Claims:I Claim:
1. A twin chambered in-vessel composting apparatus for passive and active compositing, the apparatus comprising:
a composting chambers are with body portion having a bottom, at least one sidewall from the bottom, and an top with a lid, wherein the first composting chamber is to receive the waste material and the second composting chamber is to harvest compost material;
an air distribution system is positioned in-between the composting chambersconsists of several interconnected ducts with valves, blower and suction device, wherein the air distribution system is to blow air in to the composting chambers (positive aeration) and to draw out the air from the composting chambers (negative aeration) for higher aeration efficiency and filtration for odor control and hygiene;
a blower device outlet coupled to inlet line of the air distribution system for the positive aeration by blowing air to the composting chambers;
a suction device inlet coupled to the outlet line of the air distribution system for the negative aeration by sucking out air from the composting chambers, wherein the outlet line further includes carbon filter and polyethylene filter before suction device to absorbs odors before returning air to external environment; anda leachate recirculation pump and wastage line with a valve is provided at the bottom of each chamber to remove excess leachate.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air distribution system supplies air (oxygen) to the microorganisms in the composting chambers which controls the process temperature by removing excess heat, and dries the compost.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blower and suction devices of the system are switched on at a predetermined time interval to enhance the aeration strategy.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suction device in the system is switched first, which creates a negative pressure inside the vessel and after a short time interval the blower device is switched on which creates a sudden burst of air through the inlet side of the reactor were the active composting is done.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the positive aeration of the system is more efficient for the drying and temperature control of combustion chambers.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the negative aeration of the system allows capture of the exhaust gas for treatment.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is self-contained to provide for continuous input of raw waste in first chamber and generates a bulk compost material in second chamber.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air distribution system consists of a timer unit and controlled by temperature feedback mechanism.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moisture in the composting chamber is maintained by aeration and recirculation of leachate and the excess leachate is removed through the outlet valve provided at the bottom of each chamber.

, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
“A TWIN CHAMBERED IN-VESSEL COMPOSTING APPARATUS”
By
Anand M
School of Environmental Studies,
Cochin University of Science and Technology,
University P O., Kochi – 682022

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

Field of the invention
The present invention mainly relates to composting apparatus and more particularly to the in-vessel composting apparatus for the treatment of food waste on-site at household and community level.
Background of the invention
Composting is well known in the art which is a nature's process of recycling leftover organic materials into a rich humic like substance known as compost which can be used as fertilizer and soil conditioner.
In early days composting was typically a simple process in which waste materials were piled and allowed to sit until they decomposed. It was most frequently done on a small scale and the ingredients placed into these piles were poorly controlled, and the resulting mixture would decompose unpredictably, frequently anaerobically, with strong odors associated therewith. Unfortunately, often the strength of these odors was in direct correlation to the loss of valuable fertilizer components such as nitrogen.
Vermin were also often attracted to these piles, creating hazardous vectors for transmission of disease.
An advance in composting technology came from the realization that adding air to the composting mixture could increase the efficiency of composting. The microbes that produce more desirable fertilizer require air, and will smother inside of a static unaerated pile. Hence, the initial methods of aeration involved moving or agitating the compost to allow air into the stack. This method only partially satisfies the need for aeration, and consequently only poorly addresses odors and nutrient loss, and does nothing to improve the access by vermin.
A typical example of this aeration is a windrow turner that picks up the compost and dumps it to one side. Most municipal composting sites are currently windrow turner operations, though process control is, unfortunately, quite primitive. Piles are typically turned at the convenience of the operator, rather than to optimize the composting process.
Composting with windrow turners is typically done in an open, unsheltered area. The vagaries of weather and rainfall most often determine the water content of the composting mass. When there is too little rain, the pile is too dry. When there is too much rain, the pile is wet and requires frequent turning. Too much rain can also lead to problems with runoff of leachate. During the loss of leachate there will not only be a loss of fertilizer value but also a potential hazardous contamination of surrounding surface water and soil. In the open, of course, it is also very difficult to control access by vermin.
One method used to overcome some of the disadvantages of pile composting is to enclose compost piles in a building. An enclosure that keeps rain off of the compost allows better regulation of water content. However, such a facility is very expensive. Enclosing compost also involves maintaining the quality of large volumes of air within the building. Without high-quantity air handling systems, the atmosphere within an enclosure can be irritating, if not toxic, to an operator. Sadly, with the removal of air in the building is a removal of nutrients from the compost. Consequently, the resulting compost is little better in fertilizer value than the compost of the open windrows and piles. These enclosed buildings do, however, help to control or prevent access to the compost by most vermin.
Some of the disadvantages of pile composting are overcome by more modem reactor vessel processes. By design, the reactor vessel is typically only slightly larger than the compost which it contains. This reduces the land area required to store the compost during the composting process. In-vessel reactors also provide the opportunity for collection of potentially odorous emissions. The compost is enclosed, and exhaust air may be routed through a filtration system. This separation of operator from compost air benefits the health and safety of all operators. Unfortunately, vessel systems to date are complicated systems which require precision construction techniques and permanent, stable foundations. This necessarily drives the cost of present reactor vessels systems to levels even higher than required for building-type enclosures. In exemplary prior art systems, organic waste is fed into an opening at one end of the reactor and compost is removed from the other end. The material is moved through the reactor by, for example, a complex moving floor apparatus or hydraulic ram. Aeration is sometimes provided by pressurized air forced through the organic waste from air vents located throughout the moving apparatus. Some in-vessel systems also include mixing systems, typically rotating paddles or prongs, within the compost mass. Other in-vessel systems are static. The agitation systems used with in-vessel systems are expensive, prone to wear and failure, and provide agitation at intervals that are not readily controlled with respect to the progress of the composting process.
Even in the advanced in-vessel systems, there is still a limitation of the composting systems that must be addressed for wider acceptance in the marketplace. During the composting process, even in highly controlled in-vessel systems, there will always be a potential for generation of significant quantities of undesirable and odorous gases such as ammonia. Some artisans have reduced the levels of emissions of these gases through very careful measuring and control of the source materials which are undergoing biological transformation, but this control adds expense and undesirably limits the application of the composting system to only a very few applications.
There is a large body of art relating to in-vessel composting, some providing useful descriptions of the basic biological process. Existing in-vessel composters typically have one or more of the following general short-comings. There remains a need for an affordable, simple to operate, energy efficient, in-vessel composting system that substantially reduces the volume and weight of the input materials, and processes a useful end product of commercial value.
Moreover, presently available composting technologies in the western countries are not suitable to handle a wide variety of source material especially for the type of food waste found in the regional settings in India, which is high in organic content and moisture with less physical structure. Secondly, these highly automated systems are not economically viable for a country like India and the maintenance costs for these units are very high due to import of spare parts.
To provide a simple, reliable, efficient, in-vessel composting system, it is most useful to optimize the apparatus to a selected, well-defined waste stream, thus reducing the processing variables and simplifying the apparatus and operation.
Therefore there is a need in the art with the composting apparatus and system which is optimized and customized for the source material in the regional settings, economically viable, simple to operate, highly efficient with less maintenance/operational costs and made using locally available material.
Objective of the invention
The main objective of the present invention is to develop an in-vessel composting apparatus for the treatment of food waste on-site at household and community level.
Another objective of the present invention is to develop a sustainable appliance to solve the present day municipal solid waste menace.
Further objective of the present invention is to make it economically viable at the market place and to promote decentralized waste management system in the place of sort after in effective in efficient centralized solid waste management system which is prevalent in India.
Furthermore objective of the present invention is to develop a highly efficient integrated aeration system for the treatment of food waste characteristic of high moisture content and less physical structure and to make a composting apparatus more tolerant of variations in source material.
Summary of the Invention
An aspect of the present invention is to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below.
Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention provides a twin chambered in-vessel composting apparatus for passive and active compositing, the apparatus comprising:a composting chambers are with body portion having a bottom, at least one sidewall from the bottom, and an top with a lid, wherein the first composting chamber is to receive the waste material and the second composting chamber is to harvest compost material, an air distribution system is positioned in-between the composting chambers consisting of several interconnected ducts with valves, blower and suction device, wherein the air distribution system is to blow air in to the composting chambers (positive aeration) and to draw out the air from the composting chambers (negative aeration) for higher aeration efficiency and filtration for odor control and hygiene, a blower device outlet coupled to inlet line of the air distribution system for the positive aeration by blowing air to the composting chambers, a suction device inlet coupled to the outlet line of the air distribution system for the negative aeration by sucking out air from the composting chambers, wherein the outlet line further includes carbon filter and polyethylene filter before suction device to absorbs odors before returning air to external environment. A leachate recirculation pump and wastage line with a valve is provided at the bottom of each chamber to remove excess leachate.
Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.
Brief description of the drawings
The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a twin chambered in-vessel composting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.
Detailed description of the invention
The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.
By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.
Figures discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way that would limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged communications system. The terms used to describe various embodiments are exemplary. It should be understood that these are provided to merely aid the understanding of the description, and that their use and definitions in no way limit the scope of the invention. Terms first, second, and the like are used to differentiate between objects having the same terminology and are in no way intended to represent a chronological order, unless where explicitly stated otherwise. A set is defined as a non-empty set including at least one element.
The composting process and quality of composted product depends on the initial compost mixture formulation, design type and management practices of home composting apparatus and systems. Disease-suppressive compost is not made by accident. It comes about by carefully monitoring the atmosphere inside of a composting vessel to ensure that the temperature, moisture, and oxygen levels are all maintained at proper levels throughout the entire process. Varying species of bacteria present in the composting vessel will break down and organic materials into the output compost mixture. And, as temperatures rise and fall in the compost, different bacterial species will become more or less active. Psychrophilic bacteria, mosophilic bacteria and thermophilic bacteria each operate best within specific temperature ranges. Furthermore, with sufficient oxygen, microorganisms produce energy, grow quickly, consume more material and make nutrients available for plant growth. Without oxygen, aerobic bacteria die off and anaerobic bacteria take over. They will break down the material, but more slowly, and with an accompanying unpleasant odor. Offensive odors are produced only when the material in the system is allowed to become anaerobic, not a normal condition in the practice of this invention.
The present invention technique offers the user a composting process and apparatus that produces a more consistent, higher quality, nutrient rich, end product. The invention, in its simplest form, is an integrated or unitized reduction and composting process and system for the recycling of food waste and associated organic waste materials such as sawdust, dried leaves etc, into a nutrient-rich liquid compost "tea" and bulk organic end product that are manageable, useful, and inoffensive. This waste stream provides an abundance of nitrogen and moisture, both important in the process. The amount of carbon and moisture absorbing bulk input can be varied, based on process conditions, by adding supplemental organic materials such as sawdust and dried leaves.
Figure 1 shows a twin chambered in-vessel composting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
The figure shows the twin chambered in-vessel composting apparatus. The twin chambered in-vessel composting apparatus includes two composting chamber, an air distribution system, a blower device, a suction device, a leachate recirculation pump.
The present invention utilizes a continuous two-step process which has approximately a four week throughput cycle. The composting apparatus is an air-tight composting chamber prevents odors from leaking out. The housing is thermally insulated to enable the compost to achieve sufficient temperatures for rapid composting. The twin composting chambers are with a body portion having a bottom, at least one sidewall from the bottom, and a top with a lid. The first composting chamber is to receive the waste material and the second composting chamber is to harvest compost material. The apparatus is self-contained to provide for continuous input of raw waste, generating a bulk compost material of significantly less total volume and weight than the input material. Composting takes place in perforated vessels encased by insulated and air tight vertical chamber.The air distribution system is positioned in-between the composting chambersconsists of several interconnected ducts with valves, blower and suction device, wherein the air distribution system is to blow air in to the composting chambers (positive aeration) and to draw out the air from the composting chambers (negative aeration) for higher aeration efficiency and filtration for odor control and hygiene. The unique double walled arrangement of the unit enhances the composting process, with added positive and negative aeration system, using suction and blower devices. The blower device outlet coupled to inlet line of the air distribution system for the positive aeration by blowing air to the composting chambers. The suction device inlet coupled to the outlet line of the air distribution system for the negative aeration by sucking out air from the composting chambers, where the outlet line further includes carbon filter and polyethylene filter before suction device to absorb odors before returning air to external environment. The leachate recirculation pump and wastage line with a valve is provided at the bottom of each chamber to remove excess leachate. Additionally, moisture capturing unit and a granular activated carbon odor filtering unit is provided at suction end for added safety.
With the twin-chamber system the waste material can be loaded intermittently in the first chamber and vice versa for continuous stabilization and curing activity, after which the matured compost can be harvested in the second chamber. The air distribution system is controlled by a microprocessor based control unit which works on temperature feedback mechanism.The control unit is programmed and operated based on the initial characteristics of the feedstock and bulking agent, into two or three stage aeration cycles, to enhance and speed up the mesophilic and thermophilic stages of composting. Moisture is maintained mainly by aeration and recirculation of leachate and the excess leachate is removed through the outlet valve provided at the bottom of each chamber.
A twin chambered system, for stabilization and curing which are interlinked with aeration system ducts. The air distribution system consists of several interconnected ducts with valves and a blower and suction device connected to the inlet and outlet. A leachate recirculation pump and wastage line with a valve is provided at the bottom of each chamber. An activated carbon filter and a polyethylene fiber filter are provided in the outlet line before the suction device in the aeration distribution system. The carbon filter may absorb odors before returning the air to the external environment. A programmable microprocessor based control unit automates the composting process while allowing certain settings to be adjusted.
The microorganisms generate heat as they respire and decompose the organic matter in the pile/composting chamber. Specified minimum temperatures are necessary to meet Environmental Protection Agency standards for reduction of pathogens, but excessive temperatures inhibit microbial activity resulting in incomplete decomposition of organic matter.
Air is blown into the composting chamber, referred to herein as positive aeration, or drawn out through the pile, referred to herein as negative aeration. The air supplies oxygen to the microorganisms, controls the process temperature by removing excess heat, and dries the compost. Positive and negative aeration each have advantages. Positive aeration is more efficient for drying and temperature control. Negative aeration allows capture of the exhaust gas for treatment. The well-equipped composting plants provide both aeration modes, referred to as reversible aeration. Periodic reversal of aeration ensures that the temperature and moisture content are uniform throughout the depth of the pile/composting chamber and best ensure that all of the process objectives are met. The invention is a better method for providing effective aeration capability and at the same time to capture and treat the biologically evolved gas. Positive aeration is effected by connecting the blower outlet to the inlet of the composting process air distribution system. Negative aeration is effected by connecting the outlet of the composting process air distribution system to the suction device inlet.
The present invention uses two separate devices for positive and negative aeration respectively are provided at the inlet and outlet of the air distribution system, for efficient passage of air through the composting matrix and at the same time the evolved gases are sucked out through a series of filters for effective removal of odorous gases at outlet end of the compost process aeration system. Further in the present invention, the blower and suction devices are switched on at a predetermined time interval to enhance the aeration strategy. Here the suction device is switched on first which creates a negative pressure inside the vessel and after a short time interval the blower is switched on which creates a sudden burst of air through the inlet side of the reactor were the active composting is done. By this method it has been found that the air penetrates through the compost matrix even with high water content.
Use of the invention
The present invention converts raw food waste into compost at the source. It offers low operating costs due to low energy consumption, maintenance and labor costs.
The present invention system has a small footprint and offers great flexibility as its modular design allows it to be easily modified.
Optional solar power source can be hooked up to this system for independent operation.
The present invention is susceptible to many variations, including scaling for capacity, in so long as process parameters and control logic are maintained.
The present invention system is designed especially for the regional settings in Kerala based on the principles of sustainability, aesthetics, social, environmental and institutional aspects.
Advantages of the invention
The present invention accelerates natural decomposition.
The present invention maintains elevated temperature for the growth of thermophilic organisms.
The present invention system maintains excellent aerobic condition inside the vessels.
The present invention “in-vessel composting apparatus” prevents dispersion, soil contamination and eliminates odors.
The present invention “in-vessel composting apparatus” creates barriers to human, pests, flies, pet and bird activity.
The present invention “in-vessel composting apparatus” optimum process parameter maintained on all weather conditions.
Novel Features of the invention
The present invention is an integrated twin chamber twin vessel apparatus for passive and active composting.
The present invention has positive and negative aeration system for higher aeration efficiency and filtration.
The present invention has unique integrated air circulation system and method with three stage filtration for odor control and hygiene.
The present invention has improved temperature feedback aeration control method.
Figures are merely representational and are not drawn to scale. Certain portions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Figures illustrate various embodiments of the invention that can be understood and appropriately carried out by those of ordinary skill in the art.
In the foregoing detailed description of embodiments of the invention, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments of the invention require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description of embodiments of the invention, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein,” respectively.