DE102012020266A1 - Automated composting system in combination with sanitary device useful for producing soil improvement and fertilization providing compost, comprises e.g. buffer tank, bioreactor, screw press, and screw-operated tubular reactor zone - Google Patents

Abstract

Automated composting system in combination with sanitary device for producing soil improvement providing compost, comprises at least one first buffer tank (5), a bioreactor (a ventilator, a stirring element (23), a pH controller, a process parameter controller, a growing medium-metering device (4)), a screw press (9), a screw-operated tubular reactor zone, a tube plate, a compressor, a ventilation system, a heat exchanger system (21), a pump, an anaerobic reactor zone, a tapering, a screw conveyor, and a storage container. Automated composting system in combination with a conventional and alternative sanitary device for producing soil improvement and fertilization providing compost by Terra Preta principle, comprises at least one first buffer tank from conventional or alternative sanitation systems of residential houses, office-, commercial-, production- or industrial buildings or public devices with bio and organic production waste and wastewater, a bioreactor (a ventilator (26), a stirring element (23), a pH controller, a process parameter controller, a growing medium-metering device (4)), a screw press (9) or a different type of drainage system, a screw-operated tubular reactor zone, a tube plate, a compressor, a ventilation system, a heat exchanger system (21), a pump or a different type of conveying device, an anaerobic reactor zone, a tapering, a screw conveyor, and a storage container. The urine at separation toilets is collected through a separate pipeline in at least one second separate buffer tank and is provided with additives to support the hydrolysis of the urea and/or precipitation of phosphorus and ammonium. The buffer tanks depend on the function of the bioreactor. The additives for producing Terra Preta and for precipitation of major content, e.g. phosphorus and nitrogen compounds are metered in the first and second buffer tanks through a controlled metering device and the pH controller. The wastewater, which is blended with the additives, is drained upstream in the first buffer tank through the screw press or different type of drainage system and is led into the aerobic, upwardly opened screw-operated tubular reactor zone. The aerobic part of the tubular reactor is either ventilated through inlets in the tube plate with the compressor or actively by the ventilation system. The dissipated heat is recovered and used via the heat exchanger system in the same or counter-current method. The material present in the fermentation is recycled with the pump or the different type of conveying device through a line in the first buffer tank, and the inoculation is carried out with the microorganisms derived from the fermentation process. The aerobic fermented material is compressed at the transition from the aerobic reactor zone to anaerobic reactor zone on the tapering and is released from air pockets. The material is humidified with water, nutrient solution, which is required for the process, and the nitrogen-rich urine in the aerobic- and the anaerobic reactor through the inlets, and is provided with nutrients. The anaerobically fermented material is introduced into at least one storage container through the screw conveyor, and are stored or further fermented until the anaerobically fermented material are collected in the absence of air or air entry.

Description

The invention relates to a procedural concept, as well as a process engineering plant and its devices for the production of "Terra Preta" from biowaste and excrements as a decentralized solution for the wastewater treatment of homes by the household biowaste and wastewater fractions (black, yellow , Gray and brown water) collected together or separately in separate containers and mixed with the necessary additives for the "Terra Preta" preparation, as well as for the precipitation of important fertilizer components precipitant, then drained and rotted in a tubular reactor.

In urban wastewater treatment, all wastewater fractions from households, as well as rainwater, heavily polluted road and industrial wastewater are conveyed via a central sewage network to the treatment plant, where organic compounds and nitrogen compounds are degraded to carbon dioxide and elemental nitrogen via aerobic and anaerobic decomposition processes. The organic compounds remaining in the sewage sludge are anaerobically fermented in a digester to produce methane. For the recovery and reuse of the decreasing raw material phosphorus this is precipitated from the ashes of sewage sludge as magnesium ammonium phosphate for use as fertilizer. For the most part, sewage sludge is used thermally today and is used only to a limited extent as fertilizer for agricultural areas.

In order to avoid the loss of valuable nutrients and minerals, as well as the entry of heavy metal pollution from industry and road traffic by the conventional wastewater system, small decentral alternative sanitary concepts have been developed. These decentralized sanitary concepts, such as compost toilets, enjoy a low level of consumer acceptance. They are usually associated with a higher cost and are usually only suitable for smaller households. For this purpose, additives are usually offered for the production of compost according to the "Terra Preta" principle.

• – DE 20 2012 000 031 U1 ,
• – DE 000060009563 T2 ,
• – Dr. Jürgen Reckin,
• – Universität Gießen.

"Terra Preta do Indio" describes here the black earth found in the Amazon region whose origin can be traced back to the addition of charcoal, fecal matter, food and animal remains, clay and rock flour. The recipe for the production of high-quality "Terra Preta" and other additives for the optimization of composting, as well as the scientific investigation of the benefits as a fertilizer in agricultural application, the following patents, persons and institutions have dealt with:

• - DE 20 2012 000 031 U1 .
• - DE 000060009563 T2 .
• - Dr. Jürgen Reckin,
• - University of Giessen.

The following patent offers an ecological as well as economical solution to avoid the disadvantages of the high costs of the sewage network, the heavy metal pollution from industry and road traffic and to contribute to a negative CO ₂ balance. In addition, high-grade compost ("Terra Preta") with soil-improving properties is to be obtained on a medium to large scale and the loss of valuable resources such as ammonium and phosphate occurring in conventional wastewater treatment processes is greatly reduced.

The necessary conditions for obtaining "Terra Preta" consist on the one hand of the ratio of the constituents to be mixed and on the other hand of the bioreaction parameters of the aerobic and anaerobic fermentation.

In conventional sanitary facilities, the wastewater must be thickened for composting. Since households are rather low volume flows, a process-technical variant that has low investment costs, is low-wear and does not require much maintenance over a long period of time, is worthwhile for dewatering.

The invention solves the problem of fluctuating volume flows by collecting the wastewater [ 1 ] in a buffer tank [ 5 and 6 ]. For drainage, separators, decanters, screw, filter and belt presses are ideal. The screw press [ 9 ] is a proven and robust system in sewage sludge treatment, which has lower operating and maintenance costs compared with other drainage processes. It also meets the requirement to dewater coarser, fibrous ingredients.

Via a rotary valve [ 4 ] additives and additives needed for "Terra Preta" production and precipitation can be added to the buffer tank at intervals [ 5 and 6 ] are dosed and thus evenly distributed. In order to further improve the mixing and uniform distribution and the reaction kinetics, a stirrer [ 23 ] are integrated into the buffer tank. The rotary valve can, for example, via a Füllhöhenmesser [ 25 ] or controlled by relevant process parameters. With the additives to speed up composting, the patent has EP 1 252 124 B1 employed. A possible manufacturing process and the necessary composition were Jürgen Reckin developed and tested for soil improvement. Furthermore, the University of Giessen is engaged in long-term studies on the effects of different biochars on agricultural land.

Into the buffer tank [ 5 and 6 ] can be added additives such as charcoal powder, magnesium ions such as magnesium chloride, ammonium if necessary, various microorganisms, wood fibers, bone meal, minerals and trace elements and other additives and nutrients for process and product optimization.

The advantage of this process is, in particular, that the nutrients in the solution, as in the case of activated carbon, adsorb to the charcoal and thus are not lost during the subsequent filtration.

The same applies to the addition of magnesium ions, which form a sparingly soluble compound with ammonium and phosphate and precipitate as magnesium ammonium phosphate. In conventional processes, after the hydrolysis of the urea, the nitrogen in the urine would outgas and thus be lost as a source of nitrogen.

By means of suitable additives, it is also possible to adjust the pH in order, for example, to ensure the pH optimum for the urease and the hydrolysis of the urea catalyzed by it.

If certain measurable parameters are to be controlled or if the buffer tank is sufficiently filled, the screw press [ 9 ] or a different type of drainage system and the solid components separated from the liquid phase to a residual moisture of 40-60%. The required differential pressure when using a screw press can be reduced by reducing the pipe diameter [ 10 ] can be achieved at the transition to the tube reactor.

The tube reactor consists of a tube with different reactor zones. For an intensive rotting (Patent EP 1 252 124 B1 ) under aerobic conditions, the tube may be open at the top [ 12 ]. By slowly conveying a second screw [ 11 ] with a large, adapted to the expected flow rate diameter ensures good ventilation. The length of the tube of the aerobic reactor section [ 12 ] is determined by the volume flow and the required dwell time for the rump. Also conceivable is a construction of several parallel slugs [ 11 ] to increase the contact surface for oxygen exchange or to reduce the reactor length. In addition, between the snails [ 11 ] Baffles or special screw sections are installed for intensive axial distribution.

As with the buffer tank, even in the aerobic reactor zone [ 12 ] about inlets [ 19 ] an addition of auxiliaries and additives, such as the compost accelerator done. After the aerobic reactor zone, the rotted material is further rejuvenated by a pipe [ 18 ] and can thus be freed from trapped air. The deaeration of the mass can be repeated by moistening [ 19 ] are supported before the anaerobic reactor section.

Using the compost accelerator of the patent DE 60009563 T2 can the residence time in the aerobic tubular reactor 12 ] take up to 14 days. According to the inventor, up to more than 70 ° C. can be reached during this time and thus sufficient sanitation can be ensured. In order to exclude any odor nuisance, the ventilation shaft of the pipe can be equipped with an activated carbon filter layer [ 14 ] closed and the leaking air to be filtered. Furthermore, in the case of larger plants active ventilation of the tubular reactor section via inlets [ 13 ] at the tube reactor bottom for bioprocess optimization and control conceivable.

After the aerobic degradation of easily degradable compounds, the anaerobic fermentation follows, according to the patent DE 60009563 T2 can take up to 21 days. The length and diameter of the anaerobic tubular reactor [ 17 ] are also measured here on the basis of the expected volume flow. At the end of the fermentation process, the produced "Terra Preta" can be stored in a storage tank [ 22 ] stored until collection or further rotted there. Optionally, to increase the storage time, 2 storage tank systems [ 22 ] are filled and emptied one after the other. This can be done via a screw distribution system.

It is conceivable to empty the storage tank [ 22 ] on a cyclone by a service provider responsible for collecting the recovered fertilizer.

The process can be adapted to the partially used separation toilets as a sanitary facility. Separating toilets have the advantage that they dilute the urine only slightly in collecting containers [ 6 ] can catch. Hydrolysis of the urine may occur in the reservoir [ 6 ] are supported by setting a temperature and pH optimum and by using immobilized enzymes. The resulting ammonium can be precipitated with phosphate and magnesium ions and remain as a high-quality nutrient source in the compost.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Supply line for household wastewater (with or without urine fraction)

2

Supply line for required additives

3

Supply line for separate urine fraction

4

Rotary valve for additives

5

Buffer tank for wastewater (with or without urine fraction)

6

Buffer tank for separate urine fraction

7

Supply line to the drainage system

8th

Drive of the drainage system

9

Drainage system (here: screw press)

10

Rejuvenation at the transition from the drainage system to the tubular reactor

11

Screw of the aerobic tubular reactor

12

Aerobic tube reactor section

13

Ventilation of the aerobic tubular reactor

14

Activated carbon filter

15

Pump in general

16

Line for return to the buffer tank

17

Anaerobic tubular reactor section

18

Rejuvenation to the anaerobic tubular reactor section

19

Supply line from the urine buffer tank or supply line for additives

20

Screw of the anaerobic tube reactor

21

Outflow to sewage treatment

22

Storage container for "Terra Preta"

23

stirrer

24

Supply line for liquid additives

25

Example of a measuring and control instrument for controlling the level

26

ventilation

27

Piston pump as metering device

28

Pressure relief valve

29

compressor

30

Dolly (service provider)

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202012000031 U1 [0004]
• DE 000060009563 T2 [0004]
• EP 1252124 B1 [0009, 0015]
• DE 60009563 T2 [0017, 0018]

Claims (3)

Automated composting system in combination with conventional and alternative sanitary facilities for the production of soil improvement and fertilizer composting according to the "Terra Preta" principle. Characterized in that: a. One or more buffer tanks [ 5 ] from conventional or alternative sanitary systems [ 1 ] may be fed by domestic, office, commercial, production or industrial buildings or public facilities with organic and organic production waste and waste water, whereas in the case of separate toilets the urine shall be supplied by separate line [ 3 ] in one or more separate buffer tanks [ 6 ] and added with additives to aid in the hydrolysis of the urea and / or to precipitate the phosphorus and ammonium. b. The buffer tank (s) has the function of a bioreactor (ventilation [ 26 ], Stirring elements [ 23 ], pH control [ 24 ], Process parameter monitoring, nutrient substrate dosing [ 4 ]). c. Via a controlled dosing device [ 4 and 24 ] Additives for the production of "Terra Preta" and for the precipitation of important ingredients such as phosphorus and nitrogen compounds into the buffer tank [s] 5 and 6 ] can be added. d. That in the buffer tank (s) 5 ] upstream wastewater mixed with additives via a screw press [ 9 ] or a different type of drainage system and dehydrated into an aerobic, upwardly open, screw-operated tubular reactor zone [ 12 ] can be promoted. e. The aerobic part of the tubular reactor [ 12 ] optionally via inlets in the tubesheet [ 13 ] with a compressor or via a ventilation system [ 30 ] actively ventilated and the heat dissipated via a heat exchanger system [ 21 ] recovered in the same or preferably in the countercurrent process, or can be made usable. f. With a pump or other type of conveyor [ 15 ] material in the fermentation via a pipe [ 16 ] into the buffer tank (s) 5 ] can be returned and thus an inoculation with the originating from the fermentation process microorganisms can be achieved. G. The aerobic fermented material at the transition from aerobic reactor zone [ 12 ] to anaerobic reactor zone [ 17 ] about a rejuvenation [ 18 ] can be compressed and thus freed from air bubbles. H. Additionally the material in the aerobic as well as in the anaerobic reactor via the inlets [ 19 ] with water, a nutrient solution required for the process, as well as the nitrogen-rich urine can be moistened and supplied with nutrients. i. The anaerobically fermented material via the screw conveyor [ 20 ] into one or more storage containers [ 22 ] and stored until collection under exclusion of air or with air intake, or can be further fermented. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measured parameters for controlling the dosing devices can also be part of the process or fermentation parameters, such as conductivity, oxygen content, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, pH and moisture contents, as well as any combination of mentioned parameters can exist. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a soil-improving fertilizer with the main nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium and / or magnesium and trace nutrients such as sodium, molybdenum, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, boron, silicon and others Trace elements from the processed household wastewater and the additives can be obtained.

Images