the vessel through at least two aeration blowers and directing the gas into the biomass carried on at least one support structure, at least partially recovering treated biomass in the form of bioactive organic products from the vessel through at least one hollow conduit means, recycling at least part of the gas as recycle gas into the biomass, and discharging off-gas from the vessel through a gas discharge means.

According to one embodiment, the method comprises a temperature of the biomass originating from the food and/or feed production side stream of 10 to 80 ℃, preferably 30 to 50 ℃.

According to one embodiment, the biomass from the food and/or feed production side stream comprises soybeans, almonds, hemp, mushrooms, sesame, oats, nuts, quinoa, hazelnuts, tapioca, fava beans and/or seaweed, or a combination thereof, or a suitable mixture of these.

According to one embodiment, the method comprises introducing gas into the biomass through a conduit means to supply gas into the biomass, the conduit means being hollow and comprising holes along the conduit means.

According to one embodiment, the method comprises moving biomass on at least one support structure in the vessel from the at least one support structure to another at least one support structure in a direction from an inlet to an outlet of the vessel to at least partially prevent incoming biomass from mixing with biomass present in the vessel and moving and tumbling biomass on the at least one support structure, wherein the moving means comprises one or more blades having different blade angles on each support structure, and wherein the moving means moves biomass from a center of the support structure to an edge of the support structure or from an edge of the support structure to a center of the support structure.

According to one embodiment, the method comprises the blade comprising a rough or uneven surface.

According to one embodiment, the method comprises directing gas into biomass carried on at least one support structure through at least one conduit means protruding from the at least one support structure.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises removing moisture from the exhaust gas.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises adding a catalyst comprising carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) Is directed to a planting system, such as a cultivation bed, a covered cultivation bed, an overhead bed, a greenhouse, a growing tunnel or plant wall, or into the soil.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of monitoring the temperature, pH, oxygen concentration, methane concentration, ammonia concentration, relative humidity, volatile fatty acids, hydrogen sulfide and/or microbial activity of the method.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus for treating biomass from a food and/or feed production side stream, wherein the apparatus comprises a vessel for treating a food and/or feed production side stream, an inlet for feeding biomass into the vessel, an outlet for discharging treated biomass in the form of a biologically active organic product from the vessel, optionally a buffer tank having a buffer tank inlet, support means comprising at least one support structure for carrying biomass in the vessel, moving means for moving biomass on at least one support structure in the vessel to the outlet of the vessel, supply means for supplying gas into the vessel by at least two aeration blowers and configured to direct gas into the biomass on the at least one support structure, gas discharge means for discharging off-gas, gas recycling means for recycling at least part of the gas into the biomass, and recovery means for recovering treated biomass in the form of biologically active organic product from the vessel.

According to one embodiment, the moving means on at least one support structure in the vessel is configured to move biomass fed to the vessel via the inlet from the at least one support structure to another at least one support structure in a direction from the inlet to the outlet of the vessel to at least partially prevent incoming biomass from mixing with biomass present in the vessel, and the moving means is simultaneously configured to move and flip biomass on the at least one support structure and to move biomass from the centre of the support structure to the edge of the support structure or from the edge of the support structure to the centre of the support structure, and the moving means comprises one or more blades with different blade angles on each support structure, wherein the blades comprise a rough or bumpy surface.

According to one embodiment, the supply device comprises at least one conduit device protruding from the at least one support structure, wherein the conduit device is hollow and comprises a hole along the conduit device.

According to one embodiment, the device further comprises condensing means for removing moisture from the exhaust gases.

According to one embodiment, the device further comprises means for at least partially directing the exhaust gas back to the vessel as recycle gas.

According to one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a device for converting a gas comprising carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) Such as a cultivation bed, a covered cultivation bed, an overhead bed, a greenhouse, a growing tunnel or plant wall, or into the soil.

One aspect of the present disclosure is the use of a device according to the present disclosure for treating biomass from a food and/or feed production side stream.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is the use of a method according to the present disclosure for treating biomass from a food and/or feed production side stream.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is the use of the bioactive organic product obtained by the methods of the present disclosure as a soil amendment, feed, nutrient or bioactive agent source.

The present inventors have surprisingly developed a novel method for treating food and/or feed production side streams using an improved bioreactor. The present disclosure provides a solution that converts food and/or feed production side streams into valuable bioactive organic end products. In particular, the present methods and apparatus can be used to treat wet and water-carrying substances and side streams that would rapidly decompose if untreated and accumulate in large amounts. Soybean curd refuse (SCR, okara) is a by-product of soybean refining, creating significant annual waste problems. The untreated okara is used only as food or feed. Despite its high nutrient content, it is now considered waste, which is inefficient or is mainly incinerated and transferred to landfills. Handling okara in a decentralized production model is currently not profitable. Utilizing okara by using conventional methods requires an energy inefficient drying process and expensive okara removal. In addition, the sensitivity to contamination prevents the use of okara as feed and in food processing. Disposal is often the only option due to transportation costs, disposal costs and energy inefficiency in refining. 2800000 tons of okara are produced, for example, in China, 2010. Drying of okara is problematic because water is embedded in the structure. The same problem relates to the drying of okara sludge, as problems can arise due to the decomposition of large amounts of water in the sludge.

One advantage of the present method and apparatus is that a nutritionally safe and pathogen free bioactive organic end product is obtained. Another advantage is the reduced volume of raw biomass. Further advantages are that the disclosed method reduces disposal costs by reducing gate fees, reduces transportation costs for waste management, reduces methane emissions and other environmental pollutants and enables decentralized waste disposal on site as a fixed part of the production process. Recovery and reuse of valuable nutrients for reuse is essential to the sufficiency of global food production.

The present disclosure proposes an aerobic process in which microorganisms decompose food and/or feed production side streams, such as okara, under optimized conditions and without additives. If biomass (e.g. okara) originating from the side stream of food and/or feed production is fed directly from the process into the present bioreactor, the fed biomass is hygienic. After potential transportation, the okara is hygienic at elevated temperatures, losing about 50-70% of its mass. The process produces water and carbon dioxide and a finished product with all valuable organic and non-organic nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphate, potassium). Thus, nutrients released from the food and/or feed production side stream are recovered and recycled as biologically active organic products. The bioactive organic end product can be used as, for example, an organic fertilizer. The apparatus of the present disclosure may be placed in the field where biomass is produced.

Drawings

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in more detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Fig. 1 shows a flow chart of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 shows a flow chart of a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 shows a flow chart of a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 shows a flow chart of a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a flow chart example of a biomass treatment process optimized for okara.

FIG. 8 shows a) the degradation of biomass by aerobic microbiological treatment in example 1, and b) a typical temperature profile of a biomass composting process.

Fig. 9 shows a flowchart of a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 shows a flowchart of an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Next, a method for producing a bioactive organic end product from a food and/or feed production side stream and some preferred embodiments thereof are described in more detail by referring to the accompanying drawings.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms used have meanings commonly used in the art, such as in the fields of biomass processing, and microbiology. However, some terms may be used to describe in a slightly different manner and some terms benefit from additional explanation.

The term "biomass derived from a food and/or feed production side stream" refers herein to a material derived from a "food and/or feed production side stream" or a material derived from a "food and/or feed industry side stream" comprising 2 to 2-45% (DM = dry weight) of crude protein, a minimum of 10% (dry weight) of carbohydrates, a minimum of 2% (dry weight) of lipids (fat), a maximum of 75% (dry weight) of total fibers, wherein a maximum of 15% (dry weight) of total fibers is lignin and a moisture content of a minimum of 30-85%. Preferably the carbohydrate is a readily degradable carbohydrate, such as sugar and starch. The biomass may include any food and/or feed production and industrial sidestream products that meet the above-described crude protein, carbohydrate, lipid, fiber and moisture content criteria. Examples of such food and/or feed production side streams are biomass from processed soybeans, almonds, hemp, mushrooms, sesame, oats, nuts, quinoa, hazelnuts, fava beans, tapioca and/or seaweed and any mixtures meeting the above crude protein, carbohydrate, lipid, fiber and moisture content criteria. The seaweed may be, for example, seaweed. Pyropia yezoensis, ulva seed, ascophyllum nodosum. The biomass may include, for example, soy curd refuse (SCR, also known as okara) from soybeans. Biomass from almond processing may include, for example, biomass from almond hulls or almond shells.

The term "bioactive organic end product" refers to a nutrient-rich product obtained from the food and/or feed production side stream. Nutrient-rich product refers to a product that contains the primary nutrients available to the plant but additionally contains other useful nutrients such as carbon for the microorganisms in the culture zone.

The term "sidestream" refers to byproducts from industrial processing or from production prior to industrial processes, such as fish production, fishery, agriculture, plant production, mushroom production, seaweed production. In particular, industrial processing of plant-derived raw materials produces a large amount of by-products. These byproducts can constitute serious disposal problems because they often occur seasonally and are prone to microbial decay. On the other hand, they are a rich source of valuable compounds, such as secondary plant metabolites and cell wall materials, which can be recovered and used for functional foods and replace synthetic additives with components of natural origin.

The term "bioreactor" or "apparatus for treating biomass from a food and/or feed production side stream" refers to a cylindrical vertically mounted vessel of the present disclosure. The bioreactor preferably comprises 4 to 10 support structures or levels. The amount of support structure is determined based on the estimate of residence time, biodegradation efficiency and reactor capacity at each level. Biomass enters the first (i.e., highest) support structure from the top of the vessel through an opening near the vessel wall. The mixing arm is mounted on the rotating shaft and is equipped with a plurality of mixing blades that move inside the biomass. The rotation of the shaft and thus the movement of the blades moves the material towards the centre of the reactor. When the material reaches the centre of the reactor it descends through the opening around the shaft to the second layer. The same movement pattern occurs in the second layer but towards the wall of the reactor where there are openings through which the biomass descends again to the next layer. The residence time is different for each level. Microbial activity varies at each level and there is a constant mass loss of biomass due to the shift in microbial activity.

In addition to the bioreactor vessel, the device also comprises a ventilation blower, an exhaust gas blower, an electric motor for mixing, an end product conveyor, an exhaust gas treatment unit and possibly a feed system or a biomass pretreatment system. If the biomass cannot be fed to the bioreactor by gravity, the biomass is fed to the reactor using a suitable conveying device (e.g., belt, screw, or pneumatic).

The term "microorganism" refers to any microorganism capable of decomposing biomass or food and/or feed production side streams. These microorganisms include bacteria and radiobacteria (actinomycetes) (and fungi) suitable for aerobic microbial decomposition of organic substances. The onset of aerobic decomposition is ensured by inoculating each type of biomass with a suitable decomposing microorganism. The method of inoculating a microorganism includes adding the microorganism. Microorganisms are present in the container and after the first inoculation at the beginning of the process, no subsequent inoculation is required in the process. One skilled in the art can determine suitable microorganisms for use in the present invention based on the type of biomass. The method may include the step of monitoring the microbial activity of the process. No organic or inert support, such as lignin, is required in the present process.

The following detailed description relates to embodiments of the present disclosure. The presently disclosed embodiments are considered in all respects to be illustrative only and not limiting the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a biologically active organic product from a food and/or feed production side stream, wherein the method comprises providing biomass 1 derived from the food and/or feed production side stream comprising 2-45% (dry weight) crude protein, at least 10% (dry weight) carbohydrate, at least 2% (dry weight) lipid (fat), at most 75% (dry weight) total fiber, wherein at most 15% (dry weight) of the fiber is lignin and the moisture content is at least 30-85%, providing a device for treating biomass 1, the device comprising: a vessel 3 having an inlet 4 for feeding biomass 1 to the vessel 3 and having an outlet 5 for discharging treated biomass in the form of bioactive organic products 6 from the vessel 3; and optionally a buffer tank 33 for storing biomass 1 before biomass 1 is fed to the vessel 3, feeding biomass 1 from a food and/or feed production process to the vessel 3 through a buffer tank inlet 34 or optionally to the buffer tank 33, optionally moving biomass gradually from the buffer tank 33 into the vessel 3, moving biomass 1 on at least one support structure 8 in the vessel 3 to an outlet 5 of the vessel 3, feeding gas 12 into the vessel 3 through at least two aeration blowers 37 and guiding gas 12 into biomass 1 carried on at least one support structure 8 through at least one conduit means 15, at least partially recovering treated biomass in the form of bioactive organic products 6 from the vessel 3, recirculating at least part of gas 12 as recycle gas 46 into biomass 1, and discharging off-gas 17 from the vessel 3 through a gas discharge means 16.

The temperature of the biomass 1 feed, i.e. the biomass 1 originating from the food and/or feed production side stream, is 10 to 80 ℃, preferably 30 to 50 ℃, e.g. 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 or 80 ℃. In case the biomass 1 is fed directly from the food or feed production process to the bioreactor, i.e. the container 3 or the buffer tank 33, the temperature is preferably 70 ℃.

Biomass 1 from the food and/or feed production side stream may comprise material derived from soy, almond, hemp, lentils, sesame, oat, nuts, quinoa, hazelnuts, broad beans, tapioca and/or seaweed or suitable mixtures thereof. Biomass 1 may comprise any food and/or feed production side stream that meets the criteria of comprising 2-45% (dry weight) crude protein, at least 10% (dry weight) carbohydrate, at least 2% (dry weight) lipid (fat), at most 75% (dry weight) total fiber, wherein at most 15% (dry weight) of the fiber is lignin and the moisture content is at least 30-85%.

Biomass 1 may comprise 2-45% (dry weight) of crude protein, e.g. 5-40%,10-35% or 15-30%, e.g. 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 or 40% (dry weight) of crude protein; at least 10% (dry weight) of carbohydrates, for example 15, 20 or 25% (dry weight) of carbohydrates; at least 2% (dry weight) of lipid, for example 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25% (dry weight) of lipid; up to 75% (dry weight) of total fiber, e.g. 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 or 70% (dry weight) of total fiber, wherein up to 15% (dry weight) is lignin, e.g. 5, 10 or 12% (dry weight), and the moisture content is at least 30-85%, e.g. 40, 50, 60, 70 or 80%.

Preferably, the method comprises continuously feeding biomass 1 from food and/or feed production into a buffer tank 33 or vessel 3.

The container 3 preferably comprises 4 to 10 support structures 8 or levels, for example 4,5,6,7,8,9 or 10 support structures 8. The number of support structures 8 is determined based on the estimate of residence time, biodegradation efficiency and reactor capacity at each level. Biomass 1 enters the first (i.e. highest) support structure 8 from the top of the vessel 3 through an opening near the wall of the vessel 3. The mixing arm is mounted on a rotating shaft and is equipped with a plurality of mixing blades 32 moving inside the biomass 1. The rotation of the shaft and thus the movement of the blades 32 moves the biomass 1 towards the centre of the vessel 3. When the biomass 1 reaches the centre of the vessel 3, it descends onto the second support structure through the opening around the shaft. The same movement pattern occurs on the second support structure 8 but towards the wall of the container 3, where there is an opening through which the biomass 1 is again lowered to the next support structure 8 or level. The residence time of each support structure 8 is different. The microbial activity varies on each support structure 8 and there is a constant mass loss of biomass 1 due to the shift in microbial activity.

Using a vessel 3 comprising at least one or more support structures 8 and moving means 10, biomass 1 fed into the vessel 3 via an inlet 4 is moved from one support structure 8 to another support structure 8 in a direction from the inlet 4 to an outlet 5 to at least partially prevent the incoming biomass 1 from mixing with biomass 1 present in the vessel 3.

Preferably, moving the biomass 1 over at least one support structure 8 in the vessel 3 comprises moving the biomass 1 from the at least one support structure 8 to another at least one support structure 8 in a direction from the inlet 4 to the outlet 5 of the vessel 3 to at least partially prevent the incoming biomass 1 from mixing with the biomass 1 present in the vessel 3 and moving and turning the biomass 1 over the at least one support structure 8, wherein the moving means 10 comprises one or more blades 32 having different blade angles on each support structure 8, and wherein the moving means 10 moves the biomass 1 from the center of the support structure 8 to the edge of the support structure 8 or from the edge of the support structure 8 to the center of the support structure 8.

Preferably, directing the gas 12 into the biomass 1 carried on the at least one support structure 8 comprises directing the gas 12 through at least one conduit means 15 protruding from the at least one support structure 8. The conduit means 15 protruding from the support structure 8 is preferably hollow and comprises holes 35 along the conduit means 15. The size of the holes 35 is 1 to 4mm in diameter, for example 1,2,3 or 4mm in diameter, preferably 3mm or less than 3mm. Preferably, the holes 15 are positioned such that when the height of the biomass 1 on each support structure 8 is high, there are holes 35 along the entire conduit means 15. When the height of the biomass 1 is low, the holes 35 are preferably located in the lower part of the pipe arrangement 15. Proper aeration of biomass 1 is important to the present process, i.e. successful aerobic microbial degradation of biomass 1 from the food and/or feed production side stream. A gas 12, such as air, oxygen or ozone, is fed into the biomass 1 through a conduit means 15, i.e. a ventilation conduit on each support structure 8. Openings or holes 35 along the duct means 15 or ventilation duct are positioned to ensure an even distribution of the gas 12 on each support structure 8. The formation of anaerobic pockets inside the biomass 1 is prevented using efficient aeration, i.e. the guiding of gas 12 inside the biomass 1. Even though the amount of ventilation tubing may vary, there are multiple ventilation tubes per level. Typically, a high level requires a large portion of air, while less below the midline, so the high level may have more ventilation ducts. The lowest level is used to ensure that the material is sufficiently dry as it leaves the reactor, so there are preferably more aeration tubes on the lowest support structure 8 than on other lower levels. At least two aeration blowers 37 are used in the process because at least two blowers 37 provide more flexibility to direct air where it is most needed. Preferably, the ventilation duct system is further provided with a shut-off valve at each level. The shut-off valve is closed when there is no material on the level or if for some reason no ventilation of the level is recommended. During normal operation, all shut-off valves are fully open. Preferably, aeration of biomass 1 is performed using a slight vacuum or a slight overpressure.

As biomass 1 moves through the reactor, it is degraded by the different aerobic bacteria. Bacterial inoculation is performed in the first stage at start-up to introduce the correct type of bacteria into the reactor. Prior to the start-up of the new bioreactor process, seed material is produced exclusively for the biomass 1 material to be treated and fed to the reactor together with the first batch of biomass 1 to be treated.

When biomass 1 is fed to the top of the reactor, bacteria begin to decompose the material in the presence of oxygen. Unlike traditional composting, the process does not require a support material such as lignin. However, the seed material is fed together with the first batch of biomass 1. In the reactor, aerobic bacteria decompose biomass 1 and produce carbon dioxide, water and heat. Carbon dioxide is discharged from the reactor as exhaust gas 17 together with water vapor and can be used as CO in a greenhouse or field at best ₂ And (5) a fertilizer. When bacteria degrade biomass 1, they release a considerable amount of heat, which results in evaporation of existing water and water from bacterial metabolism. Thus, no liquid water is removed from the process. The temperature of the biomass 1 in the reactor is controlled by adding a water spray if necessary. The cooling water must be colder than the biomass 1, but the most important cooling effect is provided by the evaporation of the cooling water, since evaporation requires a large amount of energy (heat).

Each support structure 8 comprises a specific microbiological content. During maintenance cleaning of the equipment, microbiota from each support structure is collected and recovered and stored at freezing temperatures. Service cleaning may be performed, for example using pneumatic air, ozone treatment or steam.

As the biomass 1 moves towards the bottom of the reactor, it passes through the different microbiological stages. If the mixed biomass 1 is treated, the temperature in the mass reaches a level where thermophilic bacteria thrive. The high temperature provides sanitation of the substance by killing pathogens. It may be more advantageous to maintain the temperature at a fairly low level in the range where mesophilic bacteria thrive if byproducts of the food production process are being treated which contain a significant amount of nitrogen. Even if the high temperature is reached by thermophilic bacterial degradation at the beginning of the process, the temperature at the end of the process is within the mesophilic temperature range.

Optionally, an engine 49 drive for mixing biomass 1 is used in the method.

Optionally, a surge tank 33 is included in the apparatus to ensure a continuous process.

Biomass 1 is fed by gravity into vessel 3 or optionally into buffer tank 33, or is conveyed using a suitable conveying device (e.g. belt, screw or pneumatic). Any transfer means known in the art for feeding biomass 1 into vessel 3 or buffer tank 33 may be used.

The method further comprises a recovery step of at least partially recovering the bioactive organic product 6 discharged via the outlet 5.

The biomass 1 may be moved using a blade 32 adjusted to a moving arm. Preferably, the biomass 1 is moved using an adjustable movement device 10. The arm assemblies may be supported on a common central shaft that rotates and rotates the arms and wings therewith. The moving means 10 simultaneously move and turn the biomass 1 on the support structure 8. The central shaft preferably rotates at a constant speed. Preferably, the moving means comprises one or more blades 32. The blades 32 in the moving device 10 preferably have different blade angles on each support structure 8. The moving means 10 move the biomass 1 to a desired direction at a desired speed, preferably a constant speed. Preferably, the moving means 10 move the biomass 1 from the centre of the support structure to the edge of the support structure 8 and/or from the edge of the support structure 8 to the centre of the support structure 8. A moving device 10, such as a blade 32, transfers biomass 1a from one support structure 8 to the next support structure 8.

In one embodiment, the blade 32 has a rough or uneven surface. In a preferred embodiment, the vanes 32 are unevenly positioned on each support structure.

Preferably, no blade 32 is located in the center of each support structure, i.e., near the central axis. In other words, the area near the central axis is free of the vanes 32.

The shape of the blade 32 is such that the end of the blade 32 is curved and has a hooked tip. The blade angle is adjustable. Preferably, the blades can be adjusted using a remote control and an optical eye that monitors the biomass 1 in the vessel 3.

At least two blowers 37 are required to supply the gas 12 and to meet the air requirements. Using the control device 50, the air blowing amount can be optimized on each support structure 8.

In one embodiment, the gas 12 is air, oxygen, or ozone, or a combination thereof. The amount of gas 12 supplied to the device should be as low as possible (still sufficient for active aerobic degradation, cooling and drying) because the lower velocity makes it easier for bacteria to "grab" the air. The amount of air supplied to the reactor was, for example, 300m ³ /h to 700m ³ And/h. The ventilation blower 37 which is fed to the upper section should preferably have a larger capacity than the ventilation blower 37 which is fed to the lower section, but this should be determined by calculation.

The method further comprises at least one pretreatment step for treating the biomass 1 to be fed into the vessel 3, or at least one further treatment step, wherein the pretreatment step or treatment step is selected from the group consisting of comminuting the biomass 1, heating the biomass 1, cooling the biomass 1, adding water to the biomass 1, ozone treating the biomass 1 and oxygen-enriched biomass 1.

If the biomass 1 has started to decompose or rot, an ozone treatment or oxygen enrichment can be performed. If the feed is too dry, water may be added to the biomass 1 as feed.

The exhaust gas 17 generated in the process is discharged from the container 3 via a gas discharge device 16 (e.g., an exhaust blower 39).

The exhaust 17 passes through an exhaust treatment unit 40 before being discharged to the surroundings. The exhaust treatment unit 40 includes at least one of: an ammonia scrubber 36, a heat exchanger 48 and a filter 28. The purpose of the ammonia scrubber 36 is to capture ammonia escaping from the process. Ammonia reacts with sulfuric acid to form ammonium sulfate, which can be used as an inorganic nitrogen fertilizer after proper pretreatment. After the ammonia scrubber 36, the exhaust gas will be directed through a filter that removes any solid particles that may have been entrained, as well as possible odors. After the exhaust gas treatment unit 40, the gas is safe for nature and humans and can be freely discharged.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the gas 12 is recycled back to the apparatus as recycle gas 46. Preferably 0-100% of the gas 12 or off-gas 17 is recycled back to the vessel 3, preferably the gas is directed to the bottom of the vessel 3. Ammonia may be removed from the gas 12 and further used as fertilizer. The gas 12 may be filtered and the end product may be used as fertilizer. Preferably, the gas 12 can be used directly as fertilizer.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises removing moisture from the exhaust 17.

In one embodiment of the method, at least a portion of the off-gas 17 is directed back to the vessel 3. For example, 0-100% of the exhaust gases 17 are recycled back to the bottom of the vessel 3. The exhaust gas 17 comprises carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) But may also contain other substances such as nitrogen.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises adding a catalyst comprising carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) Is directed to a planting system 41, such as a cultivation bed, a covered cultivation bed, an overhead bed, a greenhouse, a growing tunnel or plant wall, or into the soil as carbon dioxide fertilizer.

In one embodiment, the waste gas 17 to be used as fertilizer, preferably the waste gas 17 enriched with carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen, is led directly into the soil through a pipe system. The plumbing system may include a drain pipe or a corresponding drain pipe. The waste gas 17 containing nitrogen is beneficial to nitrogen-fixing organisms present in the soil. In other words, the soil may act as an exhaust 17 filter.

In one embodiment, the treated biomass in the form of bioactive organic product 6 is discharged from vessel 3 via end product conveyor 38.

The biologically active organic end product 6 of the process is a solid dry substance withdrawn from the bottom of the reactor vessel 3. Typically, a suitable method for extracting the end product is conveyed by a screw or belt conveyor. The biologically active organic end product 6 contains all of the potassium and phosphorus contained in the initial organic side stream and most of the nitrogen. For example, the final okara-treated product contains very high levels of potassium and phosphorus, as these elements are abundant in soybeans, which are processed to produce okara.

In continuous single-crop plant cultivation, i.e. the continuous growth of a crop, where the plant parts do not return to the soil, the soil population is narrowed and its number is reduced compared to the productive normal soil population. Therefore, cultivated plants cannot utilize the nutrient components of the soil minerals because the fertility promoting components are low in the soil. The problem eventually leads to cultivation, including several harvests within a year. Furthermore, in tropical areas where the evaporation amount is large, the continuous use of inorganic brine fertilizers leads to the formation of saline soil, which makes the land unsuitable for cultivation.

The bioactive organic products of the present disclosure contain high concentrations of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and include a partially rapidly soluble form of the nutrients that can enter the plant immediately after diffusion to the field. Part of nutrients are slowly dissolved, and organic components in the bioactive organic products can recover microorganisms and promote the residual organic substances on the top layer of the soil.

The method may include the step of controlling or monitoring the process. Several parameters may be monitored. These include the temperature of the various parts of the reactor as well as the temperature, the oxygen, methane and ammonia concentrations and the relative humidity of the exhaust gases. These parameters are used as indicators of process performance and help to regulate, for example, the supply air flow. An indication of insufficient aeration is, for example, too low a temperature in the reactor and the presence of methane in the exhaust gas 12. In addition, the pH, relative humidity, volatile Fatty Acids (VFA) and hydrogen sulfide and/or microbial activity in the exhaust 12 may be monitored. Volatile fatty acids and hydrogen sulfide are formed at the beginning of anaerobic decomposition.

For ammonia, a large amount of nitrogen leaves the process, and thus the ammonia content of the final product is reduced. This is not an ideal phenomenon and process optimization must be performed to minimize ammonia evaporation. The release of ammonia from biomass 1, such as okara, is due to the fact that it contains a large amount of nitrogen, which in turn leads to rapid degradation in the presence of oxygen. Rapid degradation releases a large amount of heat. Ammonia is the most volatile at high temperatures and high pH, so it would be beneficial to keep the temperature quite low. Preferably, the reactor is operated without insulation.

The sampling, analysis and recording of the process is performed by taking samples from different stages during start-up and operation. For example, the moisture content of the biomass 1 at the different stages is detected as well as its appearance, smell, color and other parameters.

According to one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for treating biomass 1 from a food and/or feed production side stream as shown in fig. 1, comprising a vessel 3 for treating biomass 1 from a food and/or feed production side stream, an inlet 4 for feeding biomass 1 into said vessel 3, an outlet 5 for discharging treated biomass in the form of a biologically active organic product 6 from the vessel 3, support means 7 comprising at least one support structure 8 for carrying biomass 1 in said vessel 3, moving means 10 for moving biomass 1 on at least one support structure 8 in said vessel 3, supply means 11 for supplying gas 12 into the vessel 3 by means of at least two aeration blowers 37 and configured to direct gas 12 into biomass 1, gas discharge means 16 for discharging off-gas 17, gas recycling means 43 for recycling at least part of the gas 12 into biomass 1, and recovery means 13 for recovering treated biomass in the form of biologically active organic products. The moving means are configured to move biomass 1 fed through the inlet 4 from the at least one support structure 8 to another of the at least one support structures 8 in a direction from the inlet 4 to the outlet 5 of the vessel 3 to at least partially prevent the incoming biomass 1 from mixing with biomass 1 present in the vessel 3. The moving means 10 are simultaneously configured to move and flip the biomass 1 over the support structure and to move the biomass 1 from the centre of the support structure 8 to the edge of the support structure 8 or from the edge of the support structure 8 to the centre of the support structure 8. The moving means 10 comprise one or more blades 32 having different blade angles on each support structure 8, wherein the blades 32 comprise a rough or uneven surface. Said supply means 11 comprise at least one conduit means 15 protruding from at least one support structure 8, wherein the conduit means 15 is preferably hollow and comprises a hole 35 along the conduit means 15.

Optionally, the apparatus includes a surge tank 33 having a surge tank inlet 34.

In one embodiment, the vessel 3 comprises a top 29, which top 29 comprises an inlet 4 for feeding biomass 1 from a food and/or feed production side stream. In one embodiment, the feeding means 31 for feeding biomass 1 into the vessel 3 may be located remotely from the inlet 4, for example on the ground beside the vessel 3. The biomass 1 may be supplied to the vessel 3 or buffer tank 33 using conduit means.

In one embodiment, the vessel 3 comprises a bottom 30, which bottom 30 comprises an outlet 5 for discharging the treated biomass 1 in the form of biologically active organic products 6. Preferably, the end product conveyor is used to discharge the bioactive organic product 6.

The device is preferably of industrial size. The container 3 may be made of any suitable inert material, such as stainless steel. The container 3 may be coated with any suitable material. In addition to the inlet 4 for feeding the biomass 1 to be treated into the vessel 3, the outlet 5 for discharging the treated biomass 1 from the vessel 3, the supply means 11 for supplying gas into the vessel 3 and the gas discharge means 16 for discharging off-gas 17, the vessel 3 is gas-tight, windproof or operates under slight vacuum. Due to the closing process, the smell around the container 3 is so-called free, and thus no harmful gases are released into the atmosphere.

The size of the vessel 3 may be any size suitable for processing biomass 1. Preferably, the diameter of the reaction vessel 3 is about 1 to 6 meters, for example 1,2,3,4,5 or 6 meters, more preferably about 1 to 3 meters. The height of the reaction vessel 3 is preferably about 0.5 to 10 meters, for example 0.5,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 or 10 meters. More preferably, the height of the container 3 is about 4 to 6 meters. In one embodiment of the invention, the container 3 is sized to be about 1.7 meters in diameter and about 2 meters in height. In another embodiment, the container 3 has a diameter of about 3 meters and a height of about 5 meters. The net volume of the reaction vessel 3 may be 3m ³ Up to 280m ³ . In a non-limiting example of the invention, the net volume is about 3.5m ³ Wherein the container 3 has a height of 2 meters and a diameter of 1.5 meters. In another example, the container 3 has a height of 5.5 meters and a diameter of 3.3 meters, a net volume of 47m ³ . In another example, the container 3 has a height of 5 meters and a diameter of 3 meters, a net volume of 37m ³ 。

In one embodiment, the container 3 comprises a plurality of support structures 8, preferably having 4 to 10 support structures 8, e.g. 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 or 10 support structures 8 or support layers. The support structure 8 may comprise an opening. In the alternative layer, the opening in the support structure 8 is distal to the central rod and in the alternative support structure 8 close to the central rod.

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor 49 for mixing the biomass 1.

Preferably, the mobile device 10 is adjustable. The mobile device 10 may include one or more vanes 32, preferably adjusted to move the arm. The arm assemblies may be supported on a common central shaft. The arm assembly is preferably curved or arched. The central shaft rotates and rotates the blades 32 therewith. The central shaft preferably rotates at a constant speed. The blades 32 in the moving device 10 are preferably configured with different blade 32 angles on each support structure 8. The moving device 10 is preferably configured to move the biomass 1 to a desired direction at a desired speed, preferably at a constant speed. The shape of the blade 32 is such that the end of the blade 32 is curved and has a hooked tip. The blade angle is adjustable. The shape and roughened surface of the vanes 32 promote constant and smooth aeration of the biomass 1. Furthermore, the rough or uneven surface of the blades 32 maintains a unique microbiota on each support structure 8. Preferably, the blade 32 may use a remote control and monitor the optical eye accommodation of the biomass 1 in the vessel 3.

In a preferred embodiment, the vanes 32 are unevenly positioned on each support structure.

The apparatus comprises a conveyor for feeding biomass 1 by gravity to the vessel 3 or optionally to the buffer tank 33, or using a suitable conveying device (e.g. belt, screw or pneumatic). Any known transfer means for feeding biomass 1 into the vessel 3 or buffer tank 33 may be used.

In one embodiment, the supply means 11 for supplying the gas 12 into the container 3 is configured to supply air, oxygen or ozone, or a combination thereof. The gas 12 is supplied to the device by at least two aeration blowers 37. This enables the gas 12 to be directed to the most desired location and the amount of gas 12 at the different stages can be more accurately adjusted.

In one embodiment, the device comprises condensing means 9 for removing moisture from the exhaust gases 17.

The apparatus further comprises one or more pretreatment devices 18 for treating the biomass 1 to be fed into the vessel 3, wherein the pretreatment devices are selected from the group consisting of a crushing device 19, a heating device 20, a cooling device 21, an ozone treatment device 44 and/or an oxygen enrichment device 45.

The device further comprises monitoring means 22 for monitoring the process. The monitoring device is configured to monitor the temperature, pH, oxygen concentration, methane concentration, ammonia concentration, relative humidity, volatile fatty acids, hydrogen sulfide and/or microbial activity of the process.

The temperature is measured in the biomass 1. The ammonium concentration in the vessel 3 is monitored and regulated. The process is controlled based on the values of these variables. The temperature sensors are preferably placed such that they measure the temperature inside the biomass 1. Knowing the gas phase temperature inside the reactor alone does not provide enough information about the actual microbiological state of the different stages, nor does it give any indication of possible problems involving excessive temperatures in the biomass 1.

The device further comprises insulation means 23 for thermally insulating the container 3.

The gas exhaust 16 includes an ammonia scrubber 36, a heat exchanger (48 and/or a filter 28.

The device comprises means for at least partially guiding the exhaust gases 17 back to the container 3.

The apparatus further comprises a device for converting a gas containing carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) Is directed to a device of the planting system, such as a cultivation bed, a covered cultivation bed, an overhead bed, a greenhouse, a growing tunnel or plant wall, or into the soil. Preferably, the exhaust gas 17 comprises CO removal ₂ Other components.

In one embodiment, an exhaust blower 39 and/or an exhaust treatment unit 40 is used.

The present disclosure also relates to the use of a device according to the present disclosure for treating biomass 1 from a food and/or feed production side stream.

The present disclosure also relates to the use of the method according to the present disclosure for treating biomass 1 from a food and/or feed production side stream.

The present disclosure also relates to the use of the bioactive organic product 6 obtained by the method of the present invention as a soil improvement material, feed, nutrient or bioactive agent source or as a fertilizer.

According to the embodiment disclosed in fig. 2, the device of the present disclosure comprises a vessel 3 for producing a biologically active organic product 6 from biomass 1 from a food and/or feed production side stream. The device further comprises a supply gas 12 and an exhaust gas 17 from the container 3.

According to the embodiment disclosed in fig. 3, the device of the present disclosure comprises a vessel 3 for producing a biologically active organic product 6 from biomass 1 from a food and/or feed production side stream. The apparatus further comprises a supply of gas 12 through a filter 28 and a discharge of exhaust gas 17 from the container 3.

According to the embodiment disclosed in fig. 4, the device of the present disclosure comprises a vessel 3 for producing a biologically active organic product 6 from biomass 1 from a food and/or feed production side stream. The device further comprises a supply gas 12 and an exhaust gas 17 from the container 3. A condenser 25 is used to remove water 26 from the exhaust gas 17. At least part of the off-gas 17 is recycled back into the vessel 3 as recycle gas 46.

According to the embodiment disclosed in fig. 5, the device of the present disclosure comprises a vessel 3 for producing a biologically active organic product 6 from biomass 1 from a food and/or feed production side stream. The device further comprises a supply of gas 12 from the container 3 and a discharge of exhaust gas 17. A condenser 25 is used to remove water 26 from the exhaust gas 17. Ammonia 51 is removed from exhaust gas 17 using ammonia scrubber 36. At least part of the off-gas 17 is recycled back into the vessel 3 as recycle gas 46.

According to the embodiment disclosed in fig. 6, crop 42 harvested from plants grown from seeds 53 in planting system 41 is directed to a food and/or feed production process 43. Biomass 1 originating from a side stream of a food and/or feed production 43 is fed into a vessel 3 to produce a biologically active organic product 6. The apparatus further comprises a discharge of exhaust gases 17 from the vessel 3. A condenser 25 is used to remove water 26 from the exhaust gas 17. At least a portion of the exhaust 17 and water 26 is directed into the planting system 41. The bioactive organic product 6 is used as a fertilizer in the planting system 41.

According to one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for treating biomass 1 from a food and/or feed production side stream shown in fig. 9, comprising a vessel 3 for treating biomass 1 from a food and/or feed production side stream, an inlet 4 for feeding biomass 1 into the vessel 3, an outlet 5 for discharging treated biomass in the form of a biologically active organic product 6 from the vessel 3, at least one support structure 8 for carrying biomass 1 in the vessel 3, optionally moving means 10 for moving biomass 1 on at least one support structure 8 in the vessel 3 to the outlet 5 of the vessel 3, a supply means 11 for supplying gas 12 into the vessel 3 by means of at least two aeration blowers 37 and configured to direct gas 12 into biomass 1 on the at least one support structure 8, a gas discharge means 16 for discharging off-gas 17, a gas recirculation means 43 for recirculating at least part of gas 12 into biomass 1, and a recovery means 13 for recovering treated biomass in the form of biologically active organic product 6 from the vessel 3.

According to one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for treating biomass 1 from a food and/or feed production side stream shown in fig. 10, comprising a vessel 3 for treating biomass 1 from a food and/or feed production side stream, an inlet 4 for feeding biomass 1 into the vessel 3, an outlet 5 for discharging treated biomass in the form of a biologically active organic product 6 from the vessel 3, at least one support structure 8 for carrying biomass 1 in the vessel 3, a moving means 10 comprising one or more vanes 32 for moving biomass 1 over at least one support structure 8 in the vessel 3 to the outlet 5 of the vessel 3, comprising a supply means 11 protruding at least one conduit means 15 from at least one support structure, the conduit means 15, a gas discharge means 16 for discharging a gas 12 into the biomass 1 on the at least one support structure 8, a gas recycling means 43 for recycling at least part of the gas 12 into the biomass 1 and a biologically active product recycling means 13 from the biomass recovery means 3 through the at least one support structure 8.

Preferably, the bioreactor is located at the place where the biomass 1 to be treated is produced, thus avoiding transport of the biomass 1. It is also possible to locate the bioreactor where it serves a large number of biomass producers, making the distance between the biomass producers, i.e. the food and/or feed production and processing units (bioreactors), as short as possible.

In this process, biomass 1 is treated under aerobic conditions, which reduces the weight and volume of biomass 1 by converting biomass 1 into useful end products and gases. The biologically active organic product 6 contains the nutrients fed to the reactor in biomass 1 and the nutrients are in highly concentrated form in the product.

Table 1. Chemical and physical properties of food and/or raw material production side streams or mixtures (compositions) thereof suitable as starting materials.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, soy curd refuse (SCR, okara) obtained from a soy production process is used as biomass 1 feed. This process may be performed using the method shown in fig. 7. The process proceeds as follows: biomass 1 from a soybean production process is fed to a reaction vessel 3. Continuous culture may optionally be performed. The temperature is 60 to 70 ℃ and the moisture is 70 to 80 percent. On the uppermost support structure, the temperature rises rapidly and CO is formed ₂ . Does not need O ₂ Excess. Soluble carbohydrates (about 4%) and short chain fatty acids begin to decompose. At the second support structure 8And continuing thermophilic decomposition. Decomposition of carbohydrates (about 4-6%) and short chain fatty acids continues and long chain fatty acids begin to decompose. The thermophilic decomposition continues at the third support structure 8. CO formation ₂ Long chain fatty acids continue to break down, cell wall polysaccharides begin to break down, and protein break down begins. Thermophilic decomposition continues at the fourth support structure. CO formation ₂ ，NH ₃ And internal water. Long chain fatty acids, cell wall polysaccharides (fibers) and proteins continue to break down. Thermophilic decomposition continues at the fifth support structure. CO formation ₂ ，NH ₃ And internal water. Forming an olfactory component. Long chain fatty acids, cell wall polysaccharides and proteins continue to break down. Thermophilic decomposition continues in the sixth stage. Carbon dioxide is formed. Does not need O ₂ Excess. Long chain fatty acids, cell wall polysaccharides and proteins continue to break down. A new CH chain starts to build. And (7) performing medium-temperature decomposition in the seventh stage. Carbon dioxide is formed. New CH chains are formed. Does not need O ₂ Excess. Long chain fatty acids, cell wall polysaccharides and proteins continue to break down. The new CH chain is broken down. At the end of the process at the bottom of the reactor, the water content was reduced and the reaction stopped.

Examples

Comprehensive test

Partially anaerobically degraded biomass is fed into the vessel through the inlet. The temperature of the material is low and the biomass is heated with the inlet gas to reach the minimum temperature required for natural aerobic microbiological degradation. Several reaction parameters are constantly monitored because of the defined operating conditions required. The temperature, humidity and methane, ammonium and oxygen concentrations of the exhaust gas are indicative of the functioning of the process and contribute to regulating, for example, the feed air flow. Aerobic microbial degradation is generally associated with an increase in mass temperature, as shown in fig. 8. The treatment of biomass with the method of the invention increases the temperature to 80 ℃. In contrast, the temperature of a typical composting process is at most 60-65 ℃. The increase in temperature indicates the actual operation of aerobic decomposition of the biomass.

In experimental experiments, oxygen was introduced into the interior of the material as air through the vent line. Aeration performance is monitored by comparing the oxygen concentration in the inlet and outlet gases. It can be seen that the oxygen content decreases during the maintenance process, but is sufficiently high for aerobic microorganisms. As a third verification of the correct performance of the process, the humidity of the outlet gas is very high, reaching a maximum near 100%. The metabolism of the microorganisms produces carbon dioxide and water, which can be detected from the outlet gas. The temperature of the process is high enough to evaporate the water produced by the microorganisms.

In this experimental experiment, the biomass was partially degraded anaerobically before being fed to the reactor, which means that the process should be effective to render the process aerobic. Anaerobic processes are detected from the outlet gas as a significant methane occurrence at the beginning of the reaction. The proper aeration system and evenly distributed air terminate anaerobic degradation in the aerobic process and methane is no longer detected from the outlet gas.

The biomass had a mass loss of about 70% of the initial mass. The temperature of the final product was measured to be 65℃and the moisture was measured to be 18.0-44.0% by weight. This experiment was also performed with okara as starting material. Treatment of biomass using the present method requires adjustment of process parameters and is highly dependent on the nature of the starting material. Okara has a low dry matter content and water is intracellular. The okara contains a large amount of crude fat, crude protein, readily degradable carbohydrates (Table 2), which is important for aerobic microorganisms. NDF: s (non-degradable fibers) surround proteins, making the okara difficult to further utilize in the food and feed industry.

TABLE 2 chemical composition of okara (Oy Soya Ab, hanko, finland)

	％(DM)
		Crude protein	34.5
Carbohydrates	23.1
		Lipid/fat	20.3
Fibers, including lignin	22.1
		Lignin	12.0

In another experiment, the starting material was soybean refined residual okara. The feed had begun anaerobic degradation and had a water content of 80 wt%. The soybean refined residual okara was mixed with a small amount of the final product obtained from the previous test. The final product was seeded for the process as described previously. Both biomass and okara used in the test began to anaerobically degrade. The okara is easily degraded by anaerobic microorganisms, which are challenging to treat with aerobic microbiological methods. However, in both cases, the reaction terminates the metabolism of these anaerobic microorganisms.

List of reference numerals used

1. Biomass

2. Pretreatment unit

3. Container

4. An inlet

5. An outlet

6. Bioactive organic products

7. Supporting device

8. Supporting structure

9. Condensing device

10. Mobile device

11. Supply device

12. Gas and its preparation method

13. Recovery device

14. Rotary device

15. Pipeline device

16. Gas exhaust device

17. Exhaust gas

18. Pretreatment device

19. Crushing device

20. Heating device

21. Cooling device

22. Monitoring device

23. Insulation device

24. End product container

25. Condenser

26. Water and its preparation method

27. Grinding mill

28. Filter device

29. Top part

30. Bottom part

31. Feeding device

32. Blade

33. Buffer tank

34. Buffer tank inlet

35. Hole(s)

36. Ammonia scrubber

37. Ventilating blower

38. End product conveyor

39. Exhaust gas blower

40. Exhaust gas treatment device

41. Planting system

42. Crop plant

43. Process for producing food and/or feed

44. Ozone treatment device

45. Oxygen enriching device

46. Recirculating gas

47. Gas recovery device

48. Heat exchanger

49. Engine with a motor

50. Control device

51. Ammonia

52. Food and/or feed

53. And (5) seed crystal.

Claims

1. A process for producing biologically active organic products from a food and/or feed production side stream by aerobic microbial degradation, characterized in that the process comprises:

providing biomass (1) derived from a food and/or feed production side stream comprising 2% -45% crude protein on a dry weight basis, a minimum of 10% carbohydrates on a dry weight basis, a minimum of 2% lipids on a dry weight basis, a maximum of 75% total fibers on a dry weight basis, wherein a maximum of 15% of the fibers on a dry weight basis are lignin and a moisture content of 30% -85%;

-providing a device for treating the biomass (1), the device comprising: a vessel (3) having an inlet (4) for feeding biomass (1) to the vessel (3) and having an outlet (5) for discharging treated biomass in the form of bioactive organic products (6) from the vessel (3); and optionally a buffer tank (33) for storing biomass (1) before the biomass (1) is fed to the vessel (3);

-feeding biomass (1) to the vessel (3), or-feeding biomass (1) to the buffer tank (33) through a buffer tank inlet (34) and gradually moving from the buffer tank (33) into the vessel (3);

-moving the biomass (1) on at least one support structure (8) in the vessel (3) to an outlet (5) of the vessel (3);

-supplying gas (12) into the vessel (3) by means of at least two aeration blowers (37) and guiding the gas (12) into the biomass (1) carried on the at least one support structure (8) by means of at least one conduit means (15);

at least partially recovering the treated biomass from the vessel (3) in the form of the biologically active organic product (6);

recycling at least part of the gas (12) as recycle gas (46) into the biomass (1); and

-discharging exhaust gases (17) from the container (3) by means of a gas discharge device (16);

wherein moving the biomass (1) on at least one support structure (8) in the vessel (3) comprises: -moving biomass (1) from the at least one support structure (8) to a further at least one support structure (8) in a direction from an inlet (4) to an outlet (5) of the vessel (3) to at least partially prevent incoming biomass (1) from mixing with biomass (1) present in the vessel (3), and-moving and turning biomass (1) over the at least one support structure (8) with a moving means (10), wherein the moving means (10) comprises one or more blades (32) with different blade angles on each support structure (8), and wherein the moving means (10) move biomass (1) from the centre of the support structure (8) to the edge of the support structure (8) or from the edge of the support structure (8) to the centre of the support structure (8);

Directing the gas (12) into the biomass (1) carried on the at least one support structure (8) comprises: guiding the gas (12) through at least one conduit means (15) protruding from at least one support structure (8);

the temperature of the biomass (1) originating from the food and/or feed production side stream is from 10 ℃ to 80 ℃; and is also provided with

The gas (12) is air, oxygen or ozone, or a combination thereof.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature of the biomass (1) originating from the food and/or feed production side stream is 30 ℃ to 50 ℃.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the biomass (1) from the food and/or feed production side stream comprises material derived from soy, almond, hemp, lentil, sesame, oat, nut, quinoa, hazelnut, tapioca, broad bean and/or seaweed or combinations thereof.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that supplying gas (12) into the biomass (1) comprises guiding gas (12) into the biomass (1) through a conduit means (15), the conduit means (15) being hollow and comprising holes (35) along the conduit means (15).

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the blade (32) comprises a roughened or uneven surface.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the method further comprises removing moisture from the exhaust gas (17).

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising directing the exhaust gas (17) comprising carbon dioxide to a planting system (41) comprising a cultivation bed, an overhead bed, a greenhouse, a growing tunnel, a plant wall or soil.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising the step of monitoring the temperature, pH, oxygen concentration, methane concentration, ammonia concentration, relative humidity, volatile fatty acids, hydrogen sulfide and/or microbial activity of the method.

9. An apparatus for treating biomass from a food and/or feed production side stream by aerobic microbial degradation, characterized in that the apparatus comprises:

a vessel (3) for treating biomass (1) from a food and/or feed production side stream;

an inlet (4) for feeding biomass (1) into the vessel (3);

an outlet (5) for discharging treated biomass in the form of bioactive organic products (6) from the vessel (3);

a buffer tank (33) optionally having a buffer tank inlet (34);

-support means (7) comprising at least one support structure (8) for carrying biomass (1) in the container (3);

-moving means (10) for moving biomass (1) on at least one support structure (8) in the container (3) to the outlet (5) of the container (3);

-supply means (11) for supplying gas (12) into the container (3) by means of at least two aeration blowers (37) and configured to direct gas (12) into the biomass (1) on the at least one support structure (8);

a gas discharge device (16) for discharging an exhaust gas (17);

-gas recirculation means (43) for recirculating at least part of the gas (12) into the biomass (1); and

-a recovery device (13) for recovering the treated biomass in the form of the biologically active organic product (6) from the vessel (3);

wherein the moving means (10) on at least one support structure (8) in the vessel (3) is configured to move biomass (1) fed into the vessel (3) through an inlet (4) from the at least one support structure (8) to another at least one support structure (8) in a direction from the inlet (4) to the outlet (5) of the vessel (3) to at least partially prevent incoming biomass (1) from mixing with biomass (1) present in the vessel (3), and the moving means (10) is simultaneously configured to move and flip biomass (1) on the at least one support structure (8) and to move biomass (1) from the center of a support structure (8) to the edge of a support structure (8) or from the edge of a support structure (8) to the center of a support structure (8), and the moving means (10) comprises one or more blades (32) with different blade angles on each support structure (8);

The supply means (11) comprise at least one conduit means (15) protruding from at least one support structure (8); and is also provided with

The gas (12) is air, oxygen or ozone, or a combination thereof.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the blade (32) comprises a rough or uneven surface.

11. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the conduit means (15) is hollow and comprises a hole (35) along the conduit means (15).

12. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the apparatus further comprises condensing means (22) for removing moisture from the exhaust gases (17).

13. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the device further comprises means for at least partially directing exhaust gas (17) back to the container (3) as recycle gas (46).

14. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising means for directing the exhaust gas (17) comprising carbon dioxide to a planting system (41) comprising a cultivation bed, an overhead bed, a greenhouse, a growing tunnel, a plant wall or soil.

15. Use of the method according to any of claims 1 to 8 for treating biomass (1) from a food and/or feed production side stream.

16. Use of a device according to any of claims 9 to 14 for treating biomass (1) from a food and/or feed production side stream.

17. Use of a biologically active organic product (6) obtained by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 as a source of soil improvement material, feed, nutrient or bioactive agent.