EP0701542A1 - A method and apparatus for the treatment of organic matter - Google Patents
A method and apparatus for the treatment of organic matterInfo
- Publication number
- EP0701542A1 EP0701542A1 EP94904104A EP94904104A EP0701542A1 EP 0701542 A1 EP0701542 A1 EP 0701542A1 EP 94904104 A EP94904104 A EP 94904104A EP 94904104 A EP94904104 A EP 94904104A EP 0701542 A1 EP0701542 A1 EP 0701542A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- container
- worms
- containers
- assembly
- organic matter
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000005416 organic matter Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 52
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 27
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 210000003608 fece Anatomy 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000010871 livestock manure Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000010815 organic waste Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000009395 breeding Methods 0.000 abstract description 12
- 230000001488 breeding effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 12
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 239000011368 organic material Substances 0.000 abstract description 4
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000029087 digestion Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000002361 compost Substances 0.000 description 13
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 11
- 241000243686 Eisenia fetida Species 0.000 description 6
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000003337 fertilizer Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000003306 harvesting Methods 0.000 description 3
- 241000287828 Gallus gallus Species 0.000 description 2
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 2
- 241000607479 Yersinia pestis Species 0.000 description 2
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000011868 grain product Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000005012 migration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000013508 migration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000243662 Lumbricus terrestris Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000269319 Squalius cephalus Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000001351 cycling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 241001233061 earthworms Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000012447 hatching Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002791 soaking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 241000894007 species Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000013589 supplement Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K67/00—Rearing or breeding animals, not otherwise provided for; New or modified breeds of animals
- A01K67/033—Rearing or breeding invertebrates; New breeds of invertebrates
- A01K67/0332—Earthworms
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
- C05F—ORGANIC FERTILISERS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C05B, C05C, e.g. FERTILISERS FROM WASTE OR REFUSE
- C05F17/00—Preparation of fertilisers characterised by biological or biochemical treatment steps, e.g. composting or fermentation
- C05F17/05—Treatments involving invertebrates, e.g. worms, flies or maggots
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
- C05F—ORGANIC FERTILISERS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C05B, C05C, e.g. FERTILISERS FROM WASTE OR REFUSE
- C05F17/00—Preparation of fertilisers characterised by biological or biochemical treatment steps, e.g. composting or fermentation
- C05F17/90—Apparatus therefor
- C05F17/907—Small-scale devices without mechanical means for feeding or discharging material, e.g. garden compost bins
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P20/00—Technologies relating to chemical industry
- Y02P20/141—Feedstock
- Y02P20/145—Feedstock the feedstock being materials of biological origin
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
- Y02W30/40—Bio-organic fraction processing; Production of fertilisers from the organic fraction of waste or refuse
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the treatment of organic matter and, particularly, but not exclusively, relates to a method and apparatus for the treatment of organic waste matter from domestic garbage.
- the present invention also relates to a method and apparatus which facilitates the breeding of worms or the fattening of worms for bait.
- the present invention provides a method of treating organic matter, comprising the steps of providing a plurality of containers adapted to be associated together to form a treatment assembly, the treatment assembly being provided with worm access means enabling worms to migrate between containers in the assembly, placing organic matter in the containers, placing a plurality of worms in at least one container, associating the containers to form a treatment assembly and leaving the containers for a time period to enable the worms to process organic matter and migrate from one container to another.
- the type of worms used are preferably earthworms.
- the worms In breaking down organic matter, the worms produce a number of useful substances, including worm leavings which are useful as manure and, if the waste is regularly watered, the worms produce liquid castings as fertiliser which can be run off from the assembly. This is in addition to the fact that compost is also produced. Further, in ideal conditions the worms will reproduce,- and can themselves be “harvested” . As well as an organic treatment method, therefore, the present invention also preferably provides a form of "worm farm" .
- the organic matter can comprise any convenient waste matter, such as vegetable matter, for example.
- the waste matter further materials may also be included, such as soil, paper, etc.
- a plurality of containers are stackable together, one within the other. Spaces remain between the respective bases of the containers for containing organic matter. Worms are preferably initially placed in one container only. The organic matter in this container will therefore be treated first .
- the worms will then tend to migrate to other containers to treat the organic matter therein.
- the organic matter will take up completely the space between the base of one container and the adjacent container. Perforations are preferably provided in the base of the adjacent container to enable worm migration.
- Worms may also migrate from one container to another due to an increase in worm population. In practice migration may occur due to both of these factors, i.e. completion of breakdown of organic matter and increase in worm population.
- the container is preferably removed from the assembly in order to enable extraction of the useful compounds and harvesting of worms remaining in the container. Further organic matter is then preferably placed in the container and it is replaced in the assembly.
- worms are initially placed in a base container in the stack assembly. The worms tend to migrate upwards as population increases and/or as organic matter breakdown proceeds. Containers- from the lower part of the stack can therefore be removed from the stack for extraction processing and replaced at the top, with further organic matter. This "cycling" of the stack assembly facilitates continuous processing.
- the top of the container of the stack assembly is preferably provided with a lid to keep out pests such as flies, for example.
- the bottom container of the stack assembly preferably has a solid bottom and walls to prevent egress of matter and worms, and is preferably provided with a port to enable liquid run-off to be taken from the assembly.
- the present invention further provides an assembly for treating organic matter comprising a plurality of containers adapted to be associated together such that at least some of the containers are adapted to hold organic matter and can be moved to replace one another in the assembly in a cyclical manner, and worm access means enabling worms to migrate between the containers adapted to hold organic matter.
- each container has a base and a peripheral wall and wherein the containers are adapted to be associated together by stacking in such a manner that a predetermined spacing exists between the bases of adjacent containers.
- the worm access means comprise perforations in the bases of all but the lowest container in the stack.
- organic matter may be used in the method and apparatus of the present invention depending upon the application.
- the primary application of the invention is in recycling organic matter from household garbage, e.g. vegetable scraps
- household vegetable scraps will be slowly introduced to the treatment assembly for the worms to feed on and to break down.
- the primary application of the assembly is, however, the fattening of worms for bait or the breeding of worms, then more conventional worm feeds may be used as the organic matter.
- Organic matter from domestic garbage may provide some of the worm feed in these applications or may not be included at all . Animal manures may be used instead, which are good worm feed.
- the assembly In setting up the treatment assembly, preferably the assembly will be constructed over a period of time rather than immediately, a container at a time.
- the containers are added as the treatment progresses and/or worms are fattened and/or worms are bred.
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- Figure 2 is a plan view of the container in Figure
- Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view through a stack assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 4 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the stack assembly shown in Fig. 3
- Figures 1 and 2 show a container arranged to be associated with a series of like containers to form a treatment assembly ( Figure 3) .
- the container has side walls 1 and a base 2 for supporting organic matter therein.
- Base 2 has a plurality of perforations 3 through it to enable worms to enter the container through the base 2.
- the nature of the perforations is more clearly shown in Figure 2, although only part of the base is shown in detail in Figure 2, the rest of the base being the same as the portions detailed.
- Projecting portions 4 are provided to enable the containers to be stacked together as shown in Figure 3, leaving a gap of predetermined distance between the bases 2 of respective stacked containers. Projecting portions 4, in operation, are supported by rim portions 5 of the containers below them in the stack.
- the containers also have handles 6 incorporated in the walls 1 to enable ease of handling and transport.
- the containers are stacked together in a stack assembly, as shown in Figure 3, on top of a base container 7.
- the base container 7 does not have any perforations in its base. Worms can therefore only leave the container 7 or enter it through the open top of the container 7.
- Base container 7 has a port to which a stopcock 8 is secured to enable run-off of fluid from the stack assembly.
- Appropriate organic matter 10 is placed within the stacked containers in the gaps between their respective bases, as indicated in Figure 3.
- the organic matter may include vegetable matter, waste meat matter, and any other appropriate matter. Filler matter may also be incorporated, such as newspapers, soil, etc.
- Worms such as the common earthworm, are then placed in one of the containers. Preferably they are placed in the container adjacent to the base container 7. In a preferred method, the stack is built up slowly, so that some time will be given for the worms to break down the matter in the container adjacent to the base container before a third container is placed on top.
- a preferred height of the stack is limited to four containers, as is illustrated in Figure 3.
- the worms will tend to migrate upwards through the stack to find more food.
- breakdown of the matter in the lower containers of the stack will have progressed to a satisfactory level.
- the container in question for example the container adjacent to the base container 7, is removed from the stack. Its place is taken by the next container in the stack. In other words, the rest of the containers in the stack move down one container.
- the container that has been moved is processed to remove the useful products, such as worm faeces and compost which provide useful fertilisers, and worms themselves . Further organic matter for breakdown is then placed in the container and it is put back on top of the stack. In this way the containers (except the base container) are cycled. Each time a container is removed from the stack a harvest of compost, fertilising compounds and also worms are extracted.
- useful products such as worm faeces and compost which provide useful fertilisers, and worms themselves .
- Further organic matter for breakdown is then placed in the container and it is put back on top of the stack. In this way the containers (except the base container) are cycled.
- fertilising compounds and also worms are extracted.
- the preferred number of containers in the final assembly is four, being three containers 1 and one base container 7, although other numbers of containers could be used.
- the worms also produce a useful liquid fertiliser. Liquid run-off can be taken out of the port and stopcock assembly 8 and the liquid fertiliser extracted.
- a lid 12 is arranged to clip onto the top container of the stack to keep out pests, such as flies.
- the lid has vents (not shown) to allow the assembly to "breathe” as well as keeping out as much light as possible. Worms work better in the dark.
- this "worm and fertiliser farm" need not be fuelled merely by domestic organic waste. Any other matter could be used instead.
- the invention merely provides a very convenient method of breaking down organic matter.
- the build up of the treatment assembly, the specific process used and the type of organic matter or "worm feed" used in the treatment assembly will vary depending upon the particular application to which the treatment assembly is to be put. Three specific procedures are discussed in the following section relating in turn to breeding worms, recycling vegetable scraps and fattening bait worms.
- the preferred worms for breeding are red and tiger worms.
- the base container 7 is set at a convenient height in a cool shaded position.
- a container 1 is placed on the base container 7 and the base 2 is covered with a shade cloth.
- a layer (in the order of 8 centimetres) of bedding material e.g. animal manures (not chicken manure) compost (past heating stage) or a mixture of both placed in the container 1.
- bedding material e.g. animal manures (not chicken manure) compost (past heating stage) or a mixture of both placed in the container 1.
- Small amounts of feed such as compost, manure, vegetable scraps (e.g. from domestic garbage) , etc may now be added at regular intervals as the worms require it until the maximum level for organic matter in the container is reached.
- the maximum level of organic matter will be arranged such that the top layer of organic matter is adjacent to the base 2 of a further container to be placed on top of the first container 1. This level is preferably marked on the container 1 for convenience.
- a further container 1 is placed on top of the first container 1 and organic matter is placed in the further container in a gradual manner as for the first container 1 above. Worms will begin to migrate into the further container.
- a third container is likewise placed on the assembly when the organic matter level in the second container 1 has built up to the marked level. Each time the lid will be placed on the final container. (9) The worms progressively move upwards through the assembly and in time the contents of the lowest container 1 will have been converted to worm castings (useful for manure) and will contain some worms and worm capsules. These can now be harvested. After emptying this container 1, it may now be used on the top of the assembly, so that rotation continues. As this process goes on any excess liquid, including worm liquid castings, will form in the base container 7 and may be run-off. Worm numbers will increase to such a degree that it will be necessary to harvest the worms regularly. Recycling Vegetable Scraps
- steps (1) to (5) of the procedure for breeding worms are carried out and then the following steps carried out;
- step (9) Proceed as from step (9) on breeding worms. Fattening Bait Worms Large tropical worms are preferred for this.
- the procedure for fattening the worms is as follows. Follow steps (1) and (2) for breeding worms.
- the bottom container 1, once it is full of castings and egg capsules can be emptied into a container to allow the hatching of baby worms from the capsules .
- Baby worms can supply you with future stock for your bait fattening kit.
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Microbiology (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- Biotechnology (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Tropical Medicine & Parasitology (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Animal Husbandry (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Insects & Arthropods (AREA)
- Fertilizers (AREA)
- Processing Of Solid Wastes (AREA)
Abstract
Organic matter (10) is treated in a stack of containers (1) in which the lowermost container has a solid base and is provided with a liquid run-off tap (8). The remaining containers each have worm access means in the form of a perforated base (2) and are filled with organic material. Worms are initially placed in the next to lowest container in the stack and after they have digested the organic matter in that container they migrate upwards through the perforations in the base of the container above where they breed and digest the organic matter within that container. Ultimately the next to lowest container is removed from the stack, the treated organic material which is now largely worm castings is harvested and the empty container replaced in the top of the stack. The procedure is repeated resulting in digestion of the organic material, breeding of worms, and the collection of liquid run-off in the lowermost container. The assembly is provided with a lid (12).
Description
A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF ORGANIC MATTER TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the treatment of organic matter and, particularly, but not exclusively, relates to a method and apparatus for the treatment of organic waste matter from domestic garbage.
The present invention also relates to a method and apparatus which facilitates the breeding of worms or the fattening of worms for bait.
BACKGROUND ART Domestic garbage contains a great deal of organic matter which, if processed correctly, may yield a number of useful agricultural substances, such as organic fertilisers, for example, and compost.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a method of treating organic matter, comprising the steps of providing a plurality of containers adapted to be associated together to form a treatment assembly, the treatment assembly being provided with worm access means enabling worms to migrate between containers in the assembly, placing organic matter in the containers, placing a plurality of worms in at least one container, associating the containers to form a treatment assembly and leaving the containers for a time period to enable the worms to process organic matter and migrate from one container to another. The type of worms used are preferably earthworms.
Different species may be used for different applications.
In breaking down organic matter, the worms produce a number of useful substances, including worm leavings which are useful as manure and, if the waste is regularly watered, the worms produce liquid castings as fertiliser which can be run off from the assembly. This is in
addition to the fact that compost is also produced. Further, in ideal conditions the worms will reproduce,- and can themselves be "harvested" . As well as an organic treatment method, therefore, the present invention also preferably provides a form of "worm farm" . The organic matter can comprise any convenient waste matter, such as vegetable matter, for example. In addition, to supplement or "pack" the waste matter further materials may also be included, such as soil, paper, etc.
In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of containers are stackable together, one within the other. Spaces remain between the respective bases of the containers for containing organic matter. Worms are preferably initially placed in one container only. The organic matter in this container will therefore be treated first .
The worms will then tend to migrate to other containers to treat the organic matter therein. In the stack the organic matter will take up completely the space between the base of one container and the adjacent container. Perforations are preferably provided in the base of the adjacent container to enable worm migration.
Worms may also migrate from one container to another due to an increase in worm population. In practice migration may occur due to both of these factors, i.e. completion of breakdown of organic matter and increase in worm population.
When the treatment of matter in a container is deemed to be completed, the container is preferably removed from the assembly in order to enable extraction of the useful compounds and harvesting of worms remaining in the container. Further organic matter is then preferably placed in the container and it is replaced in the assembly. In a preferred embodiment, worms are initially placed in a base container in the stack assembly. The
worms tend to migrate upwards as population increases and/or as organic matter breakdown proceeds. Containers- from the lower part of the stack can therefore be removed from the stack for extraction processing and replaced at the top, with further organic matter. This "cycling" of the stack assembly facilitates continuous processing. The top of the container of the stack assembly is preferably provided with a lid to keep out pests such as flies, for example. The bottom container of the stack assembly preferably has a solid bottom and walls to prevent egress of matter and worms, and is preferably provided with a port to enable liquid run-off to be taken from the assembly.
The present invention further provides an assembly for treating organic matter comprising a plurality of containers adapted to be associated together such that at least some of the containers are adapted to hold organic matter and can be moved to replace one another in the assembly in a cyclical manner, and worm access means enabling worms to migrate between the containers adapted to hold organic matter.
Preferably each container has a base and a peripheral wall and wherein the containers are adapted to be associated together by stacking in such a manner that a predetermined spacing exists between the bases of adjacent containers.
Preferably the worm access means comprise perforations in the bases of all but the lowest container in the stack. Different types of organic matter may be used in the method and apparatus of the present invention depending upon the application. For example, where the primary application of the invention is in recycling organic matter from household garbage, e.g. vegetable scraps, then household vegetable scraps will be slowly introduced to the treatment assembly for the worms to feed on and to
break down. Where the primary application of the assembly is, however, the fattening of worms for bait or the breeding of worms, then more conventional worm feeds may be used as the organic matter. Organic matter from domestic garbage may provide some of the worm feed in these applications or may not be included at all . Animal manures may be used instead, which are good worm feed.
In setting up the treatment assembly, preferably the assembly will be constructed over a period of time rather than immediately, a container at a time. The containers are added as the treatment progresses and/or worms are fattened and/or worms are bred.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the container in Figure
1;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view through a stack assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the stack assembly shown in Fig. 3
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Figures 1 and 2 show a container arranged to be associated with a series of like containers to form a treatment assembly (Figure 3) . The container has side walls 1 and a base 2 for supporting organic matter therein. Base 2 has a plurality of perforations 3 through it to enable worms to enter the container through the base 2. The nature of the perforations is more clearly shown in Figure 2, although only part of the base is shown in detail in Figure 2, the rest of the base
being the same as the portions detailed.
Projecting portions 4 (most clearly shown in Figure 3) are provided to enable the containers to be stacked together as shown in Figure 3, leaving a gap of predetermined distance between the bases 2 of respective stacked containers. Projecting portions 4, in operation, are supported by rim portions 5 of the containers below them in the stack.
The containers also have handles 6 incorporated in the walls 1 to enable ease of handling and transport.
In operation, the containers are stacked together in a stack assembly, as shown in Figure 3, on top of a base container 7. Unlike the other containers, the base container 7 does not have any perforations in its base. Worms can therefore only leave the container 7 or enter it through the open top of the container 7. Base container 7 has a port to which a stopcock 8 is secured to enable run-off of fluid from the stack assembly.
Appropriate organic matter 10 is placed within the stacked containers in the gaps between their respective bases, as indicated in Figure 3. The organic matter may include vegetable matter, waste meat matter, and any other appropriate matter. Filler matter may also be incorporated, such as newspapers, soil, etc. Worms, such as the common earthworm, are then placed in one of the containers. Preferably they are placed in the container adjacent to the base container 7. In a preferred method, the stack is built up slowly, so that some time will be given for the worms to break down the matter in the container adjacent to the base container before a third container is placed on top. A preferred height of the stack is limited to four containers, as is illustrated in Figure 3.
As matter breakdown progresses and worm populations increase, the worms will tend to migrate upwards through the stack to find more food. After a period of time,
breakdown of the matter in the lower containers of the stack will have progressed to a satisfactory level. - When this occurs, the container in question, for example the container adjacent to the base container 7, is removed from the stack. Its place is taken by the next container in the stack. In other words, the rest of the containers in the stack move down one container.
The container that has been moved is processed to remove the useful products, such as worm faeces and compost which provide useful fertilisers, and worms themselves . Further organic matter for breakdown is then placed in the container and it is put back on top of the stack. In this way the containers (except the base container) are cycled. Each time a container is removed from the stack a harvest of compost, fertilising compounds and also worms are extracted.
The preferred number of containers in the final assembly is four, being three containers 1 and one base container 7, although other numbers of containers could be used.
If a stack is regularly watered from the top or if the organic material is sufficiently damp, the worms also produce a useful liquid fertiliser. Liquid run-off can be taken out of the port and stopcock assembly 8 and the liquid fertiliser extracted.
A lid 12 is arranged to clip onto the top container of the stack to keep out pests, such as flies. The lid has vents (not shown) to allow the assembly to "breathe" as well as keeping out as much light as possible. Worms work better in the dark.
It will be appreciated that this "worm and fertiliser farm" need not be fuelled merely by domestic organic waste. Any other matter could be used instead. The invention merely provides a very convenient method of breaking down organic matter.
The build up of the treatment assembly, the specific
process used and the type of organic matter or "worm feed" used in the treatment assembly will vary depending upon the particular application to which the treatment assembly is to be put. Three specific procedures are discussed in the following section relating in turn to breeding worms, recycling vegetable scraps and fattening bait worms.
Breeding Worms
The preferred worms for breeding are red and tiger worms.
A specific procedure employing the method and apparatus of the present invention which facilitates the breeding of red and tiger worms is as follows:
(1) The base container 7 is set at a convenient height in a cool shaded position.
(2) A container 1 is placed on the base container 7 and the base 2 is covered with a shade cloth.
(3) A layer (in the order of 8 centimetres) of bedding material, e.g. animal manures (not chicken manure) compost (past heating stage) or a mixture of both placed in the container 1.
(4) Tiger worms and/or red worms are emptied onto this bedding material and the lid 12 is placed on top of this container 1. (5) Two to three days are allowed to enable the worms to settle and begin working properly.
(6) Small amounts of feed such as compost, manure, vegetable scraps (e.g. from domestic garbage) , etc may now be added at regular intervals as the worms require it until the maximum level for organic matter in the container is reached. The maximum level of organic matter will be arranged such that the top layer of organic matter is adjacent to the base 2 of a further container to be placed on top of the first container 1. This level is preferably marked on the container 1 for convenience.
(7) A further container 1 is placed on top of the first container 1 and organic matter is placed in the further container in a gradual manner as for the first container 1 above. Worms will begin to migrate into the further container.
(8) A third container is likewise placed on the assembly when the organic matter level in the second container 1 has built up to the marked level. Each time the lid will be placed on the final container. (9) The worms progressively move upwards through the assembly and in time the contents of the lowest container 1 will have been converted to worm castings (useful for manure) and will contain some worms and worm capsules. These can now be harvested. After emptying this container 1, it may now be used on the top of the assembly, so that rotation continues. As this process goes on any excess liquid, including worm liquid castings, will form in the base container 7 and may be run-off. Worm numbers will increase to such a degree that it will be necessary to harvest the worms regularly. Recycling Vegetable Scraps
For recycling vegetable scraps as the primary application of the assembly, steps (1) to (5) of the procedure for breeding worms, as discussed above, are carried out and then the following steps carried out;
(6) Once the worms have eaten through the original compost or manure in the base and are coming to the surface, a thin layer of compost is placed over the surface, a cup full of vegetable scraps and a further thin layer of compost to encourage the worms to move to feeding on the scraps. It is preferable to slowly introduce the worms to feeding on scraps as they need to adjust to this new food after feeding on other organic matter.
(7) When the worms have eaten through this
material and are on the surface, a second container is placed on top of the first container 1 and a small quantity of scraps covered by another thin layer of compost are put on the base of the second container. (8) Continue to slowly increase the amount of vegetable scraps fed with some compost if required. The worms will adjust to eating only vegetable scraps in a short period of time. The amount of scraps fed should, however, still be only what the worms can handle fairly readily. As the number of worms increase, they will be capable of converting larger quantities of scraps to castings .
Proceed as from step (9) on breeding worms. Fattening Bait Worms Large tropical worms are preferred for this.
The procedure for fattening the worms is as follows. Follow steps (1) and (2) for breeding worms.
(3) The large tropical worms do well on compost feeds and manures, particularly cow manure but once again avoid chicken manure. Place a layer of feed in a first container 1 placed on the base container. If the manure is dry, re-wet by soaking in water for a period of time.
(4) and (5) as for breeding worms. (6) Well moistened manure and compost can continue to be fed. Pollard or any fine textured grain product can also be fed at times to toughen the worms. Grain products, however, should only be fed in small amounts that the worms can consume in a couple of days. (7) , (8) and (9) as for breeding worms.
The bottom container 1, once it is full of castings and egg capsules can be emptied into a container to allow the hatching of baby worms from the capsules . Baby worms can supply you with future stock for your bait fattening kit.
Variations and modifications may be made to the
invention described previously as indicated by the following statement of claim.
Claims
1. A method of treating organic matter, comprising- the steps of providing a plurality of containers adapted to be associated together to form a treatment assembly, the treatment assembly being provided with worm access means enabling worms to migrate between containers in the assembly, placing organic matter in the containers, placing a plurality of worms in at least one container associating the containers to form a treatment assembly and leaving the containers for a time period to enable the worms to process organic matter and migrate from one container to another.
2. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the step of placing the worms involves an initial distribution of the worms so that matter in one container is likely to be processed by the worms before matter in other containers, the worms tending to migrate from the one container to the other containers as organic processing progresses and/or as worm population increases.
3. A method in accordance with claim 2 wherein, when processing of organic matter in the one container is deemed to be sufficiently completed, said one container is removed from the assembly and processed to extract desired materials before placing further organic matter in said one container and replacing the container within the assembly.
4. A method in accordance with any of claims 1, 2 or 3, comprising the further step of passing water through the treatment assembly to extract liquid manure produced as a by-product of the treatment process.
5. A method in accordance with claim 3 wherein, the containers are adapted to be associated in the assembly in the form of a stack of containers one on top of the other, the worm access means being in the base of all but the lowest container in the stack, and wherein the step of initially placing the worms comprises placing the worms in the container adjacent the base of the stack, whereby the worms will tend to work their way upwards through the stack as organic waste is processed and/or worm populations increase.
6. A method in accordance with claim 5, wherein the step of removing the container after the organic waste has been deemed to have been processed involves removing the container next to the lowest container in the stack and moving the containers in the rest of the stack downwards, so that the container immediately above the removed container replaces the removed container in the stack, and the step of replacing the container after it has been processed and further organic waste has been placed therein, involves replacing the container at the top of the stack.
7. An assembly for treating organic matter comprising a plurality of containers adapted to be associated together such that at least some of the containers are adapted to hold organic matter and can be moved to replace one another in the assembly in a cyclical manner, and worm access means enabling worms to migrate between the containers adapted to hold organic matter.
8. An assembly for treating organic matter as claimed in claim 7, wherein each container has a base and a peripheral wall and wherein the containers are adapted to be associated together by stacking in such a manner that a predetermined spacing exists between the bases of adjacent containers.
9. An assembly for treating organic matter as claimed in claim 8, wherein the worm access means comprise perforations in the bases of all but the lowest container in the stack.
10. An assembly for treating organic matter as claimed in claim 9, wherein all the containers except the lowest container in the stack are substantially identical.
11. An assembly for treating organic matter as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the lowest container in the stack is adapted to hold liquid and is provided with a liquid run-off outlet .
12. An assembly for treating organic matter as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the assembly includes a lid adapted to be placed over the top container in the stack.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AUPL733493 | 1993-02-17 | ||
AUPL7334/93 | 1993-02-17 | ||
PCT/AU1994/000016 WO1994019296A1 (en) | 1993-02-17 | 1994-01-11 | A method and apparatus for the treatment of organic matter |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0701542A1 true EP0701542A1 (en) | 1996-03-20 |
EP0701542A4 EP0701542A4 (en) | 1996-04-10 |
Family
ID=3776715
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP94904104A Withdrawn EP0701542A1 (en) | 1993-02-17 | 1994-01-11 | A method and apparatus for the treatment of organic matter |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0701542A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1994019296A1 (en) |
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GB2290936B (en) * | 1994-07-05 | 1998-03-11 | Garry Clifford Lomas | Worm screen |
WO1998003447A1 (en) * | 1996-07-22 | 1998-01-29 | Institut Français De Recherche Scientifique Pour Le Developpement En Cooperation (O.R.S.T.O.M.) | Bio-organic fertilisation for plantations |
EP1012128A4 (en) * | 1997-04-04 | 2001-03-28 | Victor Micsunescu | A process and apparatus for the production of recycled organic waste |
DK174691B1 (en) * | 1998-06-08 | 2003-09-15 | Perox Bioplant Aps | Bioreactor and method of composting |
IES990911A2 (en) * | 1998-11-02 | 2000-07-26 | Glas Anois Teo | Waste treatment system |
GB2348873B (en) * | 1999-04-13 | 2003-03-19 | David Carlton Robinson | Composting device |
GB9919804D0 (en) * | 1999-08-21 | 1999-10-27 | Davies Jessica K M | Production of an organic horticultural growing medium |
AUPQ768100A0 (en) * | 2000-05-22 | 2000-06-15 | Dowmus Pty Ltd | Improvements in or relating to biolytic filtration |
GB0117257D0 (en) | 2001-07-14 | 2001-09-05 | Seabait Ltd | Aquaculture of marine worms |
US7018831B2 (en) * | 2001-09-26 | 2006-03-28 | Biosystem Solutions, Inc. | Composting apparatus and method |
US7867396B2 (en) * | 2004-07-09 | 2011-01-11 | Black & Grey Holdings Pty Ltd | Water treatment apparatus, method and system |
EP1894892B1 (en) * | 2006-08-30 | 2012-03-28 | Guy Meusy | Method of processing organic waste and device for implementing same |
GB2443686A (en) * | 2006-11-08 | 2008-05-14 | Steve Strickland | Domestic composting apparatus |
FR2948359B1 (en) * | 2009-07-23 | 2011-09-23 | Martial Lanoir | Vermicomposter |
CN102415356A (en) * | 2011-08-22 | 2012-04-18 | 广东省昆虫研究所 | Industrial cultivation equipment for insect larvae |
CN102584356B (en) * | 2012-01-29 | 2013-09-04 | 信阳师范学院 | Organic garbage treatment box |
NL2010666B3 (en) | 2013-04-19 | 2018-11-21 | Buhler Changzhou Insect Tech Co Ltd | Method and system for breeding insects, using a plurality of individual crates. |
FR3046333B1 (en) * | 2015-12-31 | 2019-06-28 | Ynsect | INSECT BREEDING BIN AND ASSOCIATED ASSEMBLY |
RU2633561C1 (en) * | 2016-11-30 | 2017-10-13 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное учреждение науки Тобольская комплексная научная станция Уральского отделения Российской академии наук (ТКНС УрО РАН) | Method of producing environmentally friendly bioproduct (compost paste) for integrated improvement of soil properties |
CN106719461A (en) * | 2017-01-17 | 2017-05-31 | 贵州长顺八妹农副产品开发有限公司 | Improve the method for breeding of earthworm manure yield and quality |
RU2669296C1 (en) * | 2018-01-10 | 2018-10-09 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное учреждение науки Тобольская комплексная научная станция Уральского отделения Российской академии наук (ТКНС УрО РАН) | Method of obtaining organic bioproduct (composite exhaust) for stimulation of vegetation processes and increasing the productivity of the plants of all the types |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO1994019296A1 (en) | 1994-09-01 |
EP0701542A4 (en) | 1996-04-10 |
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