CZ28898U1 - Compact vermicomposter - Google Patents

Description

Compact vermicomposter

Technical field

Composting

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Earthworm composting (vermicomposting) is considered the most advanced composting method. Vermicomposting is a biooxidation and stabilization process for the conversion of organic materials, which, unlike conventional composting, exploits the interaction between the intensive activity of earthworms and microorganisms and does not include the thermophilic decomposition phase (Dominguez and Edwards, 2011). Digging, fragmentation and aeration are largely ensured by earthworms, making vermicomposting a low cost waste treatment system (Hand et al., 1988). The technology is fully environmentally friendly.

Due to the decrease of organic matter in soil and related negatives (eg erosion - Hladík, 2009), it is necessary to make maximum use of all suitable types of bio-waste and to produce the highest quality fertilizer. Vermicompost has significantly better properties than conventional compost. It is rich in nutrients but also contains high-quality humus, growth hormones, enzymes and substances that are able to protect plants from pests and diseases. It further increases the nutritional value of products and limits the entry of foreign substances into plants Fertilizing with vermicompost thus saves crop producers money for industrial fertilizers and pesticides (Sinha et al., 2010).

Another possibility of using vermicompost is its use as adsorbent for immobilization of heavy metals in soil or other materials, for removal of metal ions from waste water or as a filling in filters for air filtration - for example it can also be used at biogas stations (Mikeš, 2008). Vermocomposting can also be used to decompose organic pollutants (ContrerasRamos et al., 2008). The use of vermifiltration to remove contamination in slurry production has been verified (Li et al., 2008).

Similar to conventional composting, there are several basic types of technological systems in vermicomposting that differ in technological process, each of which offers a few other process alternatives:

(a) small household vermicomposters of different types and designs are used for the vermicomposting of kitchen residues in the home (Appelhof, 1997).

b) large-scale vermicomposting is performed using simple technological systems, which can include flat or vermicomposting in a limited area, so-called box vermicomposting or using more complex technological systems such as continuous process vermireactors or composting in a two-module vermireactor 2011 ).

When using any of these systems, it is necessary to ensure an optimal environment for the main component of vermicomposting - earthworms (Fig. 1). Ensuring optimum conditions in the processed raw materials concerns in particular a sufficient supply of treated biological waste, environmental humidity (or processed raw materials), aeration rate, temperature conditions in the environment of earthworm occurrence, salt content and other less important parameters. Optimum humidity in the composter is ensured by additional irrigation.

Composting in a small vermicomposter is a small-scale production of vermicomposting in a covered container, which can be used especially in apartments and offices - that is why vermicomposters are referred to as domestic. They are made of wood or plastic, most often in a storey version (Fig. 2). Bio-waste from households is processed gradually in individual floors of vermicomposter.

It is always important to ensure an optimum temperature of around 20 ° C for the earthworms and the correct substrate humidity. The bottom of the container depends on the amount of vermicomposted biowaste. Approx. 0.2 m ² is needed for 1 kg per week.

Earthworms need enough air for their life, so make sure that they are spacious enough, but not too deep. Dimensions (L x W x D) - (40 x 40 x 15) cm are sufficient. Perforated bottoms of individual vessels ensure the removal of excess liquid, free movement of earthworms between individual floors and aeration.

As a bedding for the establishment of a vermicomposting process in a small vermicomputer, they are most commonly used - grass, leaves, torn and moistened paper, peat, wood shavings or coconut fiber. The selection of an unsuitable bedding can cause poor performance of the vermicomposting process. Increasing food residues contain water and may slow the vermicomposting process and reduce the amount of earthworms in the vermicomposter. It is therefore necessary to keep the bed adequately damp and aerated.

Earthworms are fed once or twice a week. 0.5 kg of earthworms consume about 0.25 kg of bio-waste per day. The number of earthworms will double in about 3 months. The volume of bio-waste gradually decreases by processing with earthworms to 1/3 to 1/4 of its original volume.

In the lower part of the vermicomputer there is a container with an unperforated bottom and a drain valve, where excess liquid is drained from the upper floors, from where it can be pumped continuously. This liquid is a liquid fertilizer for indoor flowers and garden. For its application it is recommended to mix it with water, preferably in a ratio of 1: 9.

The essence of the technical solution

A multifunctional product has been invented, a composter that can perform the function of a vermicomposter, a growing vessel or only stools with storage space. The composter is made of plastic, preferably polypropylene, the advantage of which is recyclability. It consists of at least four parts, namely the lower part, two floors and the lid.

In the bottom part of the compost grooves are designed, on which polio with textile / mesh is placed to catch sediment and dirt. The polio may be metal or plastic. The by-product WORM TEA, which is trapped at the bottom of the composter, then drips through this fabric. The WORM TEA can be pumped off and used as a fertilizer by means of a valve located on the bottom of the compost.

Compost trays are perforated and provided with wick holes. The perforation is built for the free movement of earthworms between the individual floors of the compost and at the same time ensures proper aeration of the whole compost and the removal of excess liquid, the so-called WORM TEA. To ensure the correct humidity is used wick, which capillary self-irrigation to higher floors compost, which is a unique approach to achieve stable optimal humidity, which is necessary for the welfare of earthworms.

The lid of the compost is perforated in order to achieve an optimal environment for earthworms, especially correct aeration and temperature conditions.

The compact vermicomposter consists of a lower container, at least one tray and a lid. The lower container is provided with at least three leg openings, the trays are perforated, with at least two wick openings. The floor comprises a step that connects the lower part of the floor to the upper part of the floor, whereby the outer circumferences of the lower container, floor and lid are connected to each other and the individual parts fit together. Individual parts are fitted with handles or handles. The lower container and trays are fitted with recessed handles and the lid is fitted with a handle. The lid is further provided with ventilation openings.

Preferably, the vermicomposter in the lower container comprises protrusions on which the polio is placed onto which the fabric or netting is stretched.

Further preferably, the lower container comprises an opening for receiving the discharge valve, is provided with leg openings, and the legs are fitted therein.

CZ 28898 Ul

Preferably, the vermicomposter on each floor is provided with a wick which is threaded through the wick holes.

A compact vermicomposter is a design element that can be an elegant part of a home or garden. Its components are gracefully slid into each other, making the whole assembly look smooth and elegant, and the whole composter has pleasant round shapes. The composter can be used for the composting of organic household waste even in residential conditions and will serve as an elegant storage or sitting area.

Clarification of drawings

Giant. 1: View of the composter assembly

Figure 2: Side view of the composter assembly

Fig. 3: Front view of the vermicomposter assembly

Fig. 4: Front view of the lid of the vermicomposter

Fig.5: View of the lid of the vermicomposter isometric

Figure 6: Top view of the vermicomputer lid

Fig. 7: Isometric top view of the vermicomputer tray

Giant. 8: Top view of the vermicomputer floor

Fig. 9: Front view of the vermicomputer floor

Giant. 10: Isometric top view of the lower container

Fig. 11: Bottom view of the container

Giant. 12: Front view of the lower container

Fig.13: Visualization of the growing vessel, stool and vermicomposter in one

Example 1

A stable vermicomposter of a compact and oval appearance has been assembled. It comprised a lower container 5 on which a tray 6 was placed, on which another tray 6 was placed, on which the lid 8 was placed. The individual parts were made by molding in a mold of polypropylene, snapping together and hence stably held in place. Both trays 6 were provided with a step 18 which widened the cross section of the upper section 20 of the tray 6 relative to the lower section 19 of the tray and the upper section of the tray is provided with recessed grips 17 to ensure that the individual parts are inserted. The bottom receptacle was provided with four leg retaining holes 10, and legs ii were inserted into these holes. The legs were wooden. The lower vessel was provided with an outlet valve which was inserted into the outlet 16 of the outlet valve. The lower container contained protrusions 1 on which a hoop 4 with fabric 15 was laid. The hoop was made of polypropylene. Both trays 6 contained a perforation provided at their bottom with two openings into which wick 2 was threaded. for fixing the handle 9 into which the handle 9 has been fixed.

Example 2

A stable vermicomposter of a compact and oval appearance has been assembled. It comprised a lower container 5 on which three trays 6 were stacked. A lid 8 was placed on top. The individual parts were made by molding in a mold of polypropylene, snapping together and thus holding them in place stably. Both trays 6 were provided with a step 18 which was connected to an enlarged cross-section of the tray in the upper part 20. the upper part 20 was provided with recessed grips 17, thereby ensuring

CZ 28898 Ul inserting the individual parts into each other. The lower receptacle 5 was provided with three leg mounting holes 10 and feet were inserted into the holes. The legs were wooden. The lower vessel 5 was provided with an outlet valve which was inserted into the outlet 16 of the outlet valve. The lower container 5 contained protrusions 1 on which a hoop 4 with fabric 15 was laid. The hoop 4 was made of iron. Both trays 6 contained perforations in their bottom and were provided with two holes 3 into which wick 2 was threaded. Both trays 6 and the lower container 5 contained recessed handles 17 on the sides. The lid 8 was provided with ventilation holes 14.

Industrial applicability

Composting in domestic conditions.

Claims (20)

PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS A compact vermicomposter, comprising a lower container (5), at least one tray (6) and a lid (8), the lower container (5) having at least three openings (5). 10) for legs, the tray (6) is perforated, provided with at least two wick holes (3) for the wick (2), the tray (6) comprising a step (18) adjoining the bottom (19) of the tray (6) to the upper part ( 20) the trays (6), whereby the outer circumferences of the lower container (5), the tray (6) and the lid (8) are interconnected and the individual parts fit together, the lower tray (5) and the tray (6) being provided with at least one a recessed grip (17) and a lid (8) are provided with ventilation openings (14). A compact vermicomposter according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower container (5) comprises projections (1) on which a hoop (4) is placed onto which the fabric (15) or netting is stretched. A compact vermicomposter according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower container (5) comprises an opening (16) for receiving a drain valve. Compact vermicomposter according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower container (5) is provided with four leg openings (10). A compact vermicomposter according to claim 1, characterized in that a wick (2) is passed through the wick openings (3) in the floor (6). Compact vermicomposter according to claim 1, characterized in that the lid (8) is provided with a system (12) for fastening the handrail (9) to which the handrail (9) is fastened. 7 drawings List of reference marks: 1. Projections for hoop 2. Guiding the wick 3. Holes for wick 4. Hoop 5. Bottom container 6. Floor 8. Lid 9. Handle / handle clips 10. Holes for legs 11. Feet (purchased component still under development) 12. Handrail fastening system 13. Floor perforation 6 14. Cover vents 8 Λ CZ 28898 Ul 15. Textiles (purchased component still under development) 16. Outlet valve location 17. Handle 18. Stodek 5 19. Lower floor 6 20. Upper part of the floor 6.