NZ614335B - Apparatus and method for conducting microbiological processes - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for conducting microbiological processes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ614335B NZ614335B NZ614335A NZ61433512A NZ614335B NZ 614335 B NZ614335 B NZ 614335B NZ 614335 A NZ614335 A NZ 614335A NZ 61433512 A NZ61433512 A NZ 61433512A NZ 614335 B NZ614335 B NZ 614335B
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- bulk material
- heat
- temperature
- heat transfer
- water
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 33
- 230000002906 microbiologic Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 31
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 100
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 51
- 244000052616 bacterial pathogens Species 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 230000000813 microbial Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 235000015097 nutrients Nutrition 0.000 claims description 20
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 235000021049 nutrient content Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011343 solid material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000737 periodic Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 15
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 6
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 5
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 4
- 229940035295 Ting Drugs 0.000 description 4
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000004059 degradation Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 4
- MYMOFIZGZYHOMD-UHFFFAOYSA-N oxygen Chemical compound O=O MYMOFIZGZYHOMD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000002708 enhancing Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000003208 petroleum Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 3
- 241000894007 species Species 0.000 description 3
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 3
- -1 granular ores Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000203069 Archaea Species 0.000 description 2
- 241000206602 Eukaryota Species 0.000 description 2
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001580 bacterial Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000031018 biological processes and functions Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000006555 catalytic reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001413 cellular Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920003013 deoxyribonucleic acid Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000001419 dependent Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002349 favourable Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000005065 mining Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010815 organic waste Substances 0.000 description 2
- OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N phosphorus Chemical compound [P] OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052698 phosphorus Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011574 phosphorus Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005067 remediation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000000481 Breast Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- NLZUEZXRPGMBCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Butylhydroxytoluene Chemical compound CC1=CC(C(C)(C)C)=C(O)C(C(C)(C)C)=C1 NLZUEZXRPGMBCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- LZZYPRNAOMGNLH-UHFFFAOYSA-M Cetrimonium bromide Chemical compound [Br-].CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC[N+](C)(C)C LZZYPRNAOMGNLH-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 241000233866 Fungi Species 0.000 description 1
- 108060004843 Mical Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 241000736262 Microbiota Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000244206 Nematoda Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene (PE) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 240000004808 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000000370 acceptor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009264 composting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002283 diesel fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003344 environmental pollutant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003337 fertilizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003502 gasoline Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002068 genetic Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004746 geotextile Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003673 groundwater Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008236 heating water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001385 heavy metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000002386 leaching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002503 metabolic Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000005445 natural product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229930014626 natural products Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 238000005457 optimization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000002894 organic compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 description 1
- ABLZXFCXXLZCGV-UHFFFAOYSA-N phosphorous acid Chemical compound OP(O)=O ABLZXFCXXLZCGV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 231100000719 pollutant Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003134 recirculating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004088 simulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007619 statistical method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002588 toxic Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000003612 virological Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010792 warming Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B09—DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE; RECLAMATION OF CONTAMINATED SOIL
- B09C—RECLAMATION OF CONTAMINATED SOIL
- B09C1/00—Reclamation of contaminated soil
- B09C1/10—Reclamation of contaminated soil microbiologically, biologically or by using enzymes
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2101/00—Nature of the contaminant
- C02F2101/006—Radioactive compounds
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
- C02F2103/06—Contaminated groundwater or leachate
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
- C02F2103/10—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated from quarries or from mining activities
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2203/00—Apparatus and plants for the biological treatment of water, waste water or sewage
- C02F2203/008—Mobile apparatus and plants, e.g. mounted on a vehicle
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
- C02F2209/005—Processes using a programmable logic controller [PLC]
- C02F2209/008—Processes using a programmable logic controller [PLC] comprising telecommunication features, e.g. modems or antennas
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
- C02F2209/02—Temperature
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
- C02F2209/40—Liquid flow rate
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
- C02F2303/02—Odour removal or prevention of malodour
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
- C02F2303/10—Energy recovery
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2305/00—Use of specific compounds during water treatment
- C02F2305/06—Nutrients for stimulating the growth of microorganisms
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F3/00—Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F3/006—Regulation methods for biological treatment
-
- 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
- C05F17/50—Treatments combining two or more different biological or biochemical treatments, e.g. anaerobic and aerobic treatment or vermicomposting and aerobic treatment
-
- 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
- C05F17/80—Separation, elimination or disposal of harmful substances during the treatment
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10G—CRACKING HYDROCARBON OILS; PRODUCTION OF LIQUID HYDROCARBON MIXTURES, e.g. BY DESTRUCTIVE HYDROGENATION, OLIGOMERISATION, POLYMERISATION; RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBON OILS FROM OIL-SHALE, OIL-SAND, OR GASES; REFINING MIXTURES MAINLY CONSISTING OF HYDROCARBONS; REFORMING OF NAPHTHA; MINERAL WAXES
- C10G2300/00—Aspects relating to hydrocarbon processing covered by groups C10G1/00 - C10G99/00
- C10G2300/80—Additives
- C10G2300/805—Water
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10G—CRACKING HYDROCARBON OILS; PRODUCTION OF LIQUID HYDROCARBON MIXTURES, e.g. BY DESTRUCTIVE HYDROGENATION, OLIGOMERISATION, POLYMERISATION; RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBON OILS FROM OIL-SHALE, OIL-SAND, OR GASES; REFINING MIXTURES MAINLY CONSISTING OF HYDROCARBONS; REFORMING OF NAPHTHA; MINERAL WAXES
- C10G32/00—Refining of hydrocarbon oils by electric or magnetic means, by irradiation, or by using microorganisms
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
- C12M41/00—Means for regulation, monitoring, measurement or control, e.g. flow regulation
- C12M41/12—Means for regulation, monitoring, measurement or control, e.g. flow regulation of temperature
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
- C12M41/00—Means for regulation, monitoring, measurement or control, e.g. flow regulation
- C12M41/30—Means for regulation, monitoring, measurement or control, e.g. flow regulation of concentration
- C12M41/34—Means for regulation, monitoring, measurement or control, e.g. flow regulation of concentration of gas
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
- C22B—PRODUCTION AND REFINING OF METALS; PRETREATMENT OF RAW MATERIALS
- C22B3/00—Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes
- C22B3/02—Apparatus therefor
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
- C22B—PRODUCTION AND REFINING OF METALS; PRETREATMENT OF RAW MATERIALS
- C22B3/00—Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes
- C22B3/18—Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes with the aid of microorganisms or enzymes, e.g. bacteria or algae
-
- 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
- Y02P10/00—Technologies related to metal processing
- Y02P10/20—Recycling
-
- 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
- Y02W10/00—Technologies for wastewater treatment
- Y02W10/30—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies
-
- 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
Abstract
614335 Please note: The numbers refer to the components in the abstract drawing. Disclosed is a method of conducting a microbiological process on a bulk material in which a quantity of the bulk material is loaded onto a waterproof lining (4) forming part of a bio cell with a heat transfer arrangement (5) below the quantity of bulk material or within its volume, or both, and wherein the moisture content of the bulk material is controlled by periodic or intermittent distribution of water into the bulk material in order to promote microbiological activity within the bulk material by means of microbes that may be either naturally occurring within the bulk material or may be selected and introduced into the bulk material according to a desired result, and a leachate recovery installation (22) for collecting leachate draining from the bulk material, in use, wherein the temperature within the bulk material is monitored and the heat transfer arrangement is heated or cooled, as may be required, in order to control the temperature thereof to cause the temperature of the bulk material to approach a target temperature associated with enhanced microbial activity of microbes present within the bulk material wherein the heat transfer arrangement operates to heat or cool air that is fed into an air inlet arrangement (7) prior to its discharge into the bulk material, the heat transfer arrangement including a heat exchanger that may be heated or cooled by fluid circulated through the heat exchanger from a suitable source. ngement (5) below the quantity of bulk material or within its volume, or both, and wherein the moisture content of the bulk material is controlled by periodic or intermittent distribution of water into the bulk material in order to promote microbiological activity within the bulk material by means of microbes that may be either naturally occurring within the bulk material or may be selected and introduced into the bulk material according to a desired result, and a leachate recovery installation (22) for collecting leachate draining from the bulk material, in use, wherein the temperature within the bulk material is monitored and the heat transfer arrangement is heated or cooled, as may be required, in order to control the temperature thereof to cause the temperature of the bulk material to approach a target temperature associated with enhanced microbial activity of microbes present within the bulk material wherein the heat transfer arrangement operates to heat or cool air that is fed into an air inlet arrangement (7) prior to its discharge into the bulk material, the heat transfer arrangement including a heat exchanger that may be heated or cooled by fluid circulated through the heat exchanger from a suitable source.
Description
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONDUCTING MICROBIOLOGICAL
PROCESSES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an energy efficient tus and method for
conducting microbiological processes on bulk materials such as soil, sand,
granular ores, water, sub—divided biodegradable waste that is to be
biologically treated, as well as possibly other subdivided bulk materials
e of microbiological processing.
The invention is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with
microbiological processes that are energy sufficient, in particular by utilizing
renewable energy in self sustaining low cost cells, wherein biological
processes are used to treat bulk materials in order to decontaminate or
biotransform them to environmentally more friendly products or to extract
components from them. The biological processes preferably involve the use
of naturally ing microbiota/biome to effect desired biological ty
within the bulk material. The microbial communities may include bacteria
archaea, eucarya and even viral biomes.
In one important application, the invention is directed at the bioremediation of
contaminated soil, water or sand, such as that contaminated with spilt
petroleum ts such as petrol or gasoline, aviation fuel, diesel fuel or
other exogenous contaminants.
In many aspects of the invention its use enables energy efficient
microbiological ses to be d out near the locality in which the bulk
material is t in a highly effective manner with a result that the carbon
footprint of certain situations is improved by using renewable energy.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
It is well known that many beneficial microbiological processes, especially
bacterial processes, take place lly and each different process es
the activity of different species/genera of bacteria. The speed of catalysis in
the relevant bacteria is, r, also dependent on prevailing physico—
chemical conditions especially as regards the presence of moisture and
oxygen in the bulk material being treated and the temperature.
Numerous different microbiological processes have accordingly been
ed in which at least some control of the ambient ions is
exercised with a view to accelerating the microbiological activity.
Furthermore, the use of led “BIO-cells” has been ed for the
bioremediation of fuel/hydrocabon contaminated soils on site and in which
oxygen is supplied in the form of air.
There are numerous ent human endeavors that result in contamination
such as in the mining, industrial, and agricultural fields and each generally
produces associated waste that requires disposal.
Any site that has contamination is morally if not legally obliged to select from
a wide array of ent options with efficacy and cost being major factors in
making a decision. Many countries rarely consider in situ or on site
approaches although, with bulk materials such as soil, they would often be
less costly and can be done in a shorter time frame and pose less risk.
In this regard the US Navy’s TechData Sheet TDSENV (2nd Revision)
describes bio cells in which the on of moisture and nutrients such as
nitrogen and phosphorus can be used to enhance microbial activity and
wherein provision is made for the removal of leachate from soil being
processed in a large container. The bio cell also provides for the extraction
of le organic compounds released by g the off-gases through a
granulated activated carbon adsorption system. Whilst providing an effective
bioremediation expedient, the bio cells described in this publication
nevertheless consume energy and thus have associated with them a
considerable operating cost. Also, these bio cells operate at ambient
temperature and the microbiological activity is associated with the prevailing
temperature. This is so to the extent that in certain climates in which the
temperature decreases ntially in winter months, bioremediation sites
need to be closed for the coldest part of the year.
It is to be noted that whilst the better known microbial processes for the
degradation of hydrocarbons are aerobic, it is common cause that there are
many anaerobic and even anoxic microbes that can effectively bio remediate
soils as well as extract valuable components from subdivided ores or the like.
A need is ved for a method of conducting a microbiological process on
bulk materials in which the microbiological process is carried out under
ions that enhance microbiological activity, and therefore, as a general
rule, reduce the time taken for a microbiological process to achieve a
predetermined result.
Such a bio cell for the conduct of microbiological processes on bulk als
of the general nature outlined above should be satisfactorily cost effective.
Such a bio cell in ation to bulk materials would preferably, gh not
necessarily, utilize in situ communities and metabolic functionality of
microbiological species. Such a bio cell would preferably be relatively easy
to move from one site to another.
It is also preferable that a method and apparatus for conducting a
microbiological process be one in which the conduct of the s is aimed
at reducing the ecological footprint of at least particular situations, especially,
although not exclusively, in the bioremediation field.
A method and apparatus for conducting such a microbiological process will
ably use offsite control or PLC control utilizing feedback data to adjust
feed or physicochemical parameters to enhance bioremediation or bio
activity.
Y OF THE ION
In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method
of conducting a microbiological process on a bulk material in which a quantity
of the bulk material is loaded onto a waterproof lining forming part of a bio
cell with a heat transfer arrangement below the quantity of bulk material or
within its , or both, and wherein the moisture content of the bulk
material is controlled by periodic or intermittent distribution of water into the
bulk material in order to promote microbiological activity within the bulk
material by means of microbes that may be either naturally ing within
the bulk material or may be selected and introduced into the bulk material
according to a desired result, and a leachate recovery installation for
ting leachate draining from the bulk material, in use, wherein the
temperature within the bulk material is monitored and the heat transfer
arrangement is heated or cooled, as may be required, in order to control the
ature thereof to cause the temperature of the bulk material to
approach a target temperature associated with enhanced microbial activity of
microbes present within the bulk material wherein the heat transfer
arrangement operates to heat or cool air that is fed into an air inlet prior to
discharge of the air into the bulk material by way of an air inlet arrangement
that embodies a heat exchanger y air being fed to the air inlet
arrangement is heated or cooled according to the temperature of fluid
ated through the heat exchanger from a heat source.
Further features of the first aspect of the invention provide for the microbes to
be selected from c, bic and anoxic types; in the event that air is
used to be cooled for cooling to be effected using a suitable air-conditioner;
for the heat er arrangement to e a heat sink ed of a
multitude of pebbles or particles having a heat content aimed at maintaining
a generally even temperature during periods of time for which a heat source
or source of cooling is inactive; and for the heat source or source of cooling
to be a renewable energy type of heat source or source of cooling, especially
a solar heat absorption facility, and most especially one having a plurality of
inclined evacuated heat absorption tubes.
Still further features of the first aspect of the invention provide for nts
required for the targeted microbial action, typically nitrogen and phosphorous
in addition to oxygen contained in the air, to be optionally added in the form
of solid material at the time that the quantity of bulk material is loaded into the
bio cell; in the alternative, or in addition, for nutrients to be added, as may be
required, by way of water distributed into the bulk material; for water to be
distributed into the bulk material by ng it on to the upper surface
thereof; for the water to be recycled leachate optionally together with makeup
water that may be added to compensate for any losses or to compensate for
a bleed stream of leachate that may be d; for the nutrient content of
the leachate to be monitored and with nutrients being added as may be
required where leachate is recirculated; and for the moisture content of the
bulk al to be monitored with the distribution of water into the bulk
material being controlled according to the moisture content detected.
Yet further features of the first aspect of the invention provide for the entire
method to be optionally carried out in an enclosed environment, conveniently
in a suitable covering tunnel in which the tunnel is formed as an enclosure
er with the waterproof lining of the bio cell; for the enclosed
environment to have an outlet for gases that may optionally be fitted with an
auger or turbine for ting energy from gases leaving the enclosed
environment; for any outlet gases to be passed through an appropriate
er for removing any harmful components thereof; and for a retractable
insulating cover to be ated with the tunnel for selectively lling
heat loss through the tunnel wall according to external ambient temperature.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided
apparatus in the form of a bio cell for the conduct of a method as defined
above comprising a waterproof lining; a heat transfer arrangement adapted to
be covered by a quantity of bulk material, in use; a water inlet arrangement
including flow regulator means whereby water can be periodically or
intermittently distributed in bulk material supported above the waterproof
lining; at least one moisture detector for detecting the moisture content of
bulk material within the container; a leachate recovery installation for
ting leachate draining from bulk material supported above the
roof lining in use; and at least one ature detector for detecting
temperature within bulk al supported above the waterproof lining;
wherein the heat transfer arrangement is arranged, as may be required in
use, to adjust the temperature of bulk material supported above the
waterproof lining wherein the heat er arrangement is arranged to heat
or cool air that is fed into an air inlet arrangement prior to its discharge into
the bulk material, the heat transfer arrangement including a heat ger
that may be heated or cooled by fluid circulated through the heat exchanger
from a suitable source.
Further features of the second aspect of the invention provide for the
apparatus to include a controller having an electronic micro—processor with
the controller having inputs for association with the at least one temperature
or and the at least one moisture detector; for the controller to have an
output for controlling the flow of heating or cooling fluid to the heat transfer
arrangement according to the ature detected by the at least one
temperature detector; for the controller to have an output for controlling the
flow of water to the water inlet arrangement according to the output from the
at least one moisture detector; for the apparatus to include nutrient detector
means for ing nutrients in the te in which instance the controller
has an input for the output from the nutrient detector means and, in the event
that the leachate is recycled, for the controller to optionally control the
addition of nutrients to leachate being supplied to the water inlet
arrangement; and for the controller to have associated with it an electrical
power supply including a battery unit and a solar photovoltaic cell
arrangement for charging the battery unit.
Still r features of the second aspect of the invention provide for the heat
exchanger to form a part of the air inlet arrangement with the heat exchanger
conveniently receiving heated fluid, in use, from a renewable energy
sion unit, especially a fluid heating solar energy conversion unit that
may, in particular, be either a plurality of evacuated solar heat collection
tubes or an alternative type of heat collection panel, in either event typically
of a type used for heating water; for the heat transfer arrangement to be
operatively surrounded by a multitude of pebbles or particles having a heat
content aimed at maintaining an elevated temperature during periods of time
for which the heat source is inactive and thereby acting as a heat sink; and
for the apparatus to e a xtile layer for ting the bulk
material from the heat sink and air inlet arrangement.
Additional features of the second aspect of the invention provide for the
apparatus to include impervious sheet material preferably in the form of a
tunnel that fully encloses the bio cell with a covering sheet of material and the
lining of the ner together acting to form a totally enclosed tunnel for the
bio cell with an optional outlet for ses in which instance there may be
associated with the outlet an auger or turbine for extracting energy from
gases leaving the enclosed environment and optionally an appropriate
scrubber for removing any harmful components thereof; and for a retractable
insulating cover to be associated with the tunnel for ively controlling
heat loss through the tunnel wall according to prevailing al ambient
temperature in which instance the controller may be arranged to
automatically adjust the position of the retractable insulating, according to
ambient temperature fed to the controller by an ambient temperature sensor.
It will be understood that in instances in which added heat is derived from a
renewable energy source and electrical energy for operating the controller
and any refrigeration or air conditioning apparatus is derived from the same
or a different renewable energy source, the entire apparatus becomes a
standalone apparatus not needing any other energy input. This being so, at
worst, the apparatus provided by the ion would be carbon l and,
as a general rule, at least in bioremediation applications, the tus will,
in use, serve to reduce the ecological footprint.
One of the advantages of ing DC current that is the natural product of
solar photovoltaic cells is direct current and the use of batteries to store the
electrical energy retains the characteristic of direct current. It is therefore
appropriate to utilise direct current motors and pumps for intermittent feeding
of water, optionally containing added nutrients, and of air in the case of an
aerobic e system. It is also noted that energy efficient DC air
ioning units are presently becoming more commonly available and the
use of such an air conditioning unit, or a similar refrigeration units may be
appropriate for controlling a temperature in areas in which high ambient
temperatures are experienced such as in some desert regions where the
ambient temperature may arise above an ideal temperature for the growth of
the nt microbes.
A further age of utilising DC is that pulsed flow can conveniently be
employed whenever it would be advantageous to do so. Pulsed flow can
have a y of different benefits such as the prevention of biological
hotspots in the case of a nutrient feed.
In the event that artificial lighting of any type is employed within the bio cell,
the lights could be switched in any appropriate manner including short pulsed
periods of time. Such lights could, for example, be LEDs of a le nature.
The invention may be applied to bioremediation processes such as the
remediation of soil, water, heavy metals and sand contaminated with
petroleum ts, the latter being a particularly important application of the
invention.
However, it is envisaged that the invention will also be d in many other
instances such as the bacterial leaching of valuable metals and minerals
from ores containing same.
It will be appreciated that the method and apparatus of this invention can be
operated ly by way of cooperating two-way ications devices in
which instance an on—site communications device could be employed to
transmit current control variables to a remote communications device and the
latter could be employed to send back control es for changing any
one or more process variables, as may be required.
Of course, it is also le to have a one—way communications
arrangement in which information as to the status on site can be transmitted
to an off-site receiver and a responsible person could take appropriate action
by any available means.
In many instances practice of the invention reduces the ecological footprint of
at least many different biodegradable waste materials.
In order that the invention may be more fully understood a further more
ed discussion thereof follows with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:—
Figure 1 is a schematic system diagram showing the container in partial
section and the other components of the apparatus in
ation therewith;
Figure2 is a plan view of the ner illustrating the various layers
within the container stripped away one by one;
Figure 3 is a schematic sectional elevation of a part of the length of the
heat exchanger of the tus; and,
Figure 4 is a schematic system diagram similar to Figure 1 but showing
a system appropriate to the growth of anaerobic or anoxic
microbes and further showing another variation of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS
In the embodiment of the ion of which the apparatus is illustrated in
Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, a bio cell for the conduct of a bio remediation
process such as that of soil contaminated with petroleum products,
comprises a large container (1), typically of a size le for containing an
riate quantity of soil, say from 5 to 20 cubic metres. The container
could be a conventional skip of an appropriate size or a suitable shipping
ner with the top d, or any other suitable large container that
may, of course, even be custom—built for the purpose. Of course, it is also
within the scope of this invention that extremely long tunnels that may be
generally self-supporting or may be located in temporary or permanent
trenches at least partially dug in the Earth's surface could be employed.
Such elongate bio cells could have a length of many metres and up to 100
and even 300 metres, depending on convenience and the environment.
Reverting to the present embodiment of the invention, the bottom (2) of the
container is covered with a layer of sand (3) on top of which is placed a
waterproof lining (4), typically of a suitable gauge of black polyethylene sheet
material. The purpose of the sand is to prevent any hard unevenness on the
bottom of the container from perforating the waterproof sheet as the sheet
serves the most important e of preventing any potentially toxic or
harmful s from escaping from the bio cell.
On top of the waterproof sheet is a combination air inlet and heat exchanger
ly (5) that includes at least one large diameter c distribution pipe
(6) having perforations in the lower surface thereof that form an outlet into the
container. This arrangement of perforations s that any soil or debris
does not enter the distribution pipe from the top under the influence of
gravity. Depending on the size of the container and the physical
arrangement of the various components of the apparatus, there may be more
than one such large diameter distribution pipe in which instance it is
envisaged that they would lly be arranged in laterally spaced el
relationship relative to each other.
As shown in Figure 3, a smaller diameter air inlet pipe (7), that is also
perforated, is located lly concentrically within the distribution pipe.
The air inlet pipe is held in spaced relationship relative to the inside surface
of the distribution pipe by means of a helically wound heater pipe (8) through
which hot water is to be circulated, in use, in order to elevate the temperature
of air passing through the air inlet and heat exchanger assembly. Of course
coming in the instance that cooling is necessary, cold water could also be
circulated in the same way in order to cool air passing h the heat
exchanger. The hot water supply to the helically wound heater pipe
emanates from a solar water heater (11) by way of a circulation pump (12)
that circulates water within a closed circuit including a storage tank (13).
The air supply to the air inlet pipe is described more fully below.
The combination of air inlet and heat exchanger assembly is covered by a
permeable body of s (14) that serves to retain heat in the manner of a
heat sink so that the temperature within the bio cell does not fluctuate too
much With higher and lower day and night temperatures, as will become
more apparent from what follows. Also, the permeability of the body of
pebbles enables an even bution of air to be achieved underneath the
bulk al being treated, that is contaminated soil in this instance.
Above the body of s is a geotextile layer (15) that in use serves to
prevent the bulk material being treated in the bio cell, in this ce the soil
that is indicated by numeral (16), from entering the body of s or the
combination air inlet and heat exchanger assembly.
It will be understood that the bulk material being treated is introduced into the
container within the waterproof lining that extends up the side walls of the
container to form an entirely waterproof surround to the bulk material. The
bulk al is generally introduced into the container stepwise using an
appropriate type of mechanical shovel such as a front end loader. During the
loading process, at least one moisture detector (17) for detecting the
moisture content of the bulk material within the container is buried at one or
more le positions within the bulk material. Similarly, at least one
temperature detector (18) for detecting temperature at an appropriate
position within bulk material in the container is also buried within the bulk
material.
Also during the loading process, any solid nutrients, typically in the form of
fertilizers containing phosphorus and nitrogen in appropriate proportions,
may be added ing to requirements of the particular iological
process that is targeted to take place in the bio cell.
A water inlet ement in the form of rows of sprinklers (21) is installed
above the upper e of the bulk material in the ner so that water
that may contain dissolved nutrients and any other beneficial constituents
can be periodically or ittently distributed onto bulk material contained
within the container. In this regard it will be quite apparent to those skilled in
the art that the amount of water circulated through the system should not be
excessive but should be aimed at maintaining a satisfactory level of moisture
within the bulk al that is appropriate to optimum desired microbiological
activity.
The water circulation installation includes a te pump (22) for pumping
leachate draining from bulk material in the container in use and returning it to
a water supply tank (23) from which it is pumped by means of a water supply
pump (24) to the sprinklers. The leachate pump is activated according to the
level of leachate at the bottom of the container within the waterproof lining. It
is to be mentioned that at least the waterproof lining, and possibly also the
bottom of the ner, are preferably inclined so that the leachate pump
can be located at a lowermost position in order to re-circulate leachate to the
water supply tank.
The entire bio cell is formed into a tunnel (25) comprising an impervious
sheet material that cooperates with the lining of the container to fully enclose
the bio cell within the cooperating waterproof sheets of material. An outlet
that is indicated by numeral (26) is provided for off—gases leaving the
enclosed environment. A blower (27) serves to assist in the removal of the
off-gases and either recirculating them to the combination air inlet and heat
exchanger or discharging them, as may be appropriate, by way of a scrubber
(28), such as an activated carbon filter.
A three way valve (29) may be provided to control and optionally divide the
flow of off-gases as may be required. The control of the three-way valve may
be dependent on the nature of gases detected by an additional sensor (30)
that may be of the general type known as an odour sensor. Also, there may
be provided an al energy ry device such as an auger or turbine
type of rotary device (31) for recovering energy from off-gasses discharged
from the scrubber.
Any additional blower (32) may be used for introducing additional air, as may
be required.
In order to further retain warmth within the bio cell system, a retractable
lly insulating cover (35), located either inside or outside the tunnel,
may be provided for retaining warmth within the bio cell during cooler periods
of time such as during night time or wintertime for lling heat loss.
A controller, generally indicated by numeral (36), has an electronic micro-
processor and inputs for connection to the temperature detector (18) and the
moisture detector (17); as well as a solar radiation detector (37); any
additional sensor (30) that may be t; an external ambient temperature
detector (38) and a wireless communications device such as an SMS or
other data packet generating unit (39) that is capable of communication with
a remote communications device such as a cellular telephone (40) of a
person responsible for the operation of the bio cell. In its most desirable
format, both communications s are capable of interacting in both
directions so that control settings may be itted to the controller from a
remote ications device without the person responsible for the
operation of the bio cell needing to visit the installation itself. Of course other
maintenance may be necessary that requires physical attendance at the bio—
cell site.
The controller also has outputs for controlling the circulation pump (12) that
controls the flow of heated water from the solar water heater to the heat
exchanger ing to the temperature detected by the temperature
detector (18); the water supply pump (23) for controlling for the flow of water
to the sprinklers (21) according to the output from the re detector (17);
the blower (27) ing to the output from the additional sensor (30) that
may be an odour sensor; and an automatic position adjustment mechanism
(not shown) for automatically adjusting the position of the retractable
thermally insulating cover (35).
it is a particular feature of this invention that the entire bio cell installation is
self-contained and self energizing and to this end, the controller is energized
by an electrical power supply including a battery unit (41) and a solar cell
(photovoltaic cell) (42) and associated circuitry for charging the battery unit.
The solar cell and battery unit are designed so that they can also energize all
the pumps forming part of the system as well as the blower (27) so that the
entire bio installation is self energizing. It is of course to be remembered that
the heating ary for warming the bulk material to stimulate
microbiological growth is supplied by a renewable energy source, in this
instance, by way of the solar water heater (11).
The apparatus of the invention may also e a nutrient detector (45) for
detecting nutrients in the leachate or water supplied to the sprinklers in which
instance the controller has an input for the output from the nt or
and, in the event that the leachate is recycled, a control output to control the
addition of nutrients to water/leachate either in the storage tank or in the
pipeline as indicated by numeral (46).
It will be tood that, in use, the apparatus described above may be
used to conduct a wide range of microbiological processes on bulk materials
and that the automatic control of the re content, temperature, supply of
nutrients, ion of microbiological species and other process variables
that target optimum biological activity can be used highly effectively to
accelerate microbiological processes especially, but not exclusively,
microbiological bioremediation processes.
The controller may be arranged to retain data for a predetermined ic
period and to send off appropriate messages via the SMS system to the
cellular telephone of a responsible person. The fully stand alone system thus
has a communication base station for full technical, physical and biological
control. Once the system has been set up for a particular on, it has low
ional skill requirements. The system is adaptable for solid or liquid
s, and may even be adaptable for gas phase systems.
On site historical data may be used to direct the bio cell and the various
parameters employed. The concentration as well as stability of the
contaminant or bio mineral may be monitored in any desired way. The data
recovered over a period of time may be used for optimization of the bio cell
ters. lf little or no historical data is available the bio cell allows for a
simulation of onsite processes before any optimisation occurs and this could
give additional information about natural attenuation, plume development and
its degradation as well as other variables. Data may be recovered and
categorised with respect to topography, microbial phylogeny, geology,
geochemistry, climate, etc. These environmental parameters can be used to
manage variable conditions of the bio cell.
The bio cell allows for comprehensive analysis including a determination of
whether the trations of contaminants of concern are stable or
decreasing both in time and space.
The system thus allows for the definition of a favorable mical and
3O geochemical environment. This means that the redox conditions, oxygen
level, trations of electron donors and acceptors that are favorable for
degradation of the contaminants of concern can be determined, including
physicochemical parameters, pH, optimum temperature, water activity, etc.
Within a bio cell, the hensive microbial diversity and its dynamics may
be simulated and evaluated.
Of course establishing a novel tailor made microbial community can increase
the rates of degradation to a point where the rate is sufficient or optimized.
The adaptability of the system is a unique feature and therefore extreme
environmental conditions and ophillic reactions are not excluded. It is
envisaged that high concentrations of pollutant, high atures that will
increase the solubility of contaminants, radioactivity, and inert mineral
extraction are envisaged as being possible in the system of this invention.
DNA-based tools have been used to monitor microbial ity in complex
communities. Because the environments created by mining, industrial and
agricultural activity and the associated waste disposal are so unique,
culturing the bacteria is generally extremely challenging. An inability to
e all of the microbes within a complex environment necessitates the use
of culture independent methods. There have thus been developed
standardized methods and procedures specifically for soil, groundwater and
waste samples from impacted environments.
Samples are transported to a laboratory under controlled conditions where
microbial diversity assessments may be performed by exponentially
increasing targeted areas (PCR ication) of the genetic ng material
(DNA) using probes that target all 3 s of life (Eukaryotes —
nematodes, yeast and fungi, etc. Prokaryotes—bacteria and Archaea). The
generated fragments may then be then subjected to a lized
ophoretic technique that is used to separate these fragments based on
compositional ences. Statistical analysis provides a means of
comparing and measuring shifts in microbial diversity.
The cost effective, green technology can rate catalysis several fold
without any additional cost implementation.
Figure 4 of the drawings illustrates apparatus similar to that described with
reference to Figure 1 wherein the same reference numerals are used for the
same items of apparatus. The apparatus shown in Figure 4 has, however,
the heat ger replaced by a simple heat exchanger (51) that transfers
heat (or for that matter cold) directly to the permeable body (14) of pebbles or
the like for use in instances of bic or anoxic microbes. Of course, the
heat exchanger could be buried directly in the body of soil (16) t the
permeable body of pebbles should this be appropriate.
Figure 4 also shows a refrigeration or air conditioning unit (52) that can be
used for cooling air, in the nce of aerobic microbes or, water in the
ce of anaerobic or anoxic microbes in instances in which ambient
temperatures are excessively high and it would be advantageous to cool the
body of soil somewhat. It is believed that certain types of energy efficient DC
air-conditioners will be appropriate and suitable for the purpose provided that
the battery and photovoltaic cells are selected accordingly.
It is thus envisaged that the apparatus could also be used for ial metal
extraction processes and still further for composting procedures.
Claims (1)
- A method of conducting a microbiological process on a bulk material in which a quantity of the bulk material is loaded onto a waterproof lining forming part of a bio cell with a heat transfer arrangement below the quantity of bulk material or within its volume, or both, and wherein the moisture content of the bulk material is controlled by ic or intermittent distribution of water into the bulk material in order to e microbiological activity within the bulk material by means of 10 microbes that may be either naturally occurring within the bulk al or may be selected and introduced into the bulk material according to a desired result, and a leachate recovery installation for collecting leachate draining from the bulk material, in use, wherein the temperature within the bulk material is monitored and the heat transfer 15 arrangement is heated or cooled, as may be required, in order to control the temperature thereof to cause the ature of the bulk material to approach a target temperature associated with enhanced microbial activity of microbes present within the bulk material wherein the heat transfer ement operates to heat or cool air that is fed 20 into an air inlet arrangement prior to its discharge into the bulk material, the heat transfer arrangement ing a heat exchanger that may be heated or cooled by fluid circulated through the heat exchanger from a suitable source. 25 A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the microbes include aerobic microbes. A method as claimed in either one of claims 1 or 2 in which the microbes include anaerobic microbes. A method as d in any one of the ing claims in which the heat transfer arrangement includes a heat sink composed of a ude of pebbles or particles having a heat content aimed at maintaining an elevated temperature during periods of time for which the heat source is inactive. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which nutrients required for a targeted microbial action are added either in the form of solid material at the time that the quantity of bulk material is loaded into the bio cell or by way of water buted into the bulk material, or both. A method as d in any one of the preceding claims in which water is distributed into the bulk material by spraying it on to the upper e thereof with the water being recycled leachate together with any makeup water that may be added to compensate for losses or to 15 compensate for a bleed stream of leachate that may be removed. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the nutrient content of the leachate is monitored and nutrients are added as may be ed to leachate that is recirculated. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the re content of the bulk material is monitored with the distribution of water into the bulk material being controlled according to the moisture content detected. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the entire method is carried out in an enclosed environment in the general form of a suitable tunnel in which the tunnel forms an enclosure together with the waterproof lining of the bio cell. 10. Apparatus in the form of a bio cell for the conduct of a method as defined above comprising a waterproof ; a heat transfer arrangement adapted to be covered by a quantity of bulk al, in use; a water inlet arrangement including flow regulator means whereby water can be periodically or intermittently distributed in bulk material supported above the waterproof lining; at least one moisture detector for detecting the moisture content of bulk material within the container; a Ieachate recovery installation for collecting te draining from bulk material supported above the roof lining in use; and at least one temperature detector for detecting temperature within bulk material ted above the waterproof lining; wherein the 10 heat transfer arrangement is arranged, as may be required in use, to adjust the temperature of bulk material supported above the waterproof lining, wherein the heat transfer arrangement is arranged to heat or cool air that is fed into an air inlet arrangement prior to its discharge into the bulk al, the heat transfer arrangement 15 ing a heat exchanger that may be heated or cooled by fluid circulated through the heat exchanger from a suitable source. 11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 in which the apparatus includes a controller having an electronic micro-processor with the ller 20 having inputs for association with the at least one temperature or and the at least one moisture detector; wherein the controller has an output for controlling the flow of heating or cooling fluid to the heat transfer arrangement according to the temperature detected by the at least one temperature detector; the controller also having an 25 output for lling the flow of water to the water inlet arrangement according to the output from the at least one moisture detector. 12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 in which in the microbes to be employed include aerobic microbes and the heat transfer arrangement 3O includes a heat exchanger whereby air fed to an air inlet ement is heated according to the temperature of fluid circulated through the heat exchanger from a heat source. 13. tus as claimed in either one of claims 11 or 12 in which the controller further has an input for receiving the output from a nutrient detector for ing nutrients in the leachate and, in the event that 5 the leachate is recycled, the controller has an output for controlling the addition of nutrients to water/leachate being supplied to the water inlet arrangement. 14. tus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13 in which the 10 ller has associated with it an electrical power supply including a battery unit and a solar cell arrangement for ng the battery unit and the heat exchanger is connected to a solar water heater assembly to effect g of the heat exchanger. 15 15. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14 in which the heat transfer arrangement is surrounded by a multitude of pebbles or particles having a heat content aimed at maintaining an elevated temperature of inlet air during periods of time for which the heat source is inactive with the pebbles or particles thereby acting as a heat 20 sink. 16. Apparatus as d in any one of claims 10 to 15 in which the apparatus includes impervious sheet material forming a tunnel that fully encloses the bio cell with the sheet material and lining of the 25 container together acting to form a total enclosure for the bio cell and wherein an outlet for off-gases is provided in which instance there is provided any appropriate scrubber for removing any harmful components thereof and optionally an auger or turbine for extracting energy from gases leaving the enclosed environment. 17. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16 in which a table insulating cover is associated with the tunnel for selectively controlling heat loss through the tunnel wall ing to prevailing external ambient temperature in which instance a controller may be ed to automatically adjust the position of the retractable insulating, according to ambient temperature fed to the controller by an ambient temperature sensor.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ZA201100857 | 2011-02-02 | ||
ZA2011/00857 | 2011-02-02 | ||
PCT/IB2012/000173 WO2012104717A1 (en) | 2011-02-02 | 2012-02-02 | Apparatus and method for conducting microbiological processes |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ614335A NZ614335A (en) | 2014-03-28 |
NZ614335B true NZ614335B (en) | 2014-07-01 |
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