WO2010131202A1

WO2010131202A1 - Apparatus and method for processing organic waste

Info

Publication number: WO2010131202A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/052087
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Philippe Auguste Jaques; Roger Francois Jaques
Original assignee: Paul Philippe Auguste Jaques; Roger Francois Jaques
Priority date: 2009-05-11
Filing date: 2010-05-11
Publication date: 2010-11-18
Also published as: ZA201109007B

Abstract

The invention discloses an apparatus and method for processing organic matter and promoting earthworm activity, which includes a supporting structure and a series of receptacles and/or hammocks that are supported and/or suspended and/or slung from the supporting structure in a series of positions so as to form a composting stack, the series of receptacles and/or hammocks being adapted to support and contain a series of beds of organic matter and composting organisms. The apparatus utilises gravity, screws and/or chains for the sequential and continuous movement of composting stack.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING ORGANIC WASTE

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for processing organic waste.

More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for processing organic waste in particular for composting and vermicomposting of organic matter by promoting earthworm activity.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

A large proportion of domestic and industrial organic waste sent to landfill is organic. Organic waste sent to landfills has negative impacts on the environment due its production of leachate and greenhouse gases, and sending waste to landfill causes nutrient and energy loss which could have been utilized in an environmentally and economically beneficial way.

Earthworm composting (vermicomposting) has been shown to have numerous benefits in terms of processing or treating organic waste materials.

Vermicomposting is a viable and desirable method of converting organic waste to high quality soil conditioners, and preparations used for the supression of plant pests and diseases, namely vermicompost and vermicompost tea. However the worm farming and vermicomposting systems and techniques currently in use have disadvantages and limitations.

It is an object of the invention to suggest an apparatus and method for processing organic waste to assist in overcoming the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to the invention, an apparatus for processing organic matter and promoting earthworm activity, includes (a) a supporting structure; and

(b) a series of receptacles and/or hammocks that are supported and/or suspended and/or slung from the supporting structure in a series of positions so as to form a composting stack, the series of receptacles and/or hammocks being adapted to support and contain a series of beds of organic matter and composting organisms.

The apparatus may utilise gravity, screws and/or chains for the sequential and continuous movement of composting stack.

Also according to the invention, a method for processing organic matter and promoting earthworm activity, includes the steps of

(a) of supporting and/or suspending a series of sequential layers of worm composting receptacles and/or hammocks to form a composting stack, the receptacles and/or hammocks being adapted to support and contain a series of beds of organic matter and composting organisms; and

(b) of lowering the sequential layers from a supporting structure with removal of processed matter from the receptacles and/or hammocks at the bottom of the composting stack.

The method may utilise gravity, screws and/or chains for the sequential and continuous movement of composting stack.

The receptacles and/or hammocks may be flexible and/or a rigid frame.

The series of receptacles and/or hammocks may be adapted to be cycled through a series of positions over time.

The receptacles and/or hammocks may be supported and/or suspended in such a way and/or adapted to maintain contact between the beds of organic material contained within them via perforations and/or apertures in the base of the receptacles and/or hammocks.

The perforations and/or apertures may be adapted to allow the passage of liquid, gasses and small composting organisms, but generally prevent the passage of the organic matter through the receptacles and/or hammocks.

The apparatus may include a tray and/or flexible but waterproof material supported and/or suspended beneath the receptacles and/or hammocks in the lowermost position of the series, so as to assist in supporting the receptacles and/or hammocks above, and/or direct the vermitea to a point for collection.

The elements supporting and/or suspending the receptacles and/or hammocks and supporting / collector tray / material can be loosened and/or re-positioned and/or adjusted so as to facilitate the removal of the organic material and receptacles and/or hammock in the lowermost position of the series, the repositioning of the receptacles and/or hammocks above one level down in the series, and installation of a hammock in the uppermost position.

Suspension and sequential lowering of the receptacles and/or hammocks may assist in not having to raise and/or lift the receptacles and/or hammocks in order to remove / harvest the organic material in the lowermost receptacle and/or hammock.

The receptacles may be a rigid frame with flexible hammock supported on adjustable pegs and/or arms on the support structure.

The apparatus may include a worm gear inside a metal section with arms that move as the gear is rotated.

The receptacles may be supported by supporting elements which are located on the supporting structure by other supporting elements.

The supporting element may be a frame which is supported on arms on a worm gear. The frame may be located in space on movable arms.

The apparatus may include a continuous chain with a block above and below, around which the chain cycles continuously.

A frame may be suspended from these chains and may be used to support the hammock to reduce the inward forces on the chain.

The frame may be fixed to the chain by shackles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

In the drawings there is shown in :

Figure 1 : a sectional front view of an apparatus for processing organic waste according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 : a perspective view of an apparatus for processing organic waste according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3: a schematic illustration of the work sequence of the apparatus for processing waste as shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4: a schematic illustration of the work progression of the apparatus for processing waste as shown in Figure 2;

Figure 5 : a first perspective view of an apparatus for processing organic waste according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6: a second perspective view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7: a third perspective view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 5; Figure 8: a first perspective view of an apparatus for processing organic waste according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9: a second perspective view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 5; and

Figure 10: a third perspective view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, an apparatus for processing organic waste in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention is shown.

The invention comprises a supporting structure from which supporting elements and/or a plurality of ropes, cables, chains, or other suspending elements suspend a series of layers of material punctuated by apertures, referred to herein as hammocks, alternatively known as receptacles, nested and located at vertical intervals.

The suspending elements attach to the supporting structure either at the same height or at adjustable vertical intervals that relate to a series of positions from which the elements supporting and/or suspending the hammocks are attached to and/or located on the supporting structure.

In one embodiment of the invention rigid side elements flank and support the edges of the hammocks, being positioned approximately vertically to the horizontal extents (sides) of the hammocks. The hammocks contain the organic material and support and guide the bed of organic material contained within the profile formed by the hammock.

In use, a hammock is suspended in the lowermost position in the series and organic material in the form of compost or other suitable organic (bedding) material is placed onto the hammock in a layer to form a bed of material of suitable depth. The material near the edges of the hammock are supported and contained by rigid or semi-rigid side elements or the profile of the receptacle and/or hammock itself.

Another hammock is supported and/or suspended above the first so that its base rests on the surface of the bed of organic material of the hammock beneath and a thin layer of bedding material is added on top of the hammock. The bedding is moistened and earthworms and/or earthworm eggs / cocoons are sown onto the bedding or placed in channels made in the surface of the bed. Organic material rich in nutrients (animal waste, food waste and organic industrial waste or sewage) is blended with suitable bedding material such as shredded paper, cardboard, bark, wood chips and added to the surface of the upper bed of organic material at intervals.

The feedstock blend reduces in volume as it breaks down through the composting process and the action of the earthworms, and compost and worm castings accumulate. When the organic material reaches a desirable depth and state, the next hammock is added to the position above in the series, and more bedding and / or blended feedstock is added at intervals, and so forth, until the hammock in the uppermost position in the series is full.

At this stage the collector tray or material in the lowermost position that supports the hammocks above and/or directs the vermitea for collection is lowered or removed and the supporting and/or suspending elements of the lowermost hammock are released to facilitate the harvesting of the vermicompost and earthworms, and the removal of the emptied hammock. The hammock immediately above (the lowermost, now removed hammock) is then lowered by moving and securing the suspending element into the position (below) in a series of positions at vertical intervals, so as to reposition the whole hammock in the next position in the series.

The hammock immediately above this hammock is then similarly lowered and/or all the hammocks are lowered until the uppermost position is vacant. The removed hammock, or other loose hammock, is then inserted and rigged in the uppermost position in the series and bedding and / or feedstock blend is spread on top of it. When the organic matter in the uppermost hammock reaches sufficient depth the vermicompost and earthworms in the lowermost hammock are ready to be removed / harvested, the tray / collector is removed and the lowermost hammock removed, and all the other hammocks are lowered one position, the collector is re-positioned and the new uppermost hammock installed, and so forth in a continuous cycle.

The water content of the blended feedstock, bedding and vermicompost in the beds of organic matter contained by the hammocks is maintained by spraying or misting the surface of the bed supported by the uppermost hammock. Excess moisture added this way and the moisture released from decaying organic waste drain through the organic material in the bed and apertures in the perforated section of the hammock supporting it until they drip from the hammock in the lowermost position. A rigid / semi-rigid tray or flexible and waterproof sheet may be suspended in such a manner as to collect and convey the excess liquid / leachate to a collection point.

Referring to Figure 3, a schematic illustration of the work sequence of the apparatus for processing waste is shown.

The first view illustrates the receptacles and/or hammocks arranged vertically (supported and/or suspended one above the next) in a series. Each supports a layer of organic material, the lowermost having been there the longest, the uppermost having been added most recently.

The second view illustrates the lowermost receptacle and/or hammock is lowered from its locating points and/or points of attachment (layer of organic material omitted for sake of illustration).

The third view illustrates the lowermost receptacle and/or hammock is detached from the supporting structure and removed. The layer of organic material is emptied from it so as to harvest the mature vermicompost.

The fourth view illustrates the remaining receptacles and/or hammocks are lowered one position in the series, so as to leave the uppermost position empty. The fifth view illustrates the receptacle and/or hammock that was removed from the previously lowermost position (now emptied) is secured to the locating points and/or attachment points in the uppermost position in the series.

Referring to Figure 4, a schematic illustration of the work progression of the apparatus for processing waste is shown.

The first view illustrates each time the lowermost receptacle and/or hammock is removed and the vermicompost harvested, the remaining receptacles and/or hammocks move one position down in the series of locating and/or attachment points.

The second view illustrates the lowermost receptacle and/or hammock is emptied and then re-located and/or re-attached in the uppermost position so that the receptacles and/or hammocks cycle through the series of positions over time (complete cycle of supporting elements illustrated in 1^st to 4^th views).

In Figures 2, 3, and 4 the tray / tarpaulin that is inserted below the lowermost receptacle and/or hammock and organic matter supported by the receptacles and/or hammocks have been omitted for the sake of illustrating the principle.

Accordingly, the present invention comprises an apparatus and method for processing organic waste and promoting earthworm activity. The invention comprises a series suspended 'hammocks' and associated supporting and suspending elements and structure.

The hammocks consist of a perforated, woven, knitted or meshed material that support and contain the organic matter. These are located on, supported and/or suspended from a supporting structure by means of supporting elements and a plurality of suspending elements (ropes, cables, chains, or other methods of suspension). The suspending elements attach to supporting elements (sections of pole or pipe) at regular intervals, and the suspending elements may run beneath or be woven through the material that makes up the hammock, so as to tension and support it in position. The principle of the invention can be illustrated by reference to a series of 'hammock' like structures, supported and/or suspended at intervals vertically above one another, each containing a bed of organic material such that the upper surface of the organic matter in the lower hammock is in contact (via the perforations in the base of the material that makes up the hammock) with the bed of organic material contained in the hammock above.

The hammocks are modular and can be joined and extended to any length and width as determined by site conditions.

Beneath the lowermost hammock a flexible tarpaulin is supported and/or suspended from the supporting structure in such a way as to support or to be in contact with or hang below the lowermost hammock and direct the vermitea to a collection point or points.

Each hammock occupies a series of positions over time, with new hammocks being added to the top position and then sequentially lowered down one position at a time, at intervals, by means of adjusting the length and/or point of attachment and/or location of the suspending and/or supporting elements. The perforations or apertures in the base of the hammock allow the movement of liquid, gas and smaller composting organisms between the layers of organic material supported in the hammocks, and are of dimensions that allow liquid, gas and small organisms to pass between the beds of organic material but prevent the passage of the majority of the organic material through the hammock.

To facilitate harvesting of the vermicompost / organic material in the lowermost hammock, the tray or tarpaulin beneath the hammock can be lowered / repositioned by means of detaching the supporting and/or suspending elements. The lowermost hammock can then be lowered from the bottom of the series of hammocks, and the (vermi-) compost and earthworms removed / harvested from this hammock. This hammock's suspending elements can then be released from the structure, allowing its removal and re-insertion in the upper position of the series, once all the other hammocks have been lowered one position in the series. Toward the edges of the hammocks, a structural element consisting of a pipe or pole is attached to and supports the hammock along its length, this element being suspended and held in position by the supporting elements.

The organic material toward the edge(s) of the hammocks may be contained by side sections (which may be flexible, semi-rigid or rigid), and which may be supported by and / or attached to the suspending elements. In one embodiment of the invention, these side sections may overlap or interlock to contain the organic material at the edges of the hammock. In another embodiment of the invention, the side sections are a single piece of material that extends from the lower section of the hammock, containing the organic material on the sides of the hammock and folds over the top of the organic material in the hammock.

In another conception of the tray beneath the lowermost hammock, a piece of material with flexible and water-proof qualities may be suspended from the supporting structure by suspending elements so as to for a channel to convey excess liquid away for collection and prevent the lowermost bed of material in the hammock from drying out. Another layer or 'cover' of perforated / woven / knitted material can be placed on or above the surface of the uppermost hammock to reduce evaporation, exclude insects and other vermin, but still allow passage of liquid and gases through this cover.

Referring to Figures 5 to 7, an apparatus for processing organic waste in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention is shown. This apparatus incorporates chains to rotate the hammocks.

The apparatus includes a continuous chain with a block above and below, around which the chain cycles continuously. A frame suspended from these chains could be used to support the hammock to reduce the inward forces on the chain. The frame could be fixed to the chain by shackles. In this case the chain (suspending element) is attached to the frame (supporting element).

Referring to Figures 8 to 10, an apparatus for processing organic waste in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention is shown. This apparatus incorporates screws to rotate the hammocks. The receptacles are a rigid frame with flexible hammock supported on adjustable pegs or arms on the support structure.

Similar to a car lift at an exhaust place - a long worm gear inside a metal section with arms that move as the gear is rotated. The receptacles are supported by (supporting) elements (the horizontal poles / spars on the Worm Hammock) that are located on the supporting structure by other supporting elements (pegs). The horizontal poles are a frame that is supported on arms on a worm gear. The frame (supporting element) is located in space on movable arms (supporting element).

The apparatus for processing organic matter and promoting earthworm activity, accordingly provides for the following characteristics:

(a) a supporting structure from which receptacles are supported and/or suspended / slung / hung;

(b) the receptacles that are stacked / nestled / layered vertically in a series of positions;

(c) the receptacles contain layers of organic matter that is being composted / vermicomposted;

(d) the layers of organic matter are maintained in contact via perforations in the receptacles to allow movement of liquid, gas and composting organisms between the layers;

(e) the receptacles / layers occupy a series of positions in space over time;

(f) the movement of the receptacles / layers occurs downward with gravity; and

(g) the apparatus and method of working facilitate the easy removal of the lowermost (and most mature) layer of compost. The apparatus for processing organic matter and promoting earthworm activity, accordingly provides for the following advantages:

(a) the hammocks are similar in operation to stacking trays that support layers of organic material (less compaction);

(b) the flexible nature of the hammocks discourages gaps forming, as the composting material reduces in volume;

(c) the harvesting and movement of the hammocks requires no lifting - only lifting of the harvested vermicompost;

(d) the hammocks can be much larger than practical for trays / containers, whilst requiring much less material to construct; and

(e) the tarp / collector is lightweight and easily removable when harvesting / servicing;

(f) uncomposted / large fraction materials and foreign objects cannot impede 'flow' of materials downward (no fixed grate);

(g) harvesting less destructive to earthworms, less to go wrong mechanically;

(h) roof and supporting structure can be integrated - less construction materials required / lower costs;

(i) operation human-scaled and can be human-powered - for job creation;

(j) constituent materials are minimalist, have low embodied energy, are recyclable; and

(k) the system is low-tech, inexpensive, environmentally friendly and suitable for large-scale operation.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. An apparatus for processing organic matter and promoting earthworm activity, which includes

(a) a supporting structure; and

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which utilises gravity, screws and/or chains for the sequential and continuous movement of composting stack.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the receptacles and/or hammocks are flexible and/or rigid frame.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the series of receptacles and/or hammocks are adapted to be cycled through a series of positions over time.

5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the receptacles and/or hammocks are supported and/or suspended in such a way and/or adapted to maintain contact between the beds of organic material contained within them via perforations and/or apertures in the base of the receptacles and/or hammocks.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, in which the perforations and/or apertures are adapted to allow the passage of liquid, gasses and small composting organisms, but generally prevent the passage of the organic matter through the receptacles and/or hammocks.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes a tray and/or flexible but waterproof material suspended beneath the receptacles and/or hammocks in the lowermost position of the series, so as to assist in supporting the receptacles and/or hammocks above, and/or direct the vermitea to a point for collection.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes element(s) for supporting and/or suspending the receptacles and/or hammocks and supporting tray / material and which element(s) are adapted to be loosened and/or re-positioned so as to facilitate the removal of the organic material and hammock in the lowermost position of the series, the repositioning of the hammocks above one level down in the series, and installation of a receptacle and/or hammock in the uppermost position.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which support and/or suspension and sequential lowering of the receptacles and/or hammocks assist in not having to raise and/or lift the receptacles and/or hammocks in order to remove / harvest the organic material in the lowermost receptacle or profile.

10. A method for processing organic matter and promoting earthworm activity, which includes the steps of

11. A method as claimed in claim 10, which is adapted to utilise gravity, screws and/or chains for the sequential and continuous movement of composting stack.

12. A method as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, in which the receptacles and/or hammocks are flexible and/or rigid frame.

13. A method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, in which the series of receptacles and/or hammocks are adapted to be cycled through a series of positions over time.

14. A method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, in which the receptacles and/or hammocks are suspended in such a way and/or adapted to maintain contact between the beds of organic material contained within them via perforations and/or apertures in the base of the receptacles and/or hammocks.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14, in which the perforations and/or apertures are adapted to allow the passage of liquid, gasses and small composting organisms, but generally prevent the passage of the organic matter through the receptacles and/or hammocks.

16. A method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15, which includes a tray and/or flexible but waterproof material suspended beneath the receptacles and/or hammocks in the lowermost position of the series, so as to assist in supporting the receptacles and/or hammocks above, and/or direct the vermitea to a point for collection.

17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16, which includes element(s) for supporting and/or suspending the receptacles and/or hammocks and supporting tray / material and which element(s) are adapted to be loosened and/or re-positioned so as to facilitate the removal of the organic material and hammock in the lowermost position of the series, the repositioning of the receptacles and/or hammocks above one level down in the series, and installation of a receptacle and/or hammock in the uppermost position.

18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 17, in which suspension and sequential lowering of the receptacles and/or hammocks assist in not having to raise and/or lift the receptacles and/or hammocks in order to remove / harvest the organic material in the lowermost receptacle or profile.

19. An apparatus for processing organic matter and promoting earthworm activity substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

20. A method for processing organic matter and promoting earthworm activity substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.