WO2013015802A1

WO2013015802A1 - Methods and systems for treating hog and animal waste

Info

Publication number: WO2013015802A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/045520
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher S. Williams; Derek Williams; Glen H. Smith
Original assignee: Agripure Recovery, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-07-27
Filing date: 2011-07-27
Publication date: 2013-01-31

Abstract

A separation module includes a vessel and a filter disposed within the vessel cavity. The vessel includes a vessel wall that defines a vessel cavity and a vessel outlet in fluid communication with the vessel cavity. The filter includes a filter wall that defines a filter cavity and a filter outlet in fluid communication with the filter cavity. The filter wall is spaced from an inner surface of the vessel wall. At least a portion of the filter wall is permeable such that, when a waste mixture is discharged into the filter cavity, the filter separates the waste mixture into a solid portion and a liquid portion, the solid portion is discharged from the filter outlet, and the liquid portion is discharged from the vessel outlet.

Description

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TREATING HOG AND

ANIMAL WASTE

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to waste disposal and, more particularly, to methods and systems for use in treating hog and animal waste.

[0002] A natural byproduct of tending animals is a certain amount of waste, including feces and urine. As a result, at least some known farms produce a foul smelling pollution of hog waste, stagnant water, and unbathed hogs. Ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and other noxious compounds contribute to this pollution. For factory farms that handle a large number of animals, the amount of waste produced can be staggering. For example, a large farm may house up to around 13,000 hogs and produce tons of animal waste daily.

[0003] Some known farms include waste disposal systems designed to manage feces and urine generated by animals. With a rising interest in environmentally- friendly practices and reducing emissions of ammonia, at least some government entities have raised regulatory standards for at least some farms and/or waste disposal systems. For example, the North Carolina legislation announced a moratorium in 1997 on the construction of new hog farms. This has caused some disturbance amongst the hog farmers who see their livelihood challenged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0004] In one aspect, a waste treatment system is provided. The waste treatment system includes a mixing and holding tank configured to mix animal waste with an alkaline solution to produce a waste mixture that is discharged into a separation module. The separation module includes a vessel and a filter disposed within the vessel cavity. The vessel includes a vessel wall that defines a vessel cavity and a vessel outlet in fluid communication with the vessel cavity. The filter includes a filter wall that defines a filter cavity and a filter outlet in fluid communication with the filter cavity. The filter wall is spaced from an inner surface of the vessel wall. At least a portion of the filter wall is permeable such that, when the waste mixture is discharged into the filter cavity, the filter separates the waste mixture into a solid portion and a liquid portion, the solid portion is discharged from the filter outlet, and the liquid portion is discharged from the vessel outlet.

[0005] In another aspect, a separation module is provided for use within a waste treatment system. The separation module includes a vessel wall having an inner surface. A filter wall has an inner surface that defines a first passage and an outer surface that, with the vessel wall inner surface, defines a second passage in fluid communication with the first passage. An inlet is oriented to discharge a waste mixture into the first passage, and the filter wall separates the waste mixture into a solid portion and a liquid portion. The solid portion is directed through the first passage and discharged from a first outlet that is in fluid communication with the first passage. The liquid portion is separated from the solid portion, is directed through the second passage, and is discharged from a second outlet that is in fluid communication with the second passage.

[0006] In yet another aspect, a method is provided for treating animal waste using a separation module that includes a vessel including a vessel wall and a filter including a filter wall. The method includes discharging a waste mixture into a first passage defined by an inner surface of the filter wall. The waste mixture includes a solid portion and a liquid portion. The solid portion is directed through the first passage towards a first outlet, such that the solid portion is discharged from the first outlet. The liquid portion is directed through a second passage towards a second outlet, such that the liquid portion is discharged from the second outlet. The second passage is defined by an outer surface of the filter wall and an inner surface of the vessel wall. The liquid portion permeates from the first passage, through the filter wall, and into the second passage.

[0007] The features, functions, and advantages described herein may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments, further details of which may be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary separation/de watering module;

[0009] FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic illustrations of another exemplary separation/de watering module;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary system that may be used to treat hog and animal waste using at least the separation module shown in FIG. 1 ;

[001 1] FIGS. 5-7 are schematic illustrations of exemplary animal confinement areas that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 4;

[0012] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary lime slurry tank that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 4;

[0013] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary ammonia stripping mechanism that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 4;

[0014] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary electromagnetic filtration mechanism that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 4;

[0015] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary modular system that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 4.

[0016] Although specific features of various embodiments may be shown in some drawings and not in others, such illustrations are for convenience only. Any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The subject matter described herein relates generally to waste disposal and, more particularly, to methods and systems for use in treating hog and animal waste. In one embodiment, a separation module includes a filter that separates a waste mixture into a solid portion and a liquid portion. More specifically, in such an embodiment, the filter directs the solid portion through a first passage such that the solid portion is discharged from a first outlet. The solid portion may be washed to separate fecal matter from undigested feed. Fecal matter may be processed into fertilizer, and undigested feed may be processed for use as feed for animals again. The liquid portion permeates through the filter and is directed through a second passage such that the liquid portion is discharged from a second outlet. The liquid portion may be used to flush an animal confinement area and/or may be processed for use as drinking water.

[0018] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention or the "exemplary embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary decanter or separation/dewatering module 100. In the exemplary embodiment, separation/dewatering module 100 is configured to separate at least some solids from a liquid and/or at least some liquids from a solid. In the exemplary embodiment, separation/dewatering module 100 includes a vessel 1 10 including a vessel wall 1 12 that defines a vessel cavity 114 and a vessel outlet 1 16 in fluid communication with vessel cavity 1 14. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, vessel wall 1 12 has at least an inner surface 1 18 that defines vessel cavity 114.

[0020] In the exemplary embodiment, vessel wall 1 12 is fabricated from a substantially solid material that facilitates directing a solid and/or a liquid towards vessel outlet 116. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, vessel wall 112 is fabricated from a metal material. Alternatively, vessel wall 112 may be fabricated from any material that enables vessel 1 10 to function as described herein.

[0021] In the exemplary embodiment, a filter 120 includes a filter wall 122 that defines a filter cavity 124 and a filter outlet 126 in fluid communication with filter cavity 124. In the exemplary embodiment, filter 120 is disposed within vessel cavity 1 14. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, filter wall 122 is spaced from inner surface 1 18 of vessel wall 1 12 such that a first passage 130 is defined by an inner surface 132 of filter wall 122, and a second passage 140 is defined by an outer surface 142 of filter wall 122 and inner surface 1 18 of vessel wall 1 12.

[0022] In the exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of filter wall 122 is fabricated from a permeable material such that second passage 140 is in fluid communication with first passage 130. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, filter wall 122 is fabricated from a mesh screen that facilitates separating a solid from a liquid. That is, in the exemplary embodiment, filter wall 122 enables a liquid to permeate therethrough while retaining a solid on one side of filter wall 122. In the exemplary embodiment, the mesh screen has a sieve size between approximately 0.05 mm and approximately 0.25 mm. More particularly, in the exemplary embodiment, the mesh screen has a sieve size between approximately 0.10 mm and approximately 0.15 mm. Alternatively, filter wall 122 may be fabricated from any material that enables filter 120 to function as described herein.

[0023] In the exemplary embodiment, vessel 1 10 and/or filter 120 is generally conical in shape. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, vessel wall 112 and/or filter wall 122 has a relatively wide mouth 144 and a relatively narrow stem 146. In the exemplary embodiment, an inlet 150 is disposed generally adjacent to mouth 144. In the exemplary embodiment, inlet 150 is oriented to direct and/or discharge a waste mixture into filter cavity 124 and/or first passage 130.

[0024] In the exemplary embodiment, filter 120 facilitates separating the waste mixture into a solid portion and a liquid portion. Moreover, filter wall 122 and vessel wall 1 12 funnels or directs the solid portion and the liquid portion, respectively, from mouth 144 towards stem 146. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, filter wall 122 and/or first passage 130 is oriented to direct the solid portion of the waste mixture towards filter outlet 126, wherefrom the solid portion is discharged. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, a liquid portion of the waste mixture permeates through filter wall 122, and vessel wall 1 12 and/or second passage 140 is oriented to direct the liquid portion of the waste mixture towards vessel outlet 1 16, wherefrom the liquid portion is discharged.

[0025] In the exemplary embodiment, a fluid discharging mechanism 160 is oriented to discharge a fluid into filter cavity 124 and/or first passage 130. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, fluid discharging mechanism sprays or directs a fluid towards the waste mixture discharged by inlet 150. In the exemplary embodiment, the fluid is sprayed to facilitate preventing bridging of the fine particles from plugging the flow of material. In the exemplary embodiment, the fluid mixes with the liquid portion of the waste mixture. As such, in the exemplary embodiment, the fluid permeates through filter wall 122, and vessel wall 1 12 and/or second passage 140 directs the fluid towards vessel outlet 1 16, wherefrom the fluid is discharged.

[0026] In the exemplary embodiment, a looping passage 170 couples vessel outlet 1 16 to fluid discharging mechanism 160 such that fluid discharging mechanism 160 is in fluid communication with looping passage 170. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, the fluid discharged from fluid discharging mechanism 160 includes the liquid portion discharged from vessel outlet 1 16. That is, in the exemplary embodiment, the fluid drained or discharged from vessel outlet 1 16 is recycled within separation/dewatering module 100.

[0027] In the exemplary embodiment, a valve 180 is disposed generally adjacent to vessel outlet 1 16. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, valve 180 facilitates controlling the solid portion discharged from vessel outlet 116. That is, in the exemplary embodiment, the solid portion discharged from vessel outlet 1 16 is selectively discharged from vessel outlet 1 16 such that the solid portion may be removed from separation/dewatering module 100 using a transportation vessel (not shown). In the exemplary embodiment, valve 180 is a rotary valve. Alternatively, valve 180 may be any suitable mechanism that enables vessel outlet 1 16 to function as described herein.

[0028] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an alternative separation module 200. In the exemplary embodiment, separation module 200 includes a top portion 210 and a bottom portion 220. In the exemplary embodiment, top portion 210 includes a sidewall 230 defining a top chamber 232. In the exemplary embodiment, bottom portion 220 includes a sidewall 240 defining a holding chamber 242 and a pair of slanted sidewalls 250 that define a drain chamber 252. In the exemplary embodiment, sidewalls 250 lead to a drain aperture 254 disposed at a bottom of holding chamber 242. A ledge 260 is disposed between holding chamber 242 and drain chamber 252.

[0029] In the exemplary embodiment, coagulants and/or flocculants from a flocculent/coagulant storage unit 270 (shown in FIG. 4) may be added to the waste mixture to facilitate separating the solid portion of the waste mixture from the liquid portion of the waste mixture. In the exemplary embodiment, the coagulant is a NALCO 8102 coagulant and the flocculent is a NALCO 7767 flocculent. Alternatively, the coagulant and/or flocculent may be any suitable chemical and/or composition that enables separation/dewatering module 100 and/or 200 to function as described herein.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, compressed gas from a dissolved air floatation (DAF) unit 280 (shown in FIG. 4) may be injected into the waste mixture to facilitate separating the solid portion of the waste mixture from the liquid portion of the waste mixture. In the exemplary embodiment, the compressed gas includes, without limitation, carbon dioxide. Alternatively, the compressed gas may be any suitable chemical and/or composition that enables DAF unit 280 to function as described herein. The compressed air facilitates pushing the solid portion to a top of separation/dewatering module 100 and/or 200, and separation/dewatering module 100 and/or 200 is decanted to remove the solid portion from the waste mixture.

[003 1 ] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary system 400 for use in treating hog and animal waste. In the exemplary embodiment, system 400 includes at least one animal confinement area or hog house 410. In the exemplary embodiment, water or, more generally, fluid is periodically flushed through hog house 410 to facilitate removing animal waste from hog house and into a sump area (not shown), wherefrom a sump pump (not shown) pumps the water and animal waste into a mixing and holding tank 420.

[0032] In the exemplary embodiment, the water and animal waste are mixed in mixing and holding tank 420 with an alkaline solution to form or create a waste mixture. In the exemplary embodiment, the alkaline solution is a lime solution formed by mixing lime from a lime storage unit 422 with water from a liquid storage tank described in more detail below. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, the lime is a hydrated lime or calcium hydroxide. Alternatively, the alkaline solution may be any suitable chemical and/or composition that enables mixing and holding tank 420 to function as described herein. [0033] In one embodiment, a static mixer may be used to mix the alkaline solution with the water and animal waste for a predetermined time period. In one embodiment, the waste mixture is mixed and/or held in mixing and holding tank 420 for approximately one to two hours. Alternatively, the waste solution may be mixed and/or held for any suitable time period that enables mixing and holding tank 420 to function as described herein.

[0034] In the exemplary embodiment, the relatively high alkalinity of the alkaline solution facilitates killing most of the pathogens in the animal waste and/or waste solution. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, mixing the alkaline solution with the animal waste facilitates breaking down colloidal bonds of the animal waste, and the urea in the animal waste reacts with the alkaline solution to release ammonia. For example, in one embodiment, approximately 99.999% of bacteria and approximately 98% to 99.999% of viruses are destroyed in the animal waste and/or waste solution by mixing the animal waste with the alkaline solution. In the exemplary embodiment, a basicity (i.e., pH) of the waste mixture is maintained at or above a pH of approximately 10.0. More particularly, in the exemplary embodiment, the waste mixture is maintained at or above a pH of approximately 1 1.0. Alternatively, the waste mixture may be maintained at a pH that is lower than approximately 10.0.

[0035] After the waste mixture is held in mixing and holding tank 420 for the predetermined time period and/or until substantially all of the urea and solid fecal matter has been broken down, in the exemplary embodiment, acid from an acid storage unit (not shown) may be introduced into the waste mixture to facilitate neutralizing the alkalinity of the waste mixture. That is, in the exemplary embodiment, the pH of the waste mixture may be reduced to approximately 7.0-8.0. In one embodiment, the neutralization of the waste mixture may be achieved relatively quickly on the order of approximately five minutes. The neutralization of the waste mixture may also be used in combination with other components and/or steps described herein.

[0036] In the exemplary embodiment, the waste mixture is directed through an ammonia stripping mechanism 430. In the exemplary embodiment, ammonia is stripped from the waste mixture as the waste mixture passes through ammonia stripping mechanism 430, and the ammonia is directed to a fertilizer manufacturing unit or an acid reaction process unit 440. In one embodiment, a fan is used to direct at least some ammonia from mixing and holding tank 420 and/or ammonia stripping mechanism 430 towards acid reaction process unit 440.

[0037] In the exemplary embodiment, the ammonia is mixed in acid reaction process unit 440 with an acid to form or create fertilizer. In the exemplary embodiment, the acid includes, without limitation, at least one of nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid from an acid storage unit 442, which react with the ammonia to form ammonium nitrate, ammonium phosphate, or ammonium sulfate, respectively. Alternatively, the acid may be any suitable chemical and/or composition that enables acid reaction process unit 440 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, the resulting fertilizer is directed into and/or stored within a fertilizer storage unit 444. Additionally, at least some ammonia recovered from ammonia stripping mechanism 430 may be condensed as aqueous ammonia and stored in an aqueous ammonia storage tank (not shown). In one embodiment, the ammonia is mixed with water to form or create hydrated ammonia.

[0038] In the exemplary embodiment, the waste mixture is directed into separation/de watering module 100 and/or 200. As described in more detail above, separation/de watering module 100 and/or 200 facilitates separating the solid portion of the waste mixture from the liquid portion of the waste mixture.

[0039] In the exemplary embodiment, the solid portion is directed to a solids holding tank 450. Moreover, the solid portion within solids holding tank 450 may be conveyed to a central plant using, for example, a truck or a similar vehicle. In the exemplary embodiment, the solid portion may be washed to separate fecal matter from undigested feed. Fecal matter may be processed into fertilizer, and undigested feed may be processed for use as feed for animals again. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, the fecal matter is diverted to at least one filter 460 such as, without limitation, a vacuum filter that separates liquid from the fecal solids. The fecal solids may then be used as a fertilizer as needed or desired with or without further processing. In the exemplary embodiment, the undigested feed is washed and screened to remove animal hair. Some of the undigested feed may be pelletized with additional nutrients in a pelletizer 470. The nutrients are optional and depend on the nutrient content of the undigested feed. In one embodiment, the undigested feed is dried to approximately a 10% water content so as to inhibit fungal growth.

[0040] In the exemplary embodiment, the liquid portion is channeled through at least one filter 480 and then directed into a liquid storage tank 490. In the exemplary embodiment, filter 480 includes, without limitation, at least one of a sand filter, a carbon filter, an ultra-filtration filter, and/or an electromagnetic filter. Alternatively, filter 480 may be any suitable machine and/or mechanism that enables filter 480 to function as described herein.

[0041] At least some of the liquid portion may be used to flush hog house 410 to facilitate removing animal waste therefrom. Moreover, at least some of the liquid portion may be treated in a drinking water process unit 500 and be used as drinking water for the animals within hog house 410. Clean water may be stored in a drinking water storage unit (not shown) for later use by the animals. In one embodiment, the liquid portion may be processed though a reverse osmosis unit to facilitate removing salts and/or other impurities. In such an embodiment, suspended salts may be concentrated in an evaporator and stored in a recovered salt storage unit.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary animal confinement area or hog house 410. In the exemplary embodiment, hog house 410 includes a roof 510, a slatted floor 520, a sloped subfloor 530, and a central drain trench 540. In the exemplary embodiment, hogs stand on top of floor 520 and defecate as is normal. The animal waste falls through the slats within floor 520 onto subfloor 530. Periodically, water is channeled from liquid storage tank 490 to flush the animal waste on subfloor 530 down into drain trench 540, which is further sloped so as to deposit the animal waste and liquid at the sump area for handling by the sump pump as described above. In the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of flushing jets 550 are disposed around a circumference of hog house 410 such that substantially all of subfloor 530 may be flushed on a regular basis. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, water is flushed through hog house 410 approximately every twenty minutes. Alternatively, flushing jets 550 may discharge fluid at any suitable interval that enables system 400 to function as described herein. In one embodiment, at least some animal waste may be pumped through a series of membrane filters to facilitate removing sodium and/or phosphate salts from the animal waste. In such an embodiment, the salts may be stored in a tank and/or pumped into a crystallizer for later use.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an alternative hog house 600. In the exemplary embodiment, hog house 600 includes a sloped floor 620, a sloped subfloor 630, and a drain trench 640. In the exemplary embodiment, floor 620 is generally solid and slopes from a center of hog house 600 towards sloped subfloor 630. In the exemplary embodiment, a slatted floor 650 is disposed generally above sloped subfloor 630 such that animal waste flushed from sloped floor 620 drains through slatted floor 650 onto sloped subfloor 630. In the exemplary embodiment, slatted floor 650 is a fiberglass grid. Alternatively, slatted floor 650 may have any suitable configuration and/or be fabricated from any material that enables hog house 600 to function as described herein.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of another alternative hog house 700. In the exemplary embodiment, hog house 700 includes a sloped floor 720, a sloped subfloor 730, and a drain trench 740. In the exemplary embodiment, floor 720 is generally solid and slopes from a center of hog house 600 towards sloped subfloor 730. In the exemplary embodiment, animal waste is flushed from sloped subfloor 730 using, for example, flushing jets 550.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary lime slurry tank 800 that may be used with mixing and holding tank 420, lime storage unit 422, and/or liquid storage tank 490. In the exemplary embodiment, lime is directed or channeled from lime storage unit 422, through a lime fill line 802, and to lime slurry tank 800. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, fill line 802 is sized such that the lime may be pneumatically conveyed into lime slurry tank 800. Additionally, water is directed or channeled from liquid storage tank 490, through a water fill line 804, and to lime slurry tank 800.

[0046] In the exemplary embodiment, a circulation pump 806 facilitates creating turbulence within lime slurry tank 800 to form a lime slurry within lime slurry tank 800. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, circulation pump 806 draws liquid from lime slurry tank 800 and circulates the liquid back into lime slurry tank 800 through at least one venturi mixer 808 on a continuous basis to facilitate mixing the lime from lime storage unit 422 with water from liquid storage tank 490. In the exemplary embodiment, a supply pump 810 facilitates directing and/or delivering the lime slurry to mixing and holding tank 420.

[0047] In the exemplary embodiment, lime slurry tank 800 includes an exhaust 812 and at least one bin vent unit 814 disposed at a top end of exhaust 812. In the exemplary embodiment, exhaust 812 is oriented to vent air out of lime slurry tank 800. In the exemplary embodiment, exhaust 812 includes a plurality of surface enhancements 816 that facilitate preventing liquid from splashing bin vent unit 814. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, surface enhancements 816 include at least one chevron. Alternatively, surface enhancements 816 may be any suitable mechanism and/or have any suitable configuration that enables lime slurry tank 800 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, a hood 818 is disposed above bin vent unit 814 to facilitate preventing precipitation from entering the top end of exhaust 812 and/or bin vent unit 814.

[0048] In the exemplary embodiment, lime slurry tank 800 is sized to hold a predetermined amount of water and hydrated lime. In the exemplary embodiment, the ratio of water to hydrated lime is approximately 3-to-l . Alternatively, lime slurry tank 800 may hold any ratio of water to hydrated lime and/or amount of water and lime that enables lime slurry tank 800 to function as described herein.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary ammonia stripping mechanism 430. In the exemplary embodiment, the ammonia is stripped out of the contaminated water with air. Ammonia molecules may become trapped within a thin film of water and/or air to form vesicles. In the exemplary embodiment, an ultrasound device 902 emits an ultrasound irradiation to facilitate breaking down the colloidal solids, raising a partial vapor pressure of the vesicles, and/or releasing the ammonia from the waste mixture. While the ammonia is being stripped from the waste mixture, carbon dioxide or acidic solution may be used to facilitate neutralizing the liquid.

[0050] Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, a packed bed 904 is disposed within ammonia stripping mechanism 430. In the exemplary embodiment, packed bed 904 provides a surface area and/or turbulence suitable to strip organics. In the exemplary embodiment, packed bed 904 includes a pair of retention plates 906 and a plurality of packed materials 908 disposed therebetween. In the exemplary embodiment, packed materials 908 are fabricated from a polycarbonate material. Alternatively, packed materials 908 may be fabricated from any suitable material that enables ammonia stripping mechanism 430 to function as described herein.

[0051] In the exemplary embodiment, each retention plate 906 has a plurality of openings 910 that enable waste mixture, air, and/or water to be channeled through ammonia stripping mechanism 430 or, more particularly, through packed bed 904. In the exemplary embodiment, waste mixture is directed downstream through ammonia stripping mechanism 430 or, more particularly, through packed bed 904. In the exemplary embodiment, the contaminated water is channeled countercurrent to air across packed materials 908, and the air strips the organics by adsorption. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, water is discharged upstream through ammonia stripping mechanism 430 or, more particularly, through packed bed 904 from a plurality of water jets 912. In the exemplary embodiment, the stripped-off gases are subjected to scrubbing in a weak acid solution.

[0052] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary electromagnetic (EM) filtration mechanism 1000 coupled to a pipe 1002. In the exemplary embodiment, EM filtration mechanism 1000 generates an electromagnetic force to facilitate reducing a buildup and/or scaling of salts deposited within pipe 1002.

[0053] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary modular system 1100 that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 4. In the exemplary embodiment, modular system 1 100 has a "close-coupling" design that reduces an overall footprint when compared to conventional waste disposal systems. In the exemplary embodiment, modular system 1100 includes at least one footer 1 102 that is positioned to support a floor 1 104. In the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of beams 1 106 are positioned on floor 1 104 to support a grating 1 108. In the exemplary embodiment, grating 1108 is fabricated from a fiberglass material and/or a steel material. Alternatively, grating 1108 may be fabricated from any suitable material that enables modular system 1 100 to function as described herein.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiment, at least one tank, such as mixing and holding tank 420 and/or flocculent/coagulant storage unit 270, is positioned on top of grating 1 108. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, tank 420 and/or storage unit 270 is supported by a steel plate 1110. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, modular system 1100 includes at least one rack 1 1 12 that houses electrical wiring and/or pipes. In the exemplary embodiment, rack 11 12 extends above tank 420 and/or storage unit 270.

[0055] The method and system described here enables animal waste to be treated in an environmentally-friendly manner. For example, the embodiments described herein facilitate separating a waste mixture into a solid portion and a liquid portion, such that the solid portion and/or liquid portion may be reused. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein substantially reduce ammonia emissions, odor emissions, release of disease transmitting vectors and airborne pathogens, and/or contamination of soil and ground water.

[0056] Exemplary embodiments of systems and methods are described and/or illustrated herein in detail. The exemplary systems and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of each system and/or steps of each method may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or method steps described herein. Each component and each method step may also be used in combination with other components and/or method steps.

[0057] This written description uses examples to disclose certain embodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice those certain embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A waste treatment system comprising: a mixing and holding tank configured to mix animal waste with an alkaline solution to produce a waste mixture; and a separation module comprising a vessel and a filter disposed within the vessel cavity, said vessel comprising a vessel wall that defines a vessel cavity and a vessel outlet in fluid communication with the vessel cavity, said filter comprising a filter wall that defines a filter cavity and a filter outlet in fluid communication with the filter cavity, said filter wall spaced from an inner surface of said vessel wall, wherein at least a portion of said filter wall is permeable such that, when the waste mixture is discharged into the filter cavity, the filter separates the waste mixture into a solid portion and a liquid portion, the solid portion is discharged from said filter outlet, and the liquid portion is discharged from said vessel outlet.

2. A waste treatment system in accordance with Claim 1 further comprising an ammonia stripping mechanism configured to remove ammonia from the waste mixture prior to discharging the waste mixture into the filter cavity.

3. A waste treatment system in accordance with Claim 1 further comprising a fluid discharging mechanism oriented to discharge a fluid into the filter cavity.

4. A waste treatment system in accordance with Claim 3 further comprising a looping passage coupling said vessel outlet to said fluid discharging mechanism, such that the fluid discharged from said fluid discharging mechanism includes the liquid portion discharged from said vessel outlet.

5. A waste treatment system in accordance with Claim 1 further comprising a valve positioned adjacent to said filter outlet, such that the solid portion discharged from said filter outlet is selectively discharged from said filter outlet.

6. A waste treatment system in accordance with Claim 5, wherein said valve is a rotary valve.

7. A waste treatment system in accordance with Claim 1 , wherein said filter wall comprises a mesh screen.

8. A separation module for use within a waste treatment system, said separation module comprising: a vessel wall having an inner surface; a filter wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the filter wall inner surface defining a first passage, the filter wall outer surface and the vessel wall inner surface defining a second passage in fluid communication with the first passage; an inlet oriented to discharge a waste mixture into the first passage, the filter wall separates the waste mixture into a solid portion and a liquid portion; a first outlet in fluid communication with the first passage, wherein the solid portion is directed through the first passage and discharged from said first outlet; and a second outlet in fluid communication with the second passage, wherein the liquid portion separated from the solid portion is directed through the second passage and discharged from said second outlet.

9. A separation module in accordance with Claim 8 further comprising a fluid discharging mechanism oriented to discharge a fluid into the first passage.

10. A separation module in accordance with Claim 9 further comprising a looping passage coupling said second outlet to said fluid discharging mechanism, such that the fluid discharged from said fluid discharging mechanism includes the liquid portion discharged from said second outlet.

1 1. A separation module in accordance with Claim 8 further comprising a valve positioned adjacent to said first outlet, such that the solid portion discharged from said first outlet is selectively discharged from said first outlet.

12. A separation module in accordance with Claim 1 1, wherein said valve is a rotary valve.

13. A separation module in accordance with Claim 8, wherein said filter wall comprises a mesh screen.

14. A method of treating animal waste using a separation module that includes a vessel including a vessel wall and a filter including a filter wall, said method comprising: discharging a waste mixture into a first passage defined by an inner surface of the filter wall, the waste mixture including a solid portion and a liquid portion; directing the solid portion through the first passage towards a first outlet, such that the solid portion is discharged from the first outlet; and directing the liquid portion through a second passage towards a second outlet, such that the liquid portion is discharged from the second outlet, the second passage defined by an outer surface of the filter wall and an inner surface of the vessel wall, wherein the liquid portion permeates from the first passage, through the filter wall, and into the second passage.

15. A method in accordance with Claim 14 further comprising discharging a fluid, from a fluid discharging mechanism, into the first passage.

16. A method in accordance with Claim 15 further comprising directing the liquid portion from the second outlet towards the fluid discharging mechanism, such that the fluid discharged from the fluid discharging mechanism includes the liquid portion discharged from the second outlet.

17. A method in accordance with Claim 14, wherein directing the solid portion further comprises selectively discharging the solid portion from the first outlet.

18. A method in accordance with Claim 14 further comprising: mixing the animal waste with an alkaline composition to create the waste mixture; and removing ammonia from the waste mixture prior to discharging the waste mixture into the first passage.

19. A method in accordance with Claim 18, wherein mixing the animal waste with an alkaline composition further comprises maintaining a basicity of the waste mixture for a predetermined time period.

20. A method in accordance with Claim 19 further comprising neutralizing the animal waste after the basicity of the waste mixture has been maintained for the predetermined time period.

21. A method in accordance with Claim 18, wherein mixing the animal waste with an alkaline composition further comprises: breaking down colloidal bonds of the animal waste; causing the urea in the animal waste to release ammonia; and killing pathogens in the animal waste.

22. A method in accordance with Claim 18 further comprising condensing the ammonia removed from the waste mixture to be aqueous ammonia.

23. A method in accordance with Claim 18, wherein removing ammonia from the waste mixture further comprises mixing the ammonia with an acid to form a fertilizer material.

24. A method in accordance with Claim 14 further comprising irradiating the waste mixture using an ultra-sonic mixing process.

25. A method in accordance with Claim 14 further comprising holding the waste mixture in a holding tank to break down a urea of the animal waste.

26. A method in accordance with Claim 14 further comprises adding a flocculant and a coagulant to the waste mixture.

27. A method in accordance with Claim 14 further comprising filtering the liquid portion to facilitate reducing a quantity of mineral salts disposed within the liquid portion.