FI128474B - An apparatus and a method for managing biodegradable waste - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for managing biodegradable waste are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing, a first container in the housing, an inlet for receiving biodegradable waste to the first container, a shredder in the first container for shredding the biodegradable waste, a second container in the housing for storing the biodegradable waste, and a means for moving the biodegradable waste from the first container to the second container. A temperature controller controls the storage temperature of the biodegradable waste inside the second container for preventing anaerobic digestion at the storage temperature.

Description

AN APPARATUS AND A METHOD FOR MANAGING BIODEGRADABLE WASTE

BACKGROUND Collecting biodegradable waste is a portion of municipal solid waste management. Biodegradable waste is produced, for example, in households, restaurants, supermarkets or any unit that consumes organic matter. A common problem with biodegradable waste is harmful gases that may be released from the waste bin. Sealing the waste bin may cause anaerobic digestion, wherein the resulting digested material may not be usable for compost. To prevent the undesired anaerobic process in the biodegradable waste, the bins are emptied frequently. Garbage trucks collect half-filled bins, with fixed route planning and fixed schedules. This results in uneconomical transportation that may further lead to increased waste management costs for the waste bin owner. The community may have fewer incentives to start collecting biodegradable waste from new locations. The biodegradable waste may end up being combined with the solid waste, causing further problems in the solid waste management process. S In WO2013/005236, for the temporary storage of organic waste and the like, N prior to the waste being put into bins or sent for collection by the bodies 3 responsible for waste collection and disposal, the waste, collected in a loose N 25 form in bags made of biodegradable material, is shredded and cooled in z containers equipped with refrigerating systems. Said containers are also 2 eguipped with means for the formation of a vacuum and for subseguent heat- O sealing of the same bags when the volume of waste that can be contained > therein is reached.

KR20110115341 discloses a portable container for food waste, intended to provide good quality of organic feed or compost through a simple process using food waste. US2001006198 discloses a method and a device in which food waste is conveyed to a storage tank from an inlet using a difference in air pressure between the inlet and the storage tank. WO2015/19988 discloses a system and method for a food loading station having a disposer that grinds food waste that is located at a facility that processes food waste. A storage tank receives a slurry of food waste and water from the disposer. A remote module is in communication with a controller connected to the disposer and in communication with a terminal associated with the facility.

SUMMARY This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure. An apparatus and a method for managing biodegradable waste are disclosed. N The apparatus has two containers; a first container for receiving and shredding N the biodegradable waste and a second container for storing the shredded 7 25 biodegradable waste. 2 The first container may be configured to receive biodegradable waste from N various sources, from small units providing biodegradable waste, garbage bins 8 or from smaller garbage trucks. The shredded material is moved to the second = container, where it is stored until a garbage truck collects the contents of the N 30 second container. The second container is configured to store the shredded biodegradable waste under conditions to prevent or to slow the anaerobicdigestion process. The solid material and the liquid material may be separated, for example, by a sieve positioned below a shredder in the first container and/or under a portion of the second container configured for solid material. The liquid waste may be collected separately.

The temperature of the second container is controlled; the apparatus may comprise cooling and/or heating elements, such as an air-to-air heat pump. In one embodiment, the air circulation inside is controlled to prevent anaerobic digestion. The second container may be in a slight vacuum. In one example, the air flow into the second container or out of the second container may be controlled.

In one aspect, the housing of the apparatus is arranged as an intermodal container. The dimensions of the apparatus may be standardized, enabling easy transport along various vehicles. Lifting the intermodal container is easy with standardized lifting equipment.

The biodegradable waste may be stored for longer periods without a risk of anaerobic digestion. The apparatus may provide a temporary storage for a larger area or for multiple producers of biodegradable waste. The biodegradable waste collected from the apparatus may be used for composting, wherein the separated liquid waste may be used for other purposes, such as for producing biofuel. The apparatus and the method reduce the production of harmful gases. The surrounding environment does not suffer from the smell of rotting substances as would happen with anaerobic digestion. The apparatus may be positioned near humans, for example, in the supermarket's parking lot. The S extended storage period may improve the flexibility of garbage truck schedules N 25 and provide more routing options. The garbage trucks may collect fuller loads, S wherein the environmental load caused by the garbage trucks may be reduced.

LO - The method and the apparatus produce material that may be used for compost.

T = In one example, the produced material may be used to improve soil, even : without further processing steps.

= 30 Many of the attendant features will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. The embodiments describedbelow are not limited to implementations which solve any or all the disadvantages of known biodegradable waste management apparatuses or methods thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present description will be better understood from the following detailed description read in light of the accompanying drawings, wherein FIG. 1 illustrates schematically one example of an embodiment showing an apparatus from three projections; FIG. 2 illustrates schematically one example of a shredder; FIG. 3 illustrates schematically a blade bit assembly; and FIG 4 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of one method. Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The detailed description provided below in connection with the appended 2 20 drawings is intended as a description of the present examples and is not N intended to represent the only forms in which the present example may be 3 constructed or utilized. However, the same or equivalent functions and a sequences may be accomplished by different examples.

I E Although the present examples are described and illustrated herein as being S 25 implemented in an intermodal container, the apparatus described is provided as S an example and not a limitation. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the

O N present examples are suitable for application in a variety of different types of biodegradable waste management apparatuses and methods. Some examplesare suitable for extended storage time, some examples are configured to provide maximum flexibility to the biodegradable waste container emptying schedule.

FIG. 1 illustrates schematically one example of an embodiment showing an 5 apparatus according to the present disclosure from three projections.

A housing comprises two containers, a first container 11 and a second container 12. The first container 11 comprises an inlet 13 for receiving biodegradable waste.

The inlet 13 comprises two slanted side walls 14 configured to guide the biodegradable waste to the first container 11. In this example, the side walls 14 10 are made of metal, having end flaps 16 made of rubber.

The end flaps 16 are configured to receive a garbage truck 16 unloading biodegradable waste to the inlet 13. At least one side wall 14 is configured to move for adjusting the inlet 13. In one embodiment, both side walls 14 are configured to move.

The size of the inlet 13 may be adjusted according to the aperture defined by the side walls 14 to receive biodegradable waste from various waste units.

In this example, the size of the inlet 13 is configured to receive biodegradable waste from a garbage truck 16, wherein the rear end of the garbage truck 16 dumps the biodegradable waste between the side walls 14. The side walls 14 guide the biodegradable waste to a shredder 25 that shreds the biodegradable waste to a suitable size.

The suitable size of particles exiting the shredder is defined as being suitable for a compost material.

In one embodiment, the particle diameter is in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm.

In one embodiment, the particle diameter is below 30 mm. o The particle size may be varied according to the material of the biodegradable O 25 waste.

For example, softer material may be larger and harder material is ro shredded to smaller size.

If the biodegradable waste is mixed material, the 0 particle size may be selected according to the hardest material, such as solid E wood.

S At least a portion of the biodegradable waste may be liquid.

The bottom portion 10 30 of the first container 11 may comprise a sieve 17 for extracting the liquid from 2 the solid or moist waste by gravity, wherein the liquid falls through the sieve 17 to a liquid container 18 at the bottom of the housing 10. Alternatively, or inaddition, the sieve 17 is positioned under the second container 12, where the moist, shredded biodegradable waste may provide an additional liquid portion to the liquid container 18. The liquid waste may be collected from the liquid container 18 through a hose connector, for example, a camlock connector 15.

The shredded material is moved from the first container 11 to the second container 12 by a means for moving the biodegradable waste. In one embodiment, the means for moving the biodegradable waste from the first container 11 to the second container 12 comprises a slurry pump 19 configured to move solid biodegradable waste. The slurry pump 19 is a centrifugal pump configured to provide kinetic energy to the biodegradable waste and move it to the second container 12. The shredded biodegradable waste may be moved via a hose 20 or a pipe 20 to the top portion of the second container 12, where it falls on top of previously moved content. The means for moving may be any pump suitable for moving solid particles from the first container 11 to the second container 12. In an embodiment, the means for moving comprises a mechanical transporter, such as a conveyor belt. In an embodiment, the means for moving comprises a compactor ram pushing the biodegradable waste from the first container 11 to the second container 12. The compactor ram may be operated hydraulically or pneumatically. The apparatus comprises a temperature controller 21 for controlling the storage temperature of the biodegradable waste inside the second container 12. The biodegradable waste may be cooled to prevent anaerobic digestion during the S storage period or heated to prevent it from freezing. In one embodiment, the N 25 temperature in the second container 12 is set to a range of 0°C...10°C. The S temperature range may differ according to the biodegradable material. In one N embodiment, the temperature controller 21 comprises a heat pump configured E: to cool or heat the biodegradable waste inside the second container 12. The S heat pump may improve the efficiency of cooling the second container 12. In the 10 30 example of the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the heat pump is arranged on > top of the housing 10. The temperature controller 21 may comprise a Peltierelement or an electric heater to provide a suitable storage temperature for the second container 12. Anaerobic digestion is a collection of processes by which microorganisms break down biodegradable waste in the absence of oxygen.

The anaerobic digestion produces e.g. methane, which could be dangerous during the storage period.

When the anaerobic digestion becomes the primary digestion of the biodegradable waste, it is not suitable for compost.

The apparatus is configured to produce compost material from the biodegradable waste during a prolonged storage period, or at least until the next time the biodegradable waste is collected from the second container 12. The stored biodegradable waste may be collected from the second container 12 through a hose connector, for example, a camlock connector 15. The apparatus may comprise one camlock connector 18, wherein both the liquid container 18 and the second container 12 are emptied through the same connector.

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises separate hose connectors for liquid waste and for biodegradable waste.

In an embodiment, the second container 12 comprises a means for controlling air circulation 22 in the second container 12. The means for controlling air circulation 22 may comprise an air valve.

The air valve may comprise a rotor for providing air circulation.

The controlled air circulation provides oxygen to the second container 12 for preventing anaerobic digestion.

The air controller may comprise sensors for sensing the carbon dioxide level and/or the oxygen level inside the second container 12. The second container 12 may be in a vacuum o or in a slight vacuum until new material is brought in or until the means for O 25 controlling air circulation 22 provides air into the second container 12. In one ro embodiment, the temperature controller 21 and/or means for controlling air 0 circulation 22 are configured to modify the temperature and/or the oxygen level E as a response to the gas sensors monitoring the digestion process. 2 In an embodiment, the housing 10 is an intermodal container or complying with O 30 the size of the intermodal container standard specification.

The intermodal 2 container is a large standardized shipping container designed and built for intermodal freight transport.

The housing 10 may comprise features of theintermodal container, such as twist locks at each upper corner fixture, enabling lifting the housing 10 with a spreader commonly used for lifting the intermodal container.

The size of the housing may be any suitable size conforming to the standard.

In one example, the apparatus is transportable on a truck.

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a transceiver 23 and a processor 24 being configured to provide status information of the biodegradable waste to a waste collecting system.

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one processor 24 and the memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to provide status information of the biodegradable waste to a waste collecting system.

The transceiver 23 may be a wireless telecommunication device connecting the apparatus to a communication network.

The status information may be one of the group comprising: the amount of material in the second container 12, the temperature of the second container 12, a target temperature of the second container 12, a scheduled collection of the biodegradable waste, a scheduled filling of the apparatus, an error message, or any information obtained from any sensor.

The transceiver 23 may receive information of the scheduled collection of the biodegradable waste.

In an embodiment, the apparatus is configured to raise the temperature of the second container 12, or the temperature of the biodegradable waste in the second container before the scheduled collection.

The raised temperature may start the aerobic digestion process leading to compost, while the biodegradable waste is still in the second container 12. FIG. 2 illustrates schematically the shredder 25 which, in one example of an o embodiment, is positioned on the first container 11. The shredder 25 comprises O 25 a cylindrical rotor 26 configured to rotate around its axis.

Multiple blade bits 27 ro are positioned on the cylindrical rotor 26. The blade bits 27 may be positioned 0 along the cylindrical rotor 26 on the same radius and/or sequentially along the = axis of the cylindrical rotor 26. A leading edge 28 of the blade bit 27 comprises N an angular-shaped tip pointing outwardly from an envelope surface in aradial 8 30 direction of the cylindrical rotor 26. A trailing edge 29 of the blade bit 27 = comprises a tapered surface towards the axis of the cylindrical rotor 26. A s counter blade 30 is configured at a cutting distance from the cylindrical rotor 26and multiple blade bits 27, wherein the cutting distance is adjustable when the shredder 25 is shredding the biodegradable waste.

The distance may be adjusted automatically according to the shredded material or it may be adjusted manually.

The distance is directly related to the diameter size of the shredded biodegradable waste.

The shape of the multiple blade bits 27 operating with the counter blade 30 shreds biowaste bags effectively.

The tapered trailing edge prevents biowaste bags from sticking to the blade bits, which biowaste bags tear off from the shredder 25 after few revolutions.

The blade bit 27 may be multifunctional according to FIG. 3, illustrating one example of an embodiment, detailing a blade bit assembly.

The leading edge 28 is attached to the trailing edge 29 by a bolt 31. The leading edge 28 is quadrangular, wherein each corner provides a sharp leading edge — the leading edge may be used four times by changing its position 90 degrees.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of method steps according to the present disclosure.

Step 40 comprises receiving biodegradable waste via an inlet to the first container.

In step 41, the biodegradable waste is shredded in the first container.

Step 42 comprises moving the biodegradable waste from the first container to the second container.

In step 43, the biodegradable waste is stored in the second container.

Step 44 comprises controlling the storage temperature of the biodegradable waste inside the second container for preventing anaerobic digestion at the storage temperature.

An apparatus is disclosed, comprising a housing; a first container in the housing; an inlet for receiving biodegradable waste to the first container; a N shredder in the first container for shredding the biodegradable waste; a second N 25 container in the housing for storing the biodegradable waste, a means for 7 moving the biodegradable waste from the first container to the second - container, wherein the apparatus comprises a temperature controller for E controlling the storage temperature of the biodegradable waste inside the S second container for preventing anaerobic digestion at the storage temperature. ~ 30 In one embodiment, the temperature controller comprises a heat pump N configured to cool or heat the biodegradable waste inside the second container.

In one embodiment, the second container comprises a means for controlling aircirculation for preventing anaerobic digestion.

In one embodiment, the first container comprises a sieve under the shredder, configured to separate liquid waste and solid biodegradable waste.

In one embodiment, the means for moving the biodegradable waste from the first container to the second container comprises a slurry pump configured to move solid biodegradable waste.

In one embodiment, the housing is an intermodal container.

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a transceiver and a processor being configured to provide status information of the biodegradable waste to a waste collecting system.

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a transceiver and a processor being configured to raise the temperature of the biodegradable waste in the second container before a scheduled collection of the biodegradable waste.

In one embodiment, the inlet for receiving biodegradable waste to the first container comprises at least one side wall configured to move for adjusting the inlet to the size of a biodegradable waste unit.

In one embodiment, the shredder comprises a cylindrical rotor configured to rotate around its axis; multiple blade bits positioned on the cylindrical rotor; a leading edge of said blade bits comprises an angular-shaped tip pointing outwardly from an envelope surface in a radial direction of the cylindrical rotor; a trailing edge of said blade bits comprises a tapered surface towards the axis; and a counter blade is configured at a cutting distance from the cylindrical rotor and multiple blade bits, wherein the cutting distance is adjustable.

Alternatively, or in addition, a second aspect is disclosed as a method for managing biodegradable waste in a housing, said housing comprising a first container and a second container.

The method comprises receiving N 25 biodegradable waste via an inlet to the first container; shredding the N biodegradable waste in the first container; moving the biodegradable waste 7 from the first container to the second container; and storing the biodegradable - waste in the second container.

The method comprises controlling the storage E temperature of the biodegradable waste inside the second container for S 30 preventing anaerobic digestion at the storage temperature.

In an embodiment, S the method comprises controlling air circulation in the second container for a preventing anaerobic digestion at the storage temperature.

In an embodiment, the method comprises separating liquid waste and solid biodegradable waste bya sieve. In an embodiment, the method comprises providing status information of the biodegradable waste to a waste collecting system. In an embodiment, the method comprises raising the temperature of the biodegradable waste in the second container before a scheduled collection of the biodegradable waste.

Alternatively, or in addition, the controlling functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware components or hardware logic components. An example of the temperature control, means for controlling air circulation, air circulation controller, transceiver or a system providing information exchange with an external scheduling service, or waste management service described hereinbefore is a computing-based device comprising one or more processors which may be microprocessors, controllers or any other suitable type of processors for processing computer executable instructions to control the operation of the device in order to control one or more sensors, receive sensor data and use the sensor data. The computer- executable instructions may be provided using any computer-readable media that is accessible by a computing-based device. Computer-readable media may include, for example, computer storage media, such as memory and communications media. Computer storage media, such as memory, includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer- readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic N 25 tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other N non-transmission medium that can be used to store information for access by a 7 computing device. In contrast, communication media may embody computer- - readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a & modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave, or other transport mechanism.

S 30 As defined herein, computer storage media does not include communication S media. Therefore, a computer storage medium should not be interpreted to be a a propagating signal per se. Propagated signals may be present in a computer storage media, but propagated signals per se are not examples of computerstorage media. Although the computer storage media is shown within the computing-based device, it will be appreciated that the storage may be distributed or located remotely and accessed via a network or other communication link, for example, by using a communication interface.

The apparatus or device may comprise an input/output controller arranged to output display information to a display device which may be separate from or integral to the apparatus or device. The input/output controller is also arranged to receive and process input from one or more devices, such as a user input device (e.g. a mouse, keyboard, camera, microphone or other sensor).

The control, communication or management methods described herein may be performed at least partially by software in machine-readable form on a tangible storage medium e.g. in the form of a computer program comprising computer program code means adapted to perform all the steps of any of the methods described herein when the program is run on a computer and where the computer program may be embodied on a computer-readable medium. Examples of tangible storage media include computer storage devices comprising computer-readable media, such as disks, thumb drives, memory etc. and do not only include propagated signals. Propagated signals may be present in a tangible storage media, but propagated signals per se are not examples of tangible storage media.

Any range or device value given herein may be extended or altered without losing the effect sought. Although at least portion of the subject matter has been described in language N specific to structural features and/or acts, it is to be understood that the subject N 25 matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific 7 features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts - described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims and E other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the S claims.

R > 30 It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the statedproblems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that reference to ‘an’ item refers to one or more of those items.

The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples without losing the effect sought.

The term ‘comprising’ is used herein to mean including the method blocks or elements identified, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements.

It will be understood that the above description is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this specification.

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Claims (12)

1. An apparatus, comprising: a housing (10); a first container (11) in the housing (10); an inlet (13) for receiving biodegradable waste to the first container (11); a shredder (25) in the first container (11) for shredding the biodegradable waste; a second container (12) in the housing (10) for storing the biodegradable waste, a means for moving the biodegradable waste from the first container (11) to the second container (12), characterized in that the apparatus comprises: an air-to-air heat pump for controlling the storage temperature of the biodegradable waste inside the second container (12) for preventing anaerobic digestion at the storage temperature; and the second container (12) comprises a means for controlling air circulation (22) for preventing anaerobic digestion.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first container (11) comprises a sieve (17) under the shredder (25), configured to separate liquid waste and solid biodegradable waste.

3. An apparatus according to any of the claim 1 or claim 2, N 25 characterized in that the means for moving the biodegradable N waste from the first container (11) to the second container (12) = comprises a slurry pump (19) configured to move solid biodegradable - waste. = S 30

4. An apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 3, characterized S in that the housing (10) is an intermodal container.

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5. An apparatus according to any of the claims 1to4, characterized by comprising a transceiver (23) and a processor (24) being configured to provide status information of the biodegradable waste to a waste collecting system.

6. An apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 5, characterized by comprising a transceiver (23) and a processor (24) being configured to raise the temperature of the biodegradable waste in the second container (12) before a scheduled collection of the biodegradable waste.

7. An apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to6, characterized in that the inlet (13) for receiving biodegradable waste to the first container (11) comprises at least one side wall (14) configured to move for adjusting the inlet (13) to the size of a biodegradable waste unit.

8. An apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the shredder (25) comprises a cylindrical rotor (26) configured to rotate around its axis; multiple blade bits (27) positioned on the cylindrical rotor (26); a leading edge (28) of said blade bits (27) comprises an angular-shaped tip pointing outwardly from an envelope surface in a radial direction of the cylindrical rotor (26); a trailing edge (29) of said blade bits (27) comprises a tapered surface towards the axis; and o 25 a counter blade (30) is configured at a cutting distance from the N cylindrical rotor (26) and multiple blade bits (27), wherein the cutting 3 distance is adjustable.

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9. Amethod for managing biodegradable waste in a housing (10), said 2 30 housing (10) comprising a first container (11) and a second container O (12); wherein the method comprises: > receiving biodegradable waste via an inlet (13) to the first container (11); shredding the biodegradable waste in the first container (11);

moving the biodegradable waste from the first container (11) to the second container (12); and storing the biodegradable waste in the second container (12), characterized in that the method comprises: controlling, by an air-to-air heat pump, the storage temperature of the biodegradable waste inside the second container (12) for preventing anaerobic digestion at the storage temperature; and controlling air circulation in the second container (12) for preventing anaerobic digestion at the storage temperature.

10. A method according to claim 9, characterized by separating liquid waste and solid biodegradable waste by a sieve (17), after shredding the biodegradable waste in the first container (11).

11. A method according to claim 9 or claim 10, characterized by providing status information of the biodegradable waste to a waste collecting system.

12. A method according to any of the claims 9to 11, characterized by raising the temperature of the biodegradable waste in the second container (12) before a scheduled collection of the biodegradable waste.

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