WO2010150288A1

WO2010150288A1 - Apparatus for the production of compost

Info

Publication number: WO2010150288A1
Application number: PCT/IT2009/000279
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mauro Scaperrotta
Original assignee: Comar S.R.L.
Priority date: 2009-06-24
Filing date: 2009-06-24
Publication date: 2010-12-29

Abstract

A device for the production of composts comprises a box-like body (2) having an aperture (4) for the introduction of a mass of organic material to be treated, and including a fermentation chamber (10) therein for holding the mass of organic material, and at least one mixer (15) disposed in the fermentation chamber (10) for mixing the mass of organic material during the treatment. The device further comprises at least one photovoltaic solar module (22) located outside the box-like body (2) and operatively connected at least to the mixer (15) to supply it with electric energy.

Description

APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOST

Technical Field of the Invention

The object of the present invention is a device for making composts. In particular, the term "compost" refers to the result of a composting process, that is, a process of decomposition through aerobic fermentation of organic waste, such as food waste, manure, gardening waste consisting of leaves and cut grass, or other. In other words, during the composting process, the organic substances of animal and vegetable origin, are transformed into a stable product which lacks in pathogenic micro-organisms and is rich in humic compounds with amending and nutritive effect to the soil. Such transformation process is due to the intervention of natural micro-organisms which are the cause of said fermentation. State Of Art Devices are known which make it possible to speed up, and occasionally control, the composting process for the production of composts .

The known devices comprise a container in which all the organic substances to be treated are introduced. In the most simple embodiments, the known devices comprise air intakes formed on the container to provide a correct aeration therein and a stable maintenance of the conditions required for the aerobic fermentation.

To accelerate the composting process, the known devices may comprise forced-air aeration members, such as a fan for example, which, by blowing air into the container, improves the oxygenation and makes the fermentative process more rapid. Moreover, the known devices comprise at least one mixer for mixing organic substances and causing the humidity and aertion conditions thereof to become uniform. In this way, the composting process results more uniform and, consequently, more efficient. Again, to increase the speed and efficiency of the composting process, the known devices also comprise heating means associated with the container in order to rise the temperature of the organic substances held therein. By way of example, such heating means comprise one or more thermo-resistances coupled with the container.

In the known devices of automatic type, suitable control means associated with the container comprise a plurality of sensors for measuring, for example, the temperature, oxygenation, humidity, pH and other parameters related to the organic substances in the course of transformation. Every time a parameter reaches a preset limit value, the control means are made to operate to restore the optimal conditions required for running the process. To this end, for example, the control means are made to act onto the mixer to move the mass in the course of decomposition. Besides, the control means may be acted upon the aeration members for blowing air and/or upon the heating means for heating the organic materials.

Means for supplying electric energy are connected to at least the control means, as well as to the aeration means, heating means and mixer, to allow the operation thereof. Disadvantageously, all the known devices are unable, during the composting process, to limit the emission of unpleasant smells. For this reason, it is preferred to locate these devices far from homes or, more in general, far away from dwelling buildings and, anyway, to locate them within large, open spaces, so as to eliminate the discomfort caused by the emission of such smells.

However, the devices of known type for the production of composts cannot be easily located far from dwellings and/or buildings in general, as the need of suitable power supply prevents them from being seated at will. In other words, therefore, with the known devices for the production of composts, it is not possible to suppress the inconvenience brought about by their emission of nasty smells.

In this context, the technical task of the preset invention is to propose a device for making composts which overcomes the above cited drawbacks of prior art . Description of the Invention

In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a device for the production of composts which is able to overcome in a simple way the discomfort related to the emission of nasty smells emitted by the same device.

The indicated technical task and specified object are substantially achieved by a device for the production of composts, which has the technical characteristics set forth in one or more appended claims. Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly by a reading of the indicative and thus, not-limiting, preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a device for making composts, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device for the production of composts, according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the device for the production of composts shown in Fig. 1, in a first embodiment thereof; and

Fig. 3 is a side view of the device for the production of composts shown in Fig. 1, in a second embodiment thereof. With reference to the attached figures, numeral 1 indicates in the whole a device for the production of composts, according to the present invention. The device 1 carries out a process of aerobic fermentation of a mass of organic material in order to obtain a corresponding mass of compost.

By way of example, such organic material may be formed by organic waste, such as food waste, manure, pruning residues, gardening waste consisting of leaves and cut grass, or other. The device 1 comprises a box-like storage body 2.

The box-like storage body 2 may have a substantially cylindrical or prismatic shape, provided that it defines a space 5 thereinside. Such box-like body 2 is of substantially prismatic shape and comprises a bearing wall 3 and an aperture 4 on top of same box-like body 2 and opposite to the bearing wall 3.

Inside the box-like body 2 it results therefore defined a space 5, the access to it being allowed through the aperture 4.

In greater detail, the box-like body 2 further comprises a pair of side walls 6 connected to the bearing wall 3 and developing perpendicularly therefrom. A rear wall 7 develops perpendicularly to the bearing wall 3 and is disposed transversally between the side walls 6. Formed on side walls 6 is a plurality of slits 6a allowing the aeration of the space 5. The box-like body 2 further comprises a wall 8 inclined with respect to the bearing wall 3 and located between the side walls 6 at a position substantially opposite to the rear wall 7. In greater detail, the inclined wall 8 defines an acute angle to the bearing wall 3. It is pointed out that the respective upper edges of the side walls 6, rear wall 7 and inclined wall 8, define, in cooperation with each other, a peripheral edge 4a of the aperture 4. Finally, an additional aperture 9 is defined on the box-like body 2 between the inclined wall 8 and the bearing wall 3. The additional aperture 9 is parallel and opposite to the rear wall 7 and its function will appear more clearly later on in the present description. A lid 28 is hinged to the box-like body 2 to allow closing the aperture 4. Moreover, at least one filter 29 is connected to the lid 28 to limit the emissions of smells. The box-like body 2 includes a fermentation chamber 10 disposed therein. In particular, the fermentation chamber 10 is located within the space 5. In use, the mass of organic material is put into the bόx-like body 2 through the aperture 4 and laid down in the fermentation chamber 10 to allow the aerobic fermentation treatment to take place.

Advantageously, the fermentation treatment can be accelerated by admitting either fermentative microorganisms or enzymes, into the organic mass, to promote the grow of the same micro-organisms within the organic material and, therefore to reduce the fermentation time.

In great detail, the device 1 further comprises a tank 11 inside the box-like body 2. The tank 11 defines the fermentation chamber 10. More in particular, the tank 11 is located below the aperture 4 and exhibits a concavity facing the same aperture 4. The tank 11 is connected to the box-like body 2 so as- to result substantially suspended in the space 5. The tank 11 comprises a folded concave panel 12, and a first end panel 13 which is proximate to the rear wall 7 of the box-like body 2 and rigidly connected to. the folded panel 12. The tank 11 also comprises a second end panel 14 rigidly connected to the folded panel 12 in a position opposite to the first end panel 13. The second end panel 14 lies substantially in proximity of the inclined wall 8. Preferably, the second end panel 14 is perforated to allow a correct aeration of the fermentation chamber 10. The first 13 and second 14 end panels are directly connected to the box-like body 2 in order to keep the folded panel 12, and thus the tank 11, in overhanging condition. The device 1 further comprises a mixer 15, disposed inside the fermentation chamber 10 for a correct mixing of the organic material, to keep the characteristics of humidity, temperature and aeration of the mass uniform during the fermentation treatment .

In the embodiment herein described, the mixer 15 comprises a crank 16 rotating in proximity of tank 11 inside the fermentation chamber 10. An electric motor 17 is connected to the crank 16 to drive the latter into motion. Advantageously, the electric motor 17 is located in correspondence of the first end panel 13 of tank 11. The device 1 according to the present invention further comprises a maturation chamber 18 in communication with the fermentation chamber 10 so as to receive therefrom the mass of organic material and cause the latter to undergo a further treatment. In other words, the aerobic fermentation process is completed within the maturation chamber 18. In greater detail, the fermentation chamber 10 is at a higher level with respect to the maturation chamber 18, so as to cause the organic material to pass from the fermentation chamber 10 to the maturation chamber 18 by gravity.

In the described and illustrated embodiment, the device 1 also comprises an extractable drawer 19 disposed inside the space 5 of box-like body 2. In detail, the extractable drawer 19 is inserted into the box-like body 2 through the above described aperture 9. The extractable drawer 19 defines the maturation chamber 18. Said drawer also allows an easy removal of the compost thus obtained by the device 1. To facilitate the descent of organic material from the fermentation chamber 10 to the maturation chamber 18, the tank 11 is inclined with respect to the bearing wall 3 of box-like body 2. In detail, the tank 11 extends downwardly from the second end panel 14 to the first end panel 13.

In great detail, a gate 20 is disposed in proximity of the tank 11. In greater detail, the gate 20 is disposed in proximity of the second end panel 14 of tank 11. As illustrated, the gate 20 comprises a plate 21 associated with the tank 11 and able to rotate between a closing position and an opening position so as to regulate the transit of the mass of organic material. In particular, in the closing position, the plate 21 is aligned with the second end panel 14 and prevents the mass of organic material from passing down into the maturation chamber 18. In this way, said plate allows the mass to be treated within the fermentation chamber 10. In the opening position, the plate 21 is out of alignment with the second end panel 14, thereby allowing the mass to go down. A suitable motor (not shown) is associated with the gate 20 to drive the latter into motion. Suitable control means (not shown) are associated at least with the mixer 15 and/or with the gate 20 to start the operation thereof.

Advantageously, the device 1 also comprises at least one photovoltaic solar module 22 disposed outside of the box-like body 2 and operatively connected at least to the mixer 15 to supply it with electric energy.

Moreover, the photovoltaic solar module 22 is preferably associated with the motor that operates the gate 20 and/or said control means.

Within the scope of the present invention, the photovoltaic solar module 22 is operatively connected to all the device' facilities which require electric energy. In the described embodiment, the device 1 comprises a plurality of photovoltaic solar modules 22 which make up a photovoltaic solar panel 23.

Preferably, the photovoltaic solar modules 22 are fixed to the inclined wall 8 so as to allow a correct angular orientation of the photovoltaic solar panel 23 to the solar radiation.

Preferably, the device 1 also comprises a heater 24

(shown schematically in Figs. 2 and 3) associated with the fermentation chamber 10 for heating the latter and thereby accelerating the fermentation process.

In a first embodiment, the heater 24 comprises a thermo-resistance associated with the fermentation chamber 10. In greater detail, the thermo-resistance is directly applied to the tank 12.

In a second embodiment, the heater 24 comprises a microwave generator (not shown) connected to the fermentation chamber 10. In both these embodiments, the photovoltaic solar modules 22 are operatively connected to the heater 24 so as to supply it with electric energy, as necessary for the operation thereof.

In a third embodiment, the heater 24 comprises a thermal solar panel 25 (Fig. 3) disposed outside of the box-like body 2 and operatively connected to the fermentation chamber 10.

In this case, the heater 24 also comprises a heat exchanger 26 in contact, preferably directly, with the tank 12 and in fluid communication with the thermal solar panel 25. In detail, a thermal-carrier fluid is heated within the thermal solar panel 25 by the solar radiation and is fed to the heat exchanger 26 for heating the tank 12. In this embodiment, therefore, the photovoltaic solar modules 22 are not connected to the heater 24 inasmuch as the latter operates in full autonomy. In an embodiment not shown, the device 1 also comprises aeration means to blow air into the fermentation chamber 10 so as to increase the oxygenation degree inside the mass of organic material during the treatment, thereby accelerating or improving the aerobic fermentation process. Moreover, such device 1 comprises wetting means that spray a determined amount of water onto the mass of organic material to rise the humidity level thereof.

In this embodiment, the photovoltaic solar modules 22 are operatively connected also to the aeration means and wetting means. Preferably, as illustrated, the device 1 further comprises a drain pan 27 located inside the box-like body 2 to collect a portion of the condensed liquid which forms within the space 5 of box-like body 2. Such condensed liquid results from the cooling of vapours generated by the mass of organic material in the course of fermentation, especially in the case in which such mass is highly wet.

The liquid thus derived results particularly rich of nutritive substances for the soil and can be advantageously used for sprinkling a soil. By way of example, the condensed liquid can also be used to increase the degree of humidity of the mass of material, that is, it can be sprayed directly onto the same mass of material.

With reference in particular to Fig. 2, the drain pan 27 is disposed in correspondence of a bottom edge 8a of the inclined wall 8. This allows advantageously the collection of liquid that condenses on the same inclined wall and slides by itself toward the drain pan 27. The device 1 also comprises a box 30 holding a switchboard (not shown) which receives the electric energy from the photovoltaic solar modules 22 and delivers electric energy to the mixer 15 and the other facilities of the device 1. In a further embodiment, the device according to the present invention also comprises an aeolic source

(not shown) as an aid to the photovoltaic panel 23, to supply the mixer 15 and all the other electric facilities of same device. This solution is especially advantageous in all those situations in which the solar radiation is combined with a share of aeolic action.

The device 1 according to the present invention may also comprise a storage battery (not shown) which is recharged directly by the photovoltaic panel 23. This solution may be particularly advantageous in case of poor luminous radiation (for example, for applications of the device within cellars, stables, garages, etc.) where the luminous radiation may be of low intensity and duration.

In this case, the battery is recharged by the energy generated by the photovoltaic panel 23, as long as this is irradiated and, afterwards, it supplies energy by itself to the electric facilities of the same device 1.

The invention achieves the proposed object. In fact, as all the electric facilities are fed by the photovoltaic solar module, the device for the production of composts, according to the present invention may be disposed everywhere with no specific restriction. In particular, there is no need for electric supply from the mains. In this way, it is possible to install the device for the production of composts even at locations far away from dwellings or buildings in general and, therefore, the inconvenience related to the emission of nasty smells is drastically reduced.

Claims

1. Device for the production of composts, comprising: a box-like body (2) having an aperture (4) for the introduction of a mass of organic material to be treated and including a fermentation chamber (10) therein for holding the mass of organic material; at least one mixer (15) disposed in the fermentation chamber (10) for mixing the mass of organic material during the treatment; the device being characterized in that it also comprises at least one photovoltaic solar module (22) located outside the box-like body (2) and operatively connected at least to the mixer (15) to supply it with electric energy.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one heater (24) associated with the fermentation chamber (10) to heat the mass of organic material.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that also the photovoltaic solar module (22) is operatively connected to the heater (24).

4. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said heater (24) further comprises a thermal solar panel (25) located outside the box-like body (2) and operatively connected to said fermentation chamber (10) to heat the latter.

5. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said heater (24) further comprises a heat exchanger (26) in contact with said fermentation chamber (10) and in fluid connection with said thermal solar panel (25) .

6. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the box-like body (2) comprises at least one wall (8) inclined with respect to a bearing wall (3) of said box-like body (2); said photovoltaic solar module (22) being fixed to said inclined wall (3) .

7. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one tank (11) located inside the box-like body (2) with a concavity facing the aperture (4) and defining the fermentation chamber (10) .

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that said tank (11) is inclined with respect to the bearing wall (3) of said box-like body (2) .

9. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one maturation chamber (18) in communication with the fermentation chamber (10) to receive the mass of organic material therefrom for an additional treatment .

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the maturation chamber (18) is disposed below the fermentation chamber (10) .

11. Device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that it comprises a gate (20) located between the fermentation chamber (10) and the maturation chamber

(18) to regulate the transit of the mass of organic material from the fermentation chamber (10) to the maturation chamber (18) .

12. Device according to any of the preceding claims 9 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a drawer

(19) extractable from the inside of box-like body (2) and defining the maturation chamber (18) .

13. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a drain pan (27) located inside the box-like body (2) for collecting a portion of condensed liquid formed inside the box-like body (2) .

14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that said box-like body (2) comprises at least a wall (8) inclined to the bearing wall (3) of box-like body (2); the drain (27) pan being disposed in correspondence of a bottom edge (8a) of the inclined wall (8).

15. Device according to any of previous claims 2 to 14, characterized in that said heater (24) comprises a microwave generator for heating said fermentation chamber (10) .

16. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises an aeolic source as an aid to said photovoltaic solar module (22) for supplying said mixer (15) .