PH12015000098A1

PH12015000098A1 - Convertible composter and dehydrator machine

Info

Publication number: PH12015000098A1
Application number: PH12015000098A
Authority: PH
Inventors: Eulalio C Creencia
Original assignee: Msu Illigan Inst Of Technology
Priority date: 2015-03-27
Filing date: 2015-03-27
Publication date: 2016-10-03
Also published as: PH12015000098B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an in-vessel and accelerated processing of biodegradable wastes through a convertible composting and dehydrator machine that transforms the wastes into dry granular powder that can easily be handled as soil amendments, soil conditioners and organic fertilizers. The machine operates as a composter when the generally acceptable C/N ratio is present with or without the addition of microbial inoculums. The machine function can be changed to dehydrator mode when biodegradable load goes beyond acceptable C/N ratio.

Description

CONVERTIBLE COMPOSTER AND DEHYDRATOR MACHINE ©

FIELD OF INVENTION Fri Ih -

This invention relates to an in-vessel and accelerated processing of biodegfa 8 44 = wastes through a convertible composting and dehydrator oi wastes into dry granular powder that can easily be handled as soil apfendments, soil = conditioners and organic fertilizers. The machine operates as a coffiposter when the . = generally acceptable C/N ratio is present with or without the addition of microbial _ inoculums. The machine function can be changed to dehydrator mode when biodegradable = load goes beyond acceptable C/N ratio. o

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Like other developing countries, solid waste disposal has become a major problem in the Philippines exacerbated by inefficient waste collection and lack of disposal facilities.

Organic wastes comprises bulk of the solid wastes’ produced and most of these organic : wastes are transported and dumped off-site at open dumpsites or sanitary landfills to decay.

Decaying organic wastes in dumpsites or landfills generates greenhouse gases and leachates that contaminate grounds and surface water coupled with putrid odors emanating from these rotting organic materials. Diverting these wastes from dumpsites or landfills and processing these organic wastes in contained vessels to be converted into valuable by- products is a sound solid wastes management system.

Composting is one of the alternative available technologies that reduces wastes, minimizes environmental and health hazards and results in an environmentally beneficial : end product. Composting, as opposed to decaying process of nature, is an aerobic biological process, a process that uses heat and oxygen to breakdown and transform biodegradable solid wastes into nutrient- rich products for agriculture use that is safe and easy to handle : and store. 1

In economically developing countries, such a process is slow and not done in commercial i scale due to lack of financial resources, technology and qualified personnel.

Composting requires a balance of parameters related to nutritional factors, - environmental and operational factors. Nutritional factors cover the right carbon to N nitrogen ratio to support the growth of indigenous microorganisms. Macro-nutrients consist = ) of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium. Micro-nutrients include = magnesium, manganese, cobalt, iron and sulfur [1]. Above trace levels, micro-nutrients o : become toxic to microorganism thus reducing their growth, resulting to slow rate of fo decomposition and the eventual stoppage of composting. =

Environmental factors require the correct supply of oxygen to support aerobic = decomposition. Low oxygen availability results to anaerobic digestion creating unacceptable = odors. Oversupply, on the other hand, reduces the reaction temperature of composting, 2 thus allowing pathogens to pass through the finished product (compost). 5

Operational factors require mechanisms to support the growth of microorganisms, biodegradable wastes material handling and storage of finished product.

Dehydrators are process equipment that remove moisture from substrates without destroying their organic structures and compositions. It operates under the principles of evaporation, whereby the material is heated to about 85°C, and moisture removal through air circulation at ambient conditions.

There are currently commercially available on-site and in-vessel or contained units composting machines that safely converts waste and reduces the time for converting wastes into composts. Prior art aerobic digesters have problems associated with its operation since most of these require proprietary composting accelerator mixtures or special proprietary microorganisms to accelerate composting of organic wastes [TW201302661 (A);

W02014092648 (A1)]. Some even use programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and timers for ease of operation [4]. These add-ons makes the operation of an in-vessel composting machine costly.

The closest prior art to the invention has embodiments for aeration but limited to perforations in the walls of the vessel or the provision of tubes to force in air into the vessel [1E20110453 (A1)]. Another prior art heats oil encapsulated in a portion of the perimeter of ] the vessel to control the temperature for fermentation but is not intended for dehydrating the fermented wastes into dry granular forms [W02014092648 (A1)]. :

One other prior art describes dehydration of waste prior to fermentation ] [TW201302661 (A)]. By using several vessels, one for crushing and dehydration or reduction ]

of moisture content of the agricultural wastes, then another vessel which is a rotary kiln- bo type fermentation machine to ferment the slightly dehydrated material and then to another - fermentation machine to produce an organic fertilizer. ol

Most of the prior arts require crushing or shredding of materials before composting = while the present invention can accommodate materials with sizes ranging from 8 to 12 inches in diameter of biodegradable materials like fruits, vegetables and foodstuffs. -

Furthermore, no prior art on composting systems exist today for an in-vessel that is - convertible from a composting machine to a dehydrator machine, depending on the - presence or absence of the required nutritional, environmental and operational factors, = and converts organic wastes into valuable soil additives that is dry and granular. iN

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a convertible machine that accelerates composting of biodegradable wastes to a number of days when the right compost conditions are present to produce a product that is safe for use in agriculture. The machine function can be shifted to dehydrator mode when homogenous materials are fed and compost parameters are not ] present. At dehydrator mode, the machine dries the material to produce a dry compost-like } material that is easy to handle and store. The machine can also be operated in a dual mode — composter and dehydrator, depending upon the skill of the operator and the nature of the wastes.

Thus, the present invention refers to a machine that functions as composting machine when the correct C/N ratio, nutrients, microorganisms and other factors that support compost production are present. When such ideal conditions are absent due to the nature of the wastes and/or lack of trained personnel, the machine functions maybe shifted ] to dehydrator mode and heats the material to a temperature specifically to destroy ; pathogens, dries the material without destroying the original structure and organic composition, producing a compost-like material that can be used as soil amendment, soil conditioner and organic fertilizer. .

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT So oo

The present invention commonly known as the accelerated convertible composter = and dehydrator machine is subject to the many variations including sizing and unit capacity = as long as the operational logic is maintained. .

The invention provides for the accelerated composting of bio-organic materials po through aerobic and in-vessel process. The unit is composed of the main 2 composting/dehydrating vessel (1) and the air-handling unit (2). The main chamber (3) is ol built by two metal plates (4) and (5) so arranged to provide an annular space for the oil or = water (6). The metal plates can be ordinary mild steel or stainless steel. Stainless steel is preferred for longer useful life considering the acid and abrasive nature of the materials handled. The materials inside the chamber is agitated by a plurality of paddles (7) centrally attached to the main shaft (8). The paddles are not inclined in order to increase the efficiency of agitation and aeration. The paddles (7) are attached to the arms welded to the shaft (8) in a spiral manner emanating from the center of the chamber (3) and spaced at pre-determined intervals. The paddles are placed such that an equal number of them are in contact with the materials at any one moment. This design is advantageous in a manner that the torque to be supplied by the motor is constant and prevents unnecessary breakdowns. .

The last paddle (7a) near the discharge point (9) is slightly bigger than the others and is slightly inclined towards the wall. This modification is made to bring the finished compost to the open slot at the wall. The compost material then directly slides out at the discharge point (9) into a container. The open slot is controlled by a valve (10), preferably a butterfly ; valve — normally closed during processing time and manually opened when it is needed. The agitator assembly is powered by a motor (11) with the force transmitted to the main shaft (8) by a roller chain (12) attached to a sprocket (13). This is so to prevent slippage during operation at above normal loading.

The dehydrator component is composed of an immersion heater (14) and the oil or water (6). Water, preferably, chlorinated water will be used for low cost operation since the highest operating temperature is only 85 degrees Centigrade. The immersion heater is controlled by a temperature controller (15). A water level indicator (16) is provided and water is changed on a periodic basis. For longer operations, petroleum or vegetable oil is recommended. The heated water or oil (6) provides for an even temperature distribution ;

into the inner wall of the compost chamber to increase the temperature of the compost = material to kill the pathogens and to dry the material. The material to be wo : composted/dehydrated enters the main chamber (3) through an air-tight door (29). =

To effectively remove the odor of the composting and dehydrating process, the = invention has an air handling system (2) composed of a filter device (17), exhaust fan (18), a scrubbing chamber (19), and a holding tank (20).Moist air laden with odor and fine dust po particles are drawn from the composting/dehydrating chamber (3) to the air handling or system (2) by the exhaust fan (17). Solid particles are screened and fall back to the chamber, = while the air passes through. The air is then made to contact an absorption packing material Pe (21). Water from the holding tank (20) is pumped to the absorption packing material by = means of a water pump (22). The water is made to drip evenly into the absorption packing o material through a distribution trough (23). This is the point where a physical contact between the odor containing air and the water from the tank takes place commonly known as gas absorption. Here the air is stripped-off of its odors, moisture and small dust particles making it fit for release to the atmosphere or for re-cycling (28). The odors, moisture and dust particles are returned to the holding tank via a drip tube (24). The holding tank (20) has two valves (25 and 26), preferably ball valves. Valve (25) is normally open to allow absorbed water from the compost material to overflow to a container (27). This overflow water can be used to water the plants and vegetables as compost tea since this contains nutrients and beneficial microorganisms for plant growth. Valve (26) is normally closed and is opened only to drain the water and to remove the solid sediments and during periodic cleaning of the holding tank.

Claims

1. A composter/dehydrator for in-vessel and accelerated composting and/or . : dehydrating bio-organic wastes into nutrient rich compost and compost. tegep 23 a 9 44 comprising: oe - avessel (1)that is horizontally mounted; pt RECEIVED BX. _ § - an agitator door(29) located on top of the vessel (1); " : - a first discharge port (27)for liquid compost or compost tea; Yat - asecond discharge port(9) for dry granulated compost; © - a motor ( 11) connected to a shaft (8)as an agitator means centrally-located in ~ the vessel (1); - - an immersion heater (14) with temperature controller (15); - characterized in that the vessel (1) comprises a double-walled main chamber (3); - an agitator means (8) for stirring and aerating the bio-organic waste; and - an air handling system (2).

2. A composter/dehydrator according to claim 1, wherein the main chamber (3) is built with two metal plates (4) & (5) along the length of the vessel (1)providing a space between the plates (4,5) to contain water or oil and a liquid level indicator (16).

3. A composter/dehydrator according to claim 2, wherein the inner plate(4) extends substantially over the diameter of the agitator means (8).

4. A composter/dehydrator according to claim 2, wherein the outer plate (5) covers at most three-quarters of the inner plate (4) of the chamber (3).

5. A composter/dehydrator according to claim 2, wherein the space between the double walls of the main chamber (3) houses / contains the immersion heater and the liquid used for heating thereby increasing the temperature of the main chamber and the mass within the main chamber in order to kill the pathogens in the bio- organic wastes and to dry the material.

6. A composter/dehydrator according to claim 1, wherein the temperature controller (15) has power capability ranging from 500 watts to 10 kilowatts.

7. A composter/dehydrator according to claim 1, wherein the temperature controller (15) can be pre-programmed between 25 -100°C controls the temperature of the liquid being heated.

8. A composter/dehydrator according to claim 1 wherein the agitator (8) comprises a - rotatable centrally located shaft (8) with ends attached at the distal end of the ~ chamber walls having a plurality of paddle arms (7) that are attached to the shaft (8) = in a spiral manner and spaced at 60 degree interval for aeration and mechanical = agitation of wastes. -

9. A composter/dehydrator according to claim 6 wherein the shaft (8) is connected to i the gear motor (11) by means of a roller chain (12) and attached to a sprocket (13) - being forced-fit to the shaft and rotates the shaft between 2 to 20 revolutions per - minute (rpm). =

10. A composter/dehydrator according to claim 6 wherein the paddle arm (7) nearest ~ the discharge port ( 9 ) is inclined at 15 degrees towards the wall and having a ol paddle bigger in size than the other paddle arms to convey the finished compost to ; the discharge port (9).

11. A composter/dehydrator according to claim 8wherein the discharge port (9) having a ; manually operated butterfly valve (25,26) that are closed during fermentation/ drying period and opened upon discharge of the finished product.

12. A composter/dehydrator according to claim 2, wherein the liquid indicator (16) indicates the volume of liquid in the contained space between the walls of the main chamber (3).

13. A composter/dehydrator according to claim 1 wherein the air handling system (2) comprise : - ascrubbing chamber (19); - an exhaust fan (18); - a holding tank (20); - afilter device (17); - adistribution through (23); - a butterfly valve (25, 26); - a water pump (22); - adrip tube (24); - an air outlet (28); and ] - an absorption packing material (21).

14. A composter/dehydrator according to claim 13 wherein the exhaust fan (18) is = connected to the body of the main chamber(3)through an inlet tube(30) to draw-in ~ moist air laden with odor and fine dust particles from the main chamber (3)to the z scrubbing chamber (19) and the absorption packing material(21) in the said chamber =

(3). p

15. A composter/dehydrator according to claim 14 wherein the said inlet tube (30) is — provided with a filter device (17) on one end of the tube that is attached to the main - chamber(3) to prevent solid particles from entering the scrubbing chamber (19). ~

16. A composter/dehydrator according to claims 14 wherein the scrubbing chamber(19) = strips the moist air from the main chamber (3) produce during fermentation of odor, ~ moisture and small dust particles is composed of a plurality of absorption packing > ; (21), a distribution trough (23) that drips water to the absorption packing material (21), a tank (20) filled with water and a water pump (22) that pumps water from the water holding tank through a pipe to the distribution trough (23).

17. A composter/dehydrator according to claim 14, wherein the scrubbing chamber (19) discharges the odors, moisture and dust that have been passed through and eliminated from the absorption packing material (21) are brought to the water ; holding tank (20) via a drip tube (24).

18. A composter/dehydrator according to claim 13, wherein the water holding tank (20) is fitted with discharge port with valves (25, 26) in which the upper discharge port (27a) is normally open to allow water absorb from compost material to be released outside the chamber (3) as compost tea and the lower discharge port (27b) is periodically opened when cleaning the water holding tank and drain the liquid and solid materials.