GB756373A - Method and apparatus for the fermentation of solid organic waste materials - Google Patents

Abstract

756,373. Treating sewage and refuse; fertilizers. DANO INGENIORFORRETNING OG MASKINFABRIK, INGENIOR KAI PETERSEN'S FOND. Nov. 3, 1953 [Dec. 11, 1952; March 5, 1953], No. 30408/53. Class 111. Material to be composted is introduced at 9, Fig. 9, and moved by a worm 14 into the heating zone I of a drum 10, the heat being derived from the gases resulting from fermentation taking place in a zone II, which gases are passed through the heating zone and discharged through apertures in the region D of the drum. Compressed air is supplied through a pipe (not shown) to a fixed distributer member 32, Fig. 3, surrounding the entrance neck, and passes through a slit 34 in it to apertures 20 in those ducts 22 which at the time are in communication with the slit. The material reaches the fermentation zone II at an optimal temperature of 35-50‹ C. If its moisture content is insufficient, water may be introduced at 24 from a pipe 26 controlled by a slit 36 in the distributer 32. If the fermentation is so vigorous that the above temperature range is exceeded, more air may be supplied; undue desiccation of the material may be counteracted by admission of water. The material may be subjected to pasteurization by permitting its temperature to rise to 60-70‹ C., preferably at the end of the fermentation zone where it passes to the drying zone III. In the drying zone more air is supplied which also effects cooling of the material. Alternatively to, or in addition to, the apertured pipes 22, air may be supplied by an axial, apertured pipe 40, Fig. 9. The drum may be divided axially, in at least the fermentation zone, by partitions 44, Fig. 11, which provide air or liquid ducts 46, 48 where they meet one another and the drum wall. The heating zone may be made of larger diameter than the remainder of the drum (Fig. 10, not shown).