WO2020012473A1 - Système et procédé de surveillance et de vérification de compostage - Google Patents

Système et procédé de surveillance et de vérification de compostage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020012473A1
WO2020012473A1 PCT/IL2019/050767 IL2019050767W WO2020012473A1 WO 2020012473 A1 WO2020012473 A1 WO 2020012473A1 IL 2019050767 W IL2019050767 W IL 2019050767W WO 2020012473 A1 WO2020012473 A1 WO 2020012473A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
composter
sensor
composting
measurements
sensors
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PCT/IL2019/050767
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English (en)
Inventor
Avi BLAU
Noa FRANKO
Original Assignee
Blau Avi
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
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Publication date
Application filed by Blau Avi filed Critical Blau Avi
Publication of WO2020012473A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020012473A1/fr

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
    • C05F—ORGANIC FERTILISERS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C05B, C05C, e.g. FERTILISERS FROM WASTE OR REFUSE
    • C05F17/00—Preparation of fertilisers characterised by biological or biochemical treatment steps, e.g. composting or fermentation
    • C05F17/70—Controlling the treatment in response to process parameters
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P20/00—Technologies relating to chemical industry
    • Y02P20/141—Feedstock
    • Y02P20/145—Feedstock the feedstock being materials of biological origin
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
    • Y02W30/40—Bio-organic fraction processing; Production of fertilisers from the organic fraction of waste or refuse

Definitions

  • the present invention pertains to the management and monitoring of composting processes for organic waste material.
  • Composting is a natural biological process for recycling organic material.
  • the organic material is decomposed or biodegraded over time by microorganisms including bacteria and fungi into a substance known as "humus" or compost, which is rich in nutrients and provides an excellent conditioner and additive for soil.
  • the effectiveness of the composting process is dependent on various environmental conditions, such as the oxygen, temperature, and moisture present, as well as the composition of the organic material.
  • Composting provides many benefits, such as enhancing plant growth, erosion control, and reducing landfilling of organic waste.
  • Composting is widely used in various settings, which can generally be divided into indoor or household level applications and to onsite or industrial level applications.
  • vermicomposters which utilizes earthworms to decompose the organic material. Enzymes secreted by the microorganisms and present in the digestive system of the earthworms facilitate biochemical processes that break down the waste material into various compounds.
  • Bucket composting Another device is referred to as “bucket composting”, which uses microorganisms to convert waste into material that can be further composted in soil.
  • on-site composting may be performed via in-vessel composting (not necessarily vermicomposting), which confines the composting process to a container or vessel in which the composting conditions, such as airflow, temperature, and moisture, can be monitored and controlled. Forced aeration and mechanical turning techniques may be used to accelerate the composting process.
  • On-site facilities for processing food waste may include non-biological systems, which use mechanical processes and heat to dry the organic material, shredders to reduce volume and remove humidity, and dehydrators to break down the organic matter into dry biomass.
  • non-biological systems which use mechanical processes and heat to dry the organic material
  • shredders to reduce volume and remove humidity
  • dehydrators to break down the organic matter into dry biomass.
  • biological liquefaction mixes food waste with water and through an enzyme-based process creates a slurry that can be discharged into the municipal sewage infrastructure.
  • windrow composting or industrial vermicomposting is typically implemented in farms or agricultural facilities to produce large volumes of compost.
  • the raw material is arranged in long narrow piles or "windrows" that are agitated or turned regularly in order to mix the composting material and enhance passive aeration and porosity.
  • Aerated static pile composting utilizes perforated piping underneath the admixture to deliver air circulation and eliminate the need for physical agitation or turning.
  • Aerated static pile may be applied to outdoor windrow operations or to enclosed in-vessel composters.
  • Existing composters generally lack a convenient way to monitor the environmental conditions present inside the composter, and to allow for intervention in case action is needed, such as when the environmental conditions prevent the composting from taking place effectively.
  • Some monitoring devices known in the art calculate the deviation of temperature and moisture levels from a normal model, such as disclosed in French Patent No. FR2303776 (Kroczynski). Flowever, these devices generally perform momentary batch measurements, do not operate continuously, and thus cannot verify that a continuous composting process has taken place and cannot ascertain the amount of waste that has been treated.
  • Some existing devices perform consecutive measurements but only for outdoor aerobic composting.
  • Existing composting systems usually do not measure organic mass, or assume that the mass of the incoming feed is all organic and will be composted in its entirety. In reality, the contamination levels in an organic waste stream is typically high, which can significantly affect the quality of the composting process.
  • a temperature sensor senses the temperature of the compostable material within a container
  • a heating element heats the container to multiple temperature points, as directed by a programmable controller in electrical communication with the temperature sensor and heating element.
  • a moisture sensor senses the water content of the material and a hydrating dispenser dispenses an aqueous solution into the container.
  • the appliance may also include a load-determining device for determining a quantifiable measure such as weight or quantity of the compostable material, which may be used to optimize the compost processing conditions or to provide information to a user.
  • a quantifiable measure such as weight or quantity of the compostable material
  • Many commercial devices contain mechanisms to provide alerts and some may even modify conditions inside the composter when certain parameters exceed desired ranges. However, these are usually limited to a narrow range of parameters, such as temperature, humidity, and the occasional monitoring of select compounds such as ammonia. This limits the ability of users and third parties to verify that a continuous composting process occurred and to calculate the amount of waste actually treated.
  • These user-based determinations are often dependent on the user ability to gauge the conditions using his/her physical senses (e.g., touch, smell, sight), particularly for users of non-industrial scale composters.
  • a system for composting monitoring and verification includes a plurality of sensors, coupled with a composter for composting organic material, and a processor communicatively coupled with the sensors.
  • Each of the sensors is configured to obtain sensor measurements of at least one respective parameter relating to a composting process in the composter.
  • the processor is configured to process the sensor measurements, to verify the continuity of the composting process in the composter in accordance with the processed measurements, and to determine an amount of material composted in the composting process in accordance with the verified continuity of the composting process and the processed measurements.
  • Processing the sensor measurement may include: determining if parameter values are within predefined expected ranges; determining if temporal behaviors of parameters meets predefined criteria; and/or determining if correlations between multiple parameters meets predefined criteria. At least one of the predefined expected ranges and the predefined criteria may be established in accordance with characteristics of the composter and the composting process being monitored. Determining if temporal behaviors of parameters meets predefined criteria may include examining the relationship between the organic waste introduced into the composter and the rate of leachate accumulation in the composter.
  • the sensors may include: a weight sensor; a volume sensor; a humidity sensor; a temperature sensor; a sensor for measuring the presence or concentration of at least one chemical compound; a sensor for measuring the ratio between two or more chemical compounds; an electrical conductivity (EC) sensor; a pH level sensor; a volumetric flow rate sensor; an optical sensor; a biological sensor; a physiochemical sensor; an image sensor; and/or an audio sensor.
  • the organic material may be conveyed into the composter following a pre-treatment process at a pre-treatment unit, and the pre-treatment unit may include sensors configured to obtain measurements of respective parameters relating to the pre-treatment process.
  • the system may further include a communication link, configured to transmit information to or from the processor, and the processor may be remotely located from the composter.
  • Data may be stored, managed or processed using a cloud computing model.
  • An alert may be provided if an abnormal condition is detected in the composter or the composting process, based on the processing of the sensor measurements.
  • the processor may be further configured to generate a report of quantitative and qualitative metrics relating to the monitored composting process, based on the processing of the sensor measurements.
  • the processor may be further configured to analyse received and processed data using machine learning or neural network techniques, to determine modification for the predefined ranges or predefined criteria of parameters relating to at least one composter.
  • the processor may be further configured to process personalized user information associated with at least one user of a respective composter or composting process, and to devise a customized composting program in accordance with the user information.
  • the system may further include a user interface coupled with the processor, the user interface configured to present information relating to the composter or the composting process being monitored.
  • the sampling rate of at least one of the sensors may be modified in accordance with the processed measurements.
  • the composter may be situated underground.
  • the organic material may be conveyed to the composter from a pre-treatment unit via a rotating assembly configured to circulate a plurality of underground composters.
  • the underground composter may be accessible through an openable cover, configured to provide thermal insulation to the composter underground and to allow retrieval of ready compost and emptying of composter leachate.
  • the sensors may be disposed at a location: in headspace of the composter; in the compost material; coupled to a lid of the composter; coupled to a sidewall of the composter; in a leachate receptacle of the composter; and/or in an outlet of a pre-treatment unit conveying pre-treated organic waste to the composter.
  • a method for composting monitoring and verification includes the procedure of obtaining measurements of parameters relating to a composting process in a composter for composting organic material, using a plurality of sensors coupled with the composter.
  • the method further includes to procedures of: processing the sensor measurements, verifying the continuity of the composting process in the composter in accordance with the processed measurements, and determining an amount of material composted in the composting process in accordance with the verified continuity of the composting process and the processed measurements.
  • Processing the sensor measurement may include: determining if parameter values are within predefined expected ranges; determining if temporal behaviors of parameters meets predefined criteria; and/or determining if correlations between multiple parameters meets predefined criteria.
  • At least one of the predefined expected ranges and the predefined criteria may be established in accordance with characteristics of the composter and the composting process being monitored. Determining if temporal behaviors of parameters meets predefined criteria may include examining the relationship between the organic waste introduced into the composter and the rate of leachate accumulation in the composter.
  • the method may further include the procedure of conveying organic material into the composter following a pre-treatment process at a pre-treatment unit, the pre-treatment unit including sensors configured to obtain measurements of respective parameters relating to the pre-treatment process. Information may be transmitted over a communication link to or from a processor remotely located from the composter.
  • the method may further include the procedure of providing an alert if an abnormal condition is detected in the composter or the composting process, based on the processing of the sensor measurements.
  • the method may further include the procedure of generating a report of quantitative and qualitative metrics relating to the monitored composting process, based on the processing of the sensor measurements.
  • the received and processed data may be analyzed using machine learning or neural network techniques, to determine modifications for the predefined ranges or predefined criteria of parameters relating to at least one composter.
  • Personalized user information associated with at least one user of a respective composter or composting process may be processed to devise a customized composting program in accordance with the user information.
  • the composter may be situated underground. Liquid from a nearby receptacle may be directed into the composter to increase the liquid content in the composter, when at least one sensor measurement exceeds a threshold. A temperature of the composter may be adjusted using heating/cooling mechanism, when a temperature measurement of the composter exceeds a threshold.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for composting monitoring and verification, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary configuration of the system of Figure 1 , constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary pre-treatment unit, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary conveyor mechanism for conveying waste material from the pre-treatment unit to the composters, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of another exemplary conveyor mechanism for conveying waste material from the pre-treatment unit to the composters, constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a rotating assembly of composters which passes underground, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 7 is a block diagram of a method for composting monitoring and verification, operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 8A is a schematic illustration of an exemplary configuration of a sensor unit embedded in the pre-treatment unit or the composter of Figure 2, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 8B is a schematic illustration of another exemplary configuration of a sensor unit embedded in the pre-treatment unit or the composter of Figure 2, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 9A is a longitudinal view schematic illustration of a composter with an exemplary sensor unit situated in the composter headspace, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 9B is a cross-section view schematic illustration of the composter of Figure 9A.
  • Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of a composter with embedded weight sensors, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing novel systems and methods for managing, monitoring and verifying a composting process in at least one composter.
  • the composters are embedded with sensors and monitoring devices which are communicatively linked, such as via an Internet of Things (loT) network, to allow transmission of the collected data for external processing and analysis.
  • the information is processed to verify that composting conditions in the composter are held within a desired range of predetermined environmental conditions, and that relationships between changes in one or more conditions remain within expected ranges, signifying that a continuous composting process took place.
  • the sensor measurements are also used to calculate the amount of organic waste that is actually composted or "treated", and to provide alerts and notifications in the event of a problem in one of the composters. After the waste has been treated and converted to compost, the compost may be collected or removed.
  • composter as used herein should be broadly interpreted to refer to any type of receptacle or container for treating organic waste in a composting process, including but not limited to: vermicomposters; in-vessel composters; windrow composters; aerated static pile composters; and other types of composters, ranging from household level to industrial level.
  • the composter may be placed in a fixed location aboveground or underground, and may include means for conveying material from pre-treatment units where waste is collected and grinded.
  • the terms“user” and“operator” are used interchangeably herein to refer to any individual person or group of persons operating or assisting with the operation of the system or method of the present invention.
  • the user may be a manager or supervisor directed to monitor and verify the operation of one or more composters, and may be authorized to establish and update operational parameters of the monitored composters, as well as to conduct activities for the composters maintenance or improvement.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for composting monitoring and verification, generally referenced 1 10, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary configuration of the system of Figure 1.
  • System 1 10 includes one or more pre treatment unit sensors, collectively referenced 1 12, one or more composter sensors, collectively referenced 1 14, a processor 122, a database 124, and a user interface 126.
  • Pre-treatment unit sensors 1 12 are embedded in, on or under a pre treatment unit (PTU) 102.
  • Composter sensors 1 14 are embedded in, on or under a composter 104.
  • System 110 may include a plurality of PTUs and/or a plurality of composters, where a single PTU 102 and a single composter 104 is depicted for exemplary purposes.
  • PTU sensors 1 12 and composter sensors 1 14 includes sensors configured to detect parameters relating to organic waste treated before and/or during and/or after a composting process.
  • the parameters may relate to the quality or quantity (weight or volume) of organic waste treated (composted) and/or the continuity of the composting.
  • Examples of parameters detected by one or more of sensors 1 12, 114 include, but are not limited to: weight; volume; temperature; humidity; concentration of at least one chemical compound (e.g., CO2; CH ; NO2; NFI3, pH); electrical conductivity; pH level; level of liquid discharge; volumetric flow rate; and the like.
  • Sensors 1 12, 1 14 may also include a camera or image sensor, configured to capture at least one image of the content within a respective PTU 102 or composter 104, where the image sensor may be any type of sensor device capable of acquiring an image representation, including the acquisition of any form of electromagnetic radiation at any range of wavelengths (including visible and non-visible wavelengths).
  • Sensors 1 12, 114 may also include an audio sensor configured to capture at least one audio signal relating to the treated material. For example, an audio sensor may detect volume levels which may provide an indication of the activity level of microorganisms within a composter 104. The sensor measurements may be obtained repetitively or continuously.
  • the term “repeatedly” as used herein should be broadly construed to include any one or more of: “continuously”, “periodic repetition” and “non-periodic repetition”, where periodic repetition is characterized by constant length intervals between repetitions and non-periodic repetition is characterized by variable length intervals between repetitions. Accordingly, the sensor measurements may be sampled at any pre-determined or randomly determined frequency applicable for the specific conditions, and which can provide sufficient information for enabling the verification of a continuous and successful composting process.
  • the physical properties of PTU sensors 1 12 or composter sensors 1 14 may be adapted to accommodate the physical characteristics, such as the size and shape, of the respective PTU 102 or composter 104 in which it is embedded.
  • Processor 122 is communicatively coupled with PTU sensors 1 12, with composter sensors 1 14, with database 124, with user interface 126, and with the Internet. Accordingly, information may be conveyed between the components of system 1 10, such as between sensors 1 12, 1 14 and processor 122, over the Internet or over any suitable data communication channel or network, using any type of channel or network model and any data transmission protocol (e.g., wired, wireless, radio, WiFi, Bluetooth, and the like).
  • system 1 10 may store, manage and process data using a cloud computing model, and the components of system 1 10 may communicate with one another and be remotely monitored and controlled over the Internet, such as via an Internet of Things (loT) platform.
  • LoT Internet of Things
  • Processor 122, database 124 and user interface 126 may each be remotely located from PTU 102 and/or from composter 104.
  • Each PTU 102, each composter 104, and each of PTU sensors 112 and composter sensors 1 14 may be assigned a unique identifier to facilitate identification of transmitted data.
  • Processor 122 generally performs necessary data processing required by system 1 10. For example, processor 122 processes and analyzes information obtained from sensors 1 12, 1 14 to monitor composting parameters and verify a composting process, as will be discussed further hereinbelow. Processor 122 may also receive instructions or data from other components of system 1 10, such as user input provided via user interface 126.
  • Database 124 stores relevant information to support the processing and analysis of the collected sensor parameters by processor 122.
  • database 124 may store expected or desired parameters or environmental conditions relating to a composting process, as will be discussed further hereinbelow.
  • User interface 126 allows an operator to control parameters or settings of system 1 10 and to view relevant information.
  • user interface 126 may include a web portal or mobile app that allows the operator to view sensor measurement data or information on environmental conditions in a composter 104 or PTU 102, to receive alerts and guidance if compositing conditions exceed a predefined range, and to review results such as the amount of waste treated in a given composter 104.
  • User interface 126 allows an operator to provide instructions or information to one or more elements of system 1 10, such as to activate or modify an operational setting of at least one of sensors 1 12, 1 14, or to set or update a threshold level relating to composting status or parameters to be detected, as will be discussed further hereinbelow.
  • User interface 126 may also include a cursor or touch-screen menu interface, such as a graphical interface, configured to enable the operator to manually enter instructions or data.
  • the components and devices of system 1 10 may be based in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. It is appreciated that the functionality associated with each of the devices or components of system 1 10 may be distributed among multiple devices or components, which may reside at a single location or at multiple locations. For example, the functionality associated with processor 122 may be integrated or may be distributed between multiple processing units. Similarly, system 1 10 may include multiple user interfaces 126 associated with multiple users at different locations. System 1 10 may optionally include and/or be associated with additional components or modules not shown in Figures 1 and 2, for enabling the implementation of the disclosed subject matter.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary pre-treatment unit (102), constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Organic waste is fed into the pre-treatment unit (PTU) 102 via an inlet funnel, referenced 131.
  • the funneled waste is delivered to a food grinder, referenced 132, such as via a flexible screw conveyor, which may be motor- activated or manually-activated.
  • the waste may alternatively be released onto food grinder 132 through a circuit-operated pivoting floor of inlet funnel 132 that can open to allow the waste to fall through.
  • the food grinder 132 grinds the waste, which is then directed towards a perforated plate 136 by being pumped through a pipe 135, in a manner similar to a meat grinder.
  • the grinded waste may alternatively be directed into perforated plate 136 via a different mechanism, such as a flexible screw conveyor.
  • Pressure applied to the grinded waste propels the waste through the perforations or chutes in plate 136, and into an (optional) outlet funnel, referenced 138, which terminates in another pipe, which will subsequently convey the pretreated waste material into a designated composter.
  • Funnel 138 is blocked by a screen, referenced 137, that is actuator-operated and is selectively opened when a new composter needs to be filled.
  • An actuator may open and close screen 137 according to a pre-determined schedule. The actuation may be controlled by processor 122. As more waste material is fed into the input funnel 131 , more grinded waste enters through the chutes and can be conveyed to the composters.
  • PTU 102 also includes a user identification interface, referenced 133, to allow a user to control operational settings of PTU 102 and to view relevant information.
  • PTU 102 also includes various sensors 1 12 configured to detect parameters relating to the organic waste in PTU 102 during, before and/or after the pretreatment process, such as a PTU load sensor, referenced 134, configured to measure the weight of the pre-treatment waste material.
  • FIG 4 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary conveyor mechanism for conveying waste material from the pre-treatment unit to the composters, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • An (optional) inlet funnel, referenced 141 feeds the pre-treated waste material through a first pipe 142, and then through a perforated plate 143 and a selectively opened screen 144 into a funnel 145 leading into a second pipe 146 which is fixed.
  • the composter inlet funnel 141 may correspond to the outlet funnel of the PTU (e.g., funnel 138 in Fig.3).
  • the fixed pipe 146 leads into a selected composter from a group of composters, collectively referenced 147, which are circulated along a rotating assembly, referenced 148, in a manner similar to a Ferris wheel.
  • An actuator, referenced 149 is used to activate the rotation of the composters 147 along the rotating assembly 148.
  • a new empty composter (147A) reaches the outlet of pipe 146
  • an actuator opens screen 144 for a fixed period of time (e.g., 10 seconds), allowing the pre-treated waste to enter the designated composter 147A. After this period of time, screen 144 is closed and the rotating assembly 148 is rotated to position a new composter (147B) at the outlet of the fixed pipe 146.
  • the pumping pressure to convey the pre-treated waste may be generated by additional pre-treated waste entering funnel 145, which pushes the waste material in pipe 146 further downstream towards the composter 147.
  • the pumping pressure may alternatively be generated by an external electrical source.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of another exemplary conveyor mechanism for conveying waste material from the pre-treatment unit to the composters, constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • An (optional) inlet funnel 151 feeds the pre-treated waste material through a first pipe 152, and then through a perforated plate 153 and a selectively opened screen 154 into a funnel 155 leading into a second pipe 156 which is selectively movable.
  • the composter inlet funnel 151 may correspond to the outlet funnel of the PTU (e.g., funnel 138 in Fig.3).
  • Pipe 156 extends into a selected perforation of a perforated perpendicular disk 159.
  • pipe 156 is shifted toward a respective perforation or chute of disk 159 using a lever 157 operated by an actuator 158, such that pipe 156 forms a continuous flow channel from funnel 155 to the selected perforation of disk 159, from where the waste is fed through another fixed pipe 160 connected to that perforation into the designated composter 161.
  • movable pipe 156 is shifted (by lever 157) toward first perforation 160A of disk 159 so that the pre-treated waste is directed through a first fixed pipe 161 A and into a first composter 162A.
  • processor 122 directs lever 157 to redirect pipe 156 towards another perforation 160B on disk 159 to feed the waste through another fixed pipe 161 B and into another composter 162B, and so forth.
  • the pre-treatment may alternatively be done by a standard food processing machine, and then condensed or pulped with water and conveyed to the composters through a series of pipes, conveyor belts, or robots.
  • Composter 104 may be of any suitable shape, size or design and include elements known in the art for enabling or facilitating the treatment of organic waste in a composting process, such as a vermicomposting process.
  • the base of the composter container may be sloped to divert leachate into a designated area of the composter, and channels may collect and convey water (and/or other liquids) through an outlet pipe exiting composter 104.
  • the outlet pipe may be supplied with a motor to pump and drain the liquids to an external reservoir that is periodically emptied out (manually or automatically), such as a municipal surface-water collection or drainage system.
  • the bottom of composter 104 may be composed of two layers of meshed screen, where the lower screen has holes of a suitable diameter (e.g., approximately 1 mm) to allow leachates to percolate through, and the top screen has holes of a suitable diameter (e.g., approximately 10 mm), to allow ready vermicast (or other type of composted material) to fall through and collect on the bottom screen.
  • Composter 104 may include a breaker bar traversing the bottom of the organic material heap above the top screen, in order to scratch and break down vermicast that caked during vermicomposting and allow the vermicast to fall through the upper meshed screen into the lower mashed screen.
  • Composter 104 may also include several compartments for separate waste treatment, such as a vericomposter with several trays for self-contained handling of compost material, in which case each compartment may include duplicates of composter sensors 1 14 and/or other elements of system 1 10.
  • the composters are placed underground, such as below the surface of a sidewalk.
  • the underground composter may function both as a structure supporting the sidewalk, as well as a container in which a composting process takes place.
  • Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a rotating assembly of composters which passes underground, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a rotating assembly, referenced 166 rotates a collection of composters 167, in a manner similar to a Ferris wheel, below the surface of a sidewalk 165.
  • sidewalk 165 may generally represent any type of ground surface, including natural or artificial surfaces, such as: a road, a pavement, a curb, a driveway, a parking lot, a trail path, a yard, and the like. Accordingly, at least a portion of rotating assembly 166 is underground.
  • Figure 6 depicts composters 167A, 167B, 167C and 167G above ground (i.e., above sidewalk 165), and composters 167D, 167E and 167F underground (i.e., below sidewalk 165).
  • the underground portion of assembly 166 may be covered by a precast metal plate (not shown) and/or by a section of the surface of sidewalk 165 itself, which may be opened to provide access.
  • the metal plate can protect underground assembly 166 and composters 167 from dirt, precipitation and other natural elements and environmental influences.
  • the metal plate may also provide thermal insulation, such as by including one or more layers of insulation material, to insulate the composting material from ambient temperatures (e.g., above ground) and ensure that suitable temperature conditions are maintained in the composters.
  • Thermal insulation may also be provided by heating devices integrated under the surface of sidewalk 165, such as by using underground heating devices known in the art.
  • the underground composters and rotating assembly may be accessed through an openable utility cover, similar to a sidewalk manhole cover, allowing for easy access for retrieving ready compost and leachates by emptying corresponding receptacles.
  • the walls of the rotating assembly may be composed of suitable materials capable of supporting the load of sidewalk 165 above, including a robust reinforced material, such as plastic, wood, and/or concrete.
  • the energy or pressure used to pump or convey the pre-treated waste into the composters may be provided through at least one piezoelectric device placed under sidewalk surface 165, utilizing the pressure applied by passing pedestrians or vehicles to create electricity.
  • the energy may be provided via a hydraulic pressure conveyance system, using piezoelectric electricity generation techniques known in the art.
  • FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a method for composting monitoring and verification, operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • pre-treated organic waste is conveyed into at least one composter.
  • organic waste designated for composting undergoes an initial treatment in PTU 102.
  • the pre-treated waste is then conveyed into a composter 104.
  • Pre treatment generally involves grinding of the initial waste material so as to expedite the subsequent composting process.
  • PTU 102 may also be used to allow identification of non-organic content in the waste material to prevent such non- organic content from entering the composter.
  • Pre-treatment unit 102 may be set up in locations where organic waste is generated, such as: remote communities, condominiums, offices, restaurants, and the like.
  • PTU 102 receives and weighs organic waste, and facilitates the process of grinding the waste or converting the waste into smaller particles, in liquid and/or solid form, that can be easily conveyed to composters 104 nearby.
  • the grinded waste in PTU 102 may be propelled through a perforated plate 136, such as by using a flexible screw conveyor, and a selectively openable screen 137 through a funnel 138 and into a designated composter 104.
  • An identification (ID) interface 133 allows user access of PTU 102 upon identification.
  • a load sensor 134 provides measurements of the weight of the organic waste present in PTU 102.
  • Additional PTU sensors 1 12 provide additional measurements relating to the pre-treated waste.
  • an optical sensor measures a physical quantity of light relating to the waste, such as reflectance or absorbance using spectrographic techniques, which may be used to verify that the waste material is indeed organic based on the measured carbon content;
  • an electrical conductivity (EC) sensor measures electrical conductivity of the waste;
  • a pH sensor measures the pH level (acidity or alkalinity) of the waste;
  • an image sensor captures one or more images of the pre-treated waste.
  • PTU 102 may also have a unique identifier code for transmission or storage of data using cloud computing. The various measurements and sensor output are sent to processor 122 for processing.
  • processor 122 may perform image analysis of the captured images using commercially available tools and image processing techniques known in the art, to determine relevant information. For example, processor 122 may determine whether there are items that are not organic waste in the deposited waste, and if a positive determination is made may alert a user or activate a chute (not shown) to open so that the deposited waste will fall from PTU 102 into an adjoining removable receptacle (not shown).
  • the organic waste may be inserted into PTU 102 through an inlet funnel 131 which may include a circuit controlled pivoting floor.
  • the processor Upon weighing the incoming waste via load sensor 134, the processor sends an electric signal to open an electric-circuit controlled pivoting floor, allowing the waste to drop onto a screw conveyor or grinder mechanism which grinds the waste.
  • Excess water from waste processing may be collected through a pipe into a receptacle adjacent to PTU 102 or into another area designated for water collection, such as a municipal sewage system.
  • Liquid (water or leachate) from the adjacent receptacle may be pumped and subsequently added to the pre-treated waste in a composter 104 if a greater water content is required, which can be determined using sensor measurements from composter sensors 1 14. For example, if the humidity level in the composter 104 (as measured using a humidity sensor) is determined to be low, such as based on a comparison with default threshold humidity values stored in database 124 (e.g., a manual comparison by an operator and/or an automated comparison by processor 122). For another example, if an EC sensor detects a high EC value, then liquid (water or leachate) from a nearby receptacle may be directed into the composter in order to dilute the high salinity.
  • Water ratio adjustments of waste in a PTU 102 and/or a composter 104 can be done automatically, such as through actuators placed in the leachate receptacles and in PTU 102 and/or composter 104, or manually by an operator. If a temperature in a composter 104 exceeds a predefined range or threshold value, then the temperature may be adjusted, such as by activating one or more heating/cooling mechanisms (not shown), disposed adjacent to composter 104 or coupled therewith, in order to restore the temperature conditions in composter 104 to a desired level.
  • the grinded pre-treated waste may be transported from PTU 102 to composter 104 through various mechanisms.
  • the pre-treated waste may exit the PTU 102 through an inlet funnel 141 , a first pipe 142, a perforated plate 143 and selectively opened screen 144 and through a funnel 145 and a second fixed pipe 146 leading into a designated composter 147 on a rotating assembly, as depicted in Figure 4.
  • the pre-treated waste may exit PTU 102 through an inlet funnel 151 , a first pipe 152, a perforated plate 153 and selectively opened screen 154 and through a funnel 155 leading into a second pipe 156 which is selectively movable via a lever 157, as depicted in Figure 5.
  • the pipe is shifted toward a respective perforation (160A, 160b, 160C) of a disk 159 that leads through to a respective pipe (161 A, 161 B, 161 C) and into a respective composter (162A, 162B, 162C).
  • the flow of waste is managed by an actuator operated screen (144, 154), where the opening and closing of the screen is controlled by processor 122 based on data received from load sensors in the PTU 102 and/or composter 104. For example, if a composter 147A currently being filled is not yet full (as indicated by a load sensor of composter 147A), then the screen 144 will be open. When the composter 147A is full, screen 144 will be closed and the rotating assembly is circulated so that a new empty composter 147B replaces the full composter 147A at the outlet of fixed pipe 146 (or in the embodiment of Figure 5, the lever is actuated to shift pipe 156 toward a different perforation of disk 159 leading into a different composter 162B). Once waste has entered the composter 104, an actuator operated lever that traverses the composter 104 may be used to press or even out the added pre-treated waste so that the waste is leveled and evenly distributed along the length of the composter.
  • each composter 104 includes a plurality of composter sensors 114 that detect or measure parameters relating to the organic waste treated in the respective composter, including environmental conditions.
  • detected parameters may include: weight or volume (e.g., detected via a load sensor or force gauge); humidity (e.g., detected via a humidity sensor); temperature (e.g., detected via a thermometer); quantity or presence of gases or other chemical compounds, such as: CO2; CH 4 ; NO2; NH3, (e.g., detected using a corresponding chemical compound detection sensor); liquid flow or discharge level (e.g., detected using a liquid flow sensor); weight or volume of discharged liquids (e.g., detected using a volumetric flow rate sensor); chemical and/or electrical properties of the organic waste, such as electrical conductivity (EC) (e.g., detected using an EC meter), pH level (e.g., detected using a pH meter), or carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio (e.g., detected using a CHN analyzer or mass spectrometer); optical information such as reflectance or absorbance properties (e.g., captured using an optical sensor or spectrograph); biological or physiochemical
  • optical sensors may be configured to analyze reactions between specific chemical reagents and the organic waste, or configured to measure the refractive qualities of light returning from the organic waste (e.g., expressed by color).
  • the detected parameters may provide an indication of the quality or quantity of organic waste composted within composter 104 and/or the continuity of the composting process (i.e., whether or for how long the composting took place, and for what portion of the organic waste).
  • the presence of inorganic content in the waste material such as metals or metals containing waste or non-metallic waste, may be determined from processing captured images.
  • the sensors 1 14 may be placed directly in the organic waste material inside composter 104, or within the headspace of composter 104 (i.e., the volume above the filled material in the closed composter container), or in the leachate discharge tray of composter 104.
  • the location of individual sensors may vary according to the design features or configuration of the particular composter 104.
  • System 1 10 may also obtain measurements of environmental conditions external to composter 104, such as the ambient temperature in the vicinity of composter 104, which may be obtained using an external temperature sensor.
  • Sensors 1 14 may provide measurements repeatedly or continuously, such as at periodic intervals according to a particular sampling rate. The sensor measurements may be captured according to a predetermined schedule or randomly.
  • procedure 183 the measured parameters are processed.
  • the data collected by composter sensors 114 is transmitted to processor 122 for analysis.
  • the analysis includes different forms of processing, such as a comparison of the parameter values measured by each sensor with predetermined expected values, as well as an examination of the changes over time in parameters values and the connections or correlations between different measured parameters.
  • procedure 183 includes sub-procedures 184, 185 and 186.
  • sub-procedure 184 it is determined if the parameter values are within predefined expected ranges.
  • processor 122 compares the parameter value with predefined ranges reflective of acceptable or unacceptable values of the respective parameters during a composting process.
  • Every composting process is assigned a series of unique ranges defined by maximum and minimum values for different sensor parameters. Accordingly, a given parameter is associated with a series of ranges set within maximum and minimum values, such as a“normal” range, a“correction” range, and a“danger” range.
  • the "normal range” represents acceptable or satisfactory values for the parameter
  • the “danger range” represents undesirable or improper values indicating that something is likely amiss with the composting process (which may require immediate attention)
  • the "correction range” represents an intermediate condition which may indicate that something improper is about to occur or has begun to occur in the composting process (and where immediate attention may be desirable but not necessary).
  • the threshold values for each of the ranges, respective of each parameter may be stored in an array in database 124.
  • range threshold values for a given parameter may be dependent on various factors, such as the characteristics of the particular composting process (e.g., there may be different ranges for a vermicomposter than for a bucket composer), or the location or climate where the composting takes place.
  • the threshold values may also be dynamic, i.e., may change over time, such as based on when the composting is taking place, and may also be updated in accordance with new information.
  • a temperature parameter may be associated with a normal range of: 5-25 degrees Celsius (°C); a correction range of: 0-5°C and 25-30°C; and a danger range of: below 0°C and above 30°C. Similar ranges can be assigned to other properties, such as: humidity, electric conductivity of compost heap, pH level of compost heap, and the like.
  • Other parameters detected by sensors 114 may be compared with another real-time measurement. For example, the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the organic material should be similar to the level of CO2 present in the external atmosphere (e.g., as obtained from an external CO2 sensor).
  • processor 122 may simply determine the mere presence or absence of a parameter. For example, there should not be ammonia (NH3) detected in the organic material.
  • NH3 ammonia
  • sub-procedure 185 it is determined if temporal behaviors of the parameters meet predefined criteria. For one or more parameters measured by sensors 114, processor 122 examines time dependent behavior of the parameter in the form of mathematical expressions, relationships or formulas which are time-dependent. Processor 122 determines if the results of the time-dependent expressions containing the measured parameters meets predefined conditions or threshold values, reflecting acceptable or unacceptable outcomes during a composting process.
  • the temporal behaviors and predefined conditions, respective of each parameter may be stored in an array in database 124.
  • the temporal behaviors and predefined conditions may be dependent on various factors, such as the characteristics of the particular composting process, and may also be dynamic, and may be updated in accordance with new information.
  • the CO2 levels in the organic material should remain substantially fixed over time, with no relation to the amount of waste deposited into the composter 104.
  • the weight of the organic material should behave as a step function, such that the weight will increase steadily (e.g., due to population growth of worms in a vermicomposter) and drop at specific points in time when leachate is drained or ready compost is removed.
  • the relationship between the organic waste introduced and the rate of leachate accumulation may also be examined. For example, leachate accumulation is expected to form an increasing curve that reaches an asymptote, where more liquid is discharged at the beginning of the process and less so as time progresses.
  • sub-procedure 186 it is determined if correlations between multiple parameters meet predefined criteria. For one or more parameters measured by sensors 1 14, processor 122 examines correlations between combinations of two or more measured parameters, for example, between temperature and humidity. Processor 122 determines if the results of correlations between measured parameters meets predefined conditions or threshold values, reflecting acceptable or unacceptable outcomes during a composting process.
  • the correlations and predefined conditions, respective of each parameter may be stored in an array in database 124.
  • the correlations and predefined conditions may be dependent on various factors, such as the characteristics of the particular composting process or the location or climate where the composting takes place.
  • the values may also be dynamic, and may be updated in accordance with new information.
  • the internal temperature i.e., temperature inside composter 10
  • the external temperature i.e., ambient temperature outside composter 104
  • the humidity level of the compost heap is expected to increase by at least a certain amount, several hours after the addition of organic waste into the composter 104 as measured by the load sensor.
  • the weight of leachate is expected to increase by a factor of approximately 0.6-0.8 twelve hours after the addition of a certain weight of organic waste.
  • the expected ranges of parameter values (sub-procedure 184), the temporal behaviors and relationships (sub-procedure 185), and the correlations (sub-procedure 186) may be determined according to scientific literature and professional publications on decomposition or composting and/or based on empirical values derived from experiments, may be defined or modified by operators of system 1 10, and may be updated based on empirical values derived from users over time. Once a critical amount of data, for example 1 ,000 samples, regarding a certain parameter or correlation between parameters has been collected for a given composting process, then new threshold values, correlations between sampled parameters, and time dependent behavior, can be established accordingly.
  • Machine learning approaches such as neural network models, may be used to analyze the data and identify relevant patters and provide conclusions on composter operational parameters or properties, such as efficacy, life time, number of cycles until exhaustion of active ingredients, and the like.
  • Such machine learning tools may be used to improve monitoring capabilities and reliability based on long-term data acquisition of inter-dependent behavior of the various parameters measured. Such improvements can lead for example to changing “normal range” values defined for one or more parameters of a given composter to better suit the actual conditions which the composter is subject to in practice, as opposed to default “theoretical" predefined normal range values.
  • Machine learning may be applied to data obtained from multiple composters (e.g., at various sites), for generating conclusions, such as to determine potential modifications for establishing the parameter ranges or predefined criteria of parameters relating to one or more of the composters.
  • Machine learning analysis may also be used for obviating the need for one or more of sensors 1 14, as the behavior of the parameters measured by a given sensor may be forecasted sufficiently accurately from other sensor measurements.
  • the expected ranges of parameter values, temporal behaviors, and correlations may be established during an initialization of system 1 10, such as based on user responses to selected questions relating to the composting process to be monitored, such as: type of composting process, type of organic waste, composter volume, whether composter is drained manually, the region or location of the composter, and the like.
  • these sensors can be inactivated (put in sleep mode), until the selected settings are altered.
  • the sensor data may be processed by processor 122 according to timeframes suited to the composting process, and may be pre- determined by the operator (e.g., every 3 hours), such that a determination of the parameter being in the“normal”,“correction”’ or“danger” ranges, for example, would be performed at the predetermined frequency (e.g., every 3 hours).
  • the processed data, calculations and/or conclusions may be transmitted to a user of system 110, such as to a mobile computing device communicatively linked with processor 122, in the form of a text message or visual alerts, or a link to a dedicated website in which the data and analysis are displayed and relevant alerts may be provided.
  • procedure 187 the continuity of the composting process in the composter is verified.
  • processor 122 determines if the monitored composting process is uninterrupted based on the processed sensor measurements. In particular, a determination is made based on whether the parameter values, temporal behaviors, and correlations of parameters are maintained within certain predefined criteria, or if one or more exceeds a predefined threshold but returns to within a predefined range or criteria within a predetermined period of time, such as within five hours.
  • an alert is provided if abnormal conditions are detected in the composter.
  • system 1 10 provides an alert in the event that an improper result is detected during the processing of the sensor measurements denoting a potential fault or malfunction in the monitored composting process.
  • an alert may be provided if one or more parameter values are in a correction range or a danger range, or if the temporal behaviors or parameter correlations exceed predefined criteria reflecting acceptable conditions.
  • An alert may also be provided if the composting process is determined to have been interrupted.
  • the alerts may be communicated to one or more users of system 110 or to a third party, allowing for identification and analysis of the potential malfunction and performing actions to address or solve the relevant problem.
  • System 1 10 may also be configured to indicate whether alerts have been addressed in a timely manner before returning to regular monitoring.
  • processor 122 determines the amount of organic waste composted by composter 104 during the monitored composting process, in accordance with the processed sensor measurements and the verified continuity of the composting process. In particular, processor 122 determines the weight of composted material by calculating the amount of weight subtracted from the composter in the time period analyzed. This mass is removed from the composter during the composting process by the transformation of organic waste material into at least partially decomposed byproducts of gases, liquids and solids over a set period of time. If a composting process is deemed “uninterrupted” or “continuous”, then the amount of waste removed will be deemed “treated”.
  • Processor 122 calculates the treated mass in the time period analyzed. If the weight measurement (obtained by a load sensor) is not continuous but rather periodic, then linear behavior between consecutive measurements may be assumed for interpolation (this assumption might also be updated as data is gathered from a mass of users).
  • the treated weight may be determined based on the processing of the sensor measurements. In particular, if each measured parameter is determined to be within its respective“normal range”, processor 122 defines the sample as “normal” and proceeds to examine the temporal behaviors. If a measured parameter is determined to not be within a normal range, the parameter is defined as“requiring correction”, and in some cases an alert will be issued. If within a predetermined time period (e.g., 5 hours), processor 122 does not receive a measurement sample according to which the parameter returned to the normal range, then all of the reduction in weight measured since the last data measurement in which the parameter was in normal range is deemed to be invalid, and this amount is subtracted from the amount defined as“treated weight”. In such cases, processor 122 may also instruct sensors 1 14 to change the sampling rate, according to a predetermined rate or defined by an operator, such as to increase the sampling frequency.
  • processor 122 may also instruct sensors 1 14 to change the sampling rate, according to a predetermined rate or defined by an operator, such as to increase the sampling frequency.
  • Processor 122 determines if the temporal behaviors of measured parameters meets predefined criteria with sufficient statistical certainty, and if correlations between different parameters meets predefined criteria with sufficient statistical certainty, as described above. If the parameter values, temporal behaviors and correlations are determined to be within predefined ranges and/or meet the predefined criteria, then all weight measurements taken within the time period analyzed, or since the last measurement in which the parameters were in normal range (i.e., the shorter of these two time periods), that indicate weight reduction, will be added to calculate the total weight subtracted from the organic matter ("treated") during that period of time.
  • processor 122 defines the weight reduction measured since the last sample in which the tests were positive, as invalid, and subtracts this weight from the total weight that is calculated as a "total treated weight".
  • the weight (load) sensor may be continuously active and may obtain measurements at a high sampling frequency (e.g., one measurement per second). Alternatively, the weight sensor may be periodically active and take measurements at a lower sampling frequency (e.g., once every hour).
  • the weight sensor may be activated, in addition to the predetermined sampling frequency, when a trigger is received.
  • a trigger could be a signal from a proximity sensor (e.g., sensor 237 of Figure 10), a signal from an open lid sensor (e.g., sensor 230 of Figure 9A), or any other indication that a weight measurement is necessary, which may be user defined (for example, a change in the gas composition in the composter indicating an open lid).
  • the weight sensor may have predetermined sampling frequency settings associated with active hours, which can change throughout the day.
  • the weight sensor may operate at a high frequency during the day, and at a lower frequency during the night.
  • the weight sensor may be linked to the operation of a breaker bar and take measurements after the breaker bar is activated and ready compost deposited on the floor of the composter.
  • the weight sensor in a depositing receptacle of a composter may be linked to the sweeping operation and take measurements of the added weight deposited into the receptacle after being swept from the composter.
  • a report of quantitative and qualitative metrics relating to the composting process is generated.
  • processor 122 generates a detailed report of the monitored composting process.
  • the report may include: indications of parameters measured at different times, results of analysis of sensor measurements, discrepancies identified in parameters values, temporal behaviors and/or correlations; detections of faults or malfunctions, details of interventions to address detected faults or malfunctions, verifications of composting process continuity (e.g., during which periods the process was determined to be uninterrupted and which periods determined to be interrupted), details of amount (weight) of organic waste composted; and the like.
  • the report may be provided to a user of system 1 10, such as via user interface 126, in the form of a text message or visual or graphical data. A user may also receive a link to a dedicated website in which the report is provided.
  • composting monitoring system and method of the present invention provides for remote monitoring of one or more composters, allows for automated or manual intervention to address problems or malfunctions that may arise during the composting process, and enables the calculation and verification of the amount of waste treated and the amount of compost produced during the composting process.
  • processor 122 may utilize supplemental information and external data sources for compost monitoring and verification, including personalized user information, such as: credit card reports, online shopping history, cashier registries, a facility enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, and the like.
  • personalized user information such as: credit card reports, online shopping history, cashier registries, a facility enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, and the like.
  • ERP enterprise resource planning
  • processor 122 may cross-reference data received from PTU sensors 1 12 and/or composter sensors 1 14 with shopping and consumption habits of one or more users to improve the analysis of the accumulated waste in a given composter 104. This in turn may allow for devising a composting program and composter content, or other suggestions for optimizing the composting process, which is customized and personalized to a particular user and associated composter.
  • Processor 122 may also perform a meta-analysis of accumulated data for optimization purposes, such as to determine whether certain calculations can be performed with the exclusion of some of the sensors while substantially maintaining the accuracy of the final results.
  • System 1 10 may be adapted according to the conclusions of the meta-analysis, such as the removal or addition of specific sensors.
  • the meta users may conduct queries and receive conclusions of the operation of a group of composters under their defined hierarchy, such as: the amount of waste treated in the composters, the current state and the composition of the waste and active composition used to disintegrate and process the waste.
  • Such a hierarchical division may allow for management of subsets of users for various purposes and may enable the establishment of a sophisticated network.
  • a particular combination of sensors is devised to respond to different composters, operating under different conditions, with different types of waste and in different surroundings.
  • composters receiving organic waste from restaurants may be equipped with a different combination of sensors than composters receiving waste from apartments or condominiums, in order to monitor the particular parameters which are relevant to the type of waste, operation and surroundings of these different locations.
  • Different composters may also have different predetermined desired ranges of parameter values and environmental conditions.
  • the state of the composter content can be monitored to verify whether the composting process took place properly and continuously.
  • An alert may be provided if one or more parameters exceeds an expected normal range, allowing for manual or automated intervention as needed.
  • the expected ranges may vary for different types of composters, composting processes, receptacle properties, and other parameters, and therefore the range values may be uniquely determined for each case, such as based on user responses to a questionnaire supplied during an initialization stage (e.g., an initial log-in to the system).
  • the range values may be predefined by one or more operators who are familiar with the particular characteristics of the composter to be monitored.
  • the system determines and verifies that the organic waste (initially placed in the pre-treatment unit and then deposited in the respected composter being monitored) has been“treated”.
  • FIG 8A is a schematic illustration of an exemplary configuration of a sensor unit, generally referenced 200, embedded in the pre-treatment unit (102) or the composter (104) of Figure 2, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Sensor unit 200 may be placed at the bottom of composter 104, at the leachate tray of composter 104, at the outlet funnel of PTU 102 (e.g., funnel 138 of Fig.3), in the composter headspace, or in the compost material.
  • Exemplary sensor unit 200 is configured in a grid pattern, with wiring connected to different sensors on the grid. Alternatively, the sensors may be interconnected wirelessly.
  • Sensor unit 200 may include strain gauges, which may be embodied by thin strands placed along the grid lines, to enable weight measurement.
  • Sensor unit 200 may include a power source 201 , a controller 202, and a plurality of sensors of varying types, such as: a temperature sensor 203, a humidity sensor 204, an optical sensor 205, a pH level sensor 206, an EC sensor 207, and a flow sensor 208.
  • Sensor unit 200 may also include an internal transmitter 209, configured to transmit the measurement samples obtained by the various sensors (203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208) to processor 122, over the communication link (e.g., using an
  • FIG. 8B is a schematic illustration of another exemplary configuration of a sensor unit, generally referenced 210, embedded in the pre-treatment unit (102) or the composter (104) of Figure 2, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Sensor unit 210 may be inserted into the organic waste material inside composter 104 or inside pre-treatment unit 102 or in the leachate receptacle of the composter (e.g., receptacle 237 in Fig. 10).
  • Sensor unit 210 includes the same sensors as sensor unit 200 (Fig. 8A), with the addition of a gas sensor, referenced 212, which remains above the surface of the organic material.
  • Gas sensor 212 is configured to measure the quantity of one or more gases in the compost headspace.
  • Sensor unit 210 may include a power source, a controller, and an internal transmitter, collectively referenced 214, which are wired to the various sensors through wiring 216.
  • Sensor unit 210 further includes a temperature and humidity sensor, referenced 218, which is in direct contact with the organic material in the composter.
  • Figure 9A is a longitudinal view schematic illustration of a composter (104) with an exemplary sensor unit, generally referenced 220, situated in the composter headspace, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 9B is a cross-section view schematic illustration of the composter and sensor unit (220) of Figure 9A.
  • Sensor unit 220 is situated in the headspace of composter 104 (i.e., the volume above the filled material in the closed composter container), and may be attached to the lid or the sidewalls of composter 104, such as via a suction cup or other type of attachment mechanism, or may protrude out of a probe placed in the compost heap.
  • Sensor unit 220 includes a gas sensor, referenced 221 , configured to measure the quantity of one or more gases in the compost headspace.
  • gas sensor 221 can supply information regarding the biological activity in composter 104 that emits gases, such as CO2 or CFI 4 , into the headspace (where the type of gases emitted is dependent on the type of composting).
  • Sensor unit 220 further includes a power source and controller 222, and an internal transmitter 223 for transmitting the sensors measurements.
  • Sensor unit 220 also includes a camera 224, configured to provide a visual image for processing, such as to determine different aspects of the organic matter composition, such as the level of disintegration or the existence of non-organic materials.
  • An optional open lid sensor may be situated between the composter wall and the lid, and configured to issue an alert (e.g., via user interface 126) when the lid is not properly positioned to seal composter 104.
  • whether the lid is open may be determined based on the gas composition detected by gas sensor 221.
  • Composter 104 includes a plurality of weight sensors (234A, 234B, 234C), which may be embodied by load cells or any type of electro-mechanical elements capable of detecting an applied load. Weight sensors 234A, 234B, 234C may be removably attached to composter 104 (or to PTU 102), in a manner that forms a stable base. Each of the weight sensors 234A, 234B, 234C may include an internal power source, a controller, and/or a transmitter.
  • weight sensors 234A, 234B, 234C may share these elements, such as via a physical or electrical connection. Weight sensors 234A, 234B, 234C may be configured to acquire separate measurements, or may operate jointly in a mutual arrangement.
  • An optional proximity sensor 235 may be positioned near a spigot 236 used to drain fluids from composter 104.
  • a receptacle or tray, referenced 237, may be placed inside or outside of composter 104 and connected to spigot 236, and used to collect liquid discharge (leachates) from the composting process before it is drained out of the system. Receptacle 237 may include a load cell and a power source and used to measure the weight or volume of the collected liquid before drainage.

Abstract

l'invention concerne un système et un procédé de surveillance et de vérification de compostage. Des capteurs sont couplés à un composteur pour le compostage de matière organique, et les capteurs obtiennent des mesures de capteur d'au moins un paramètre respectif relatif à un processus de compostage dans le composteur. Les mesures de capteur sont traitées, pour vérifier la continuité du processus de compostage dans le composteur conformément aux mesures traitées, et pour déterminer une quantité de matière compostée dans le processus composté en fonction de la continuité vérifiée et des mesures traitées. Le traitement de mesures de capteur consiste à déterminer si des valeurs de paramètre sont dans des plages attendues prédéfinies, à déterminer si des comportements temporels de paramètres satisfont des critères prédéfinis, et/ou à déterminer si des corrélations entre de multiples paramètres satisfont des critères prédéfinis. Le traitement peut être réalisé à distance. Une alerte est fournie si une condition anormale est détectée dans le composteur ou le processus de compostage. Une interface utilisateur présente des informations associées. Le composteur peut être situé sous terre.
PCT/IL2019/050767 2018-07-13 2019-07-09 Système et procédé de surveillance et de vérification de compostage WO2020012473A1 (fr)

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