Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a phosphate recovery method and particularly to a method for recovering phosphate from poulry waste.
Description of Related Art
[002] Phosphate, a critical nutrient essential for plant growth and development, plays a pivotal role in agricultural productivity and ecosystem sustainability. Poultry waste, rich in phosphorus among other nutrients, serves as a significant source of vital elements for agricultural purposes. The existing system for recovery of the vital elements from poultry waste faces several challenges. Firstly, its efficiency in recovering phosphate is limited, leading to significant losses of valuable nutrients and resources. Secondly, the processes involved are often costly due to use of chemicals, energy-intensive operations, and complex equipment requirements that hinder widespread adoption and scalability. Thirdly, some methods contribute to environmental pollution through byproduct release or inefficient resource utilization, raising sustainability and regulatory concerns. Additionally, product purity issues affect market value and usability in agricultural applications, while scalability challenges pose obstacles to meeting growing demand.
[003] Moreover, technological obsolescence looms as new waste management and resource recovery technologies emerge, emphasizing the need for continuous innovation and adaptation in this field. Addressing these problems is vital to improve the sustainability, efficiency, and economic feasibility of phosphate recovery from poultry waste.
[004] There is thus a need for a system for recovering phosphate from poultry waste that can administer the abovementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a method for recovering phosphate from poultry waste. The method includes mixing poultry waste with an acid solution in a mixing vessel to hydrolyze phosphorus (P) molecules, adding an alkaline earth base to precipitate P compounds, introducing an organic flocculant to enhance product precipitation, and separating the precipitated P-rich solid from the liquid extract using a separator.
[006] Embodiments of the present invention may provide several advantages. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a method of efficiently recovering phosphate from poultry waste, reducing environmental impact, and promoting sustainable waste management practices in the poultry industry.
[007] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a cost-effective solution for phosphate recovery, utilizing readily available materials and equipment commonly found in poultry production facilities. This approach minimizes capital investment and operational costs associated with phosphate recovery processes.
[008] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method that yields a high-quality phosphate product suitable for agricultural use. The recovered phosphate product meets quality and purity standards, contributing to improved soil fertility and crop productivity.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a scalable and adaptable phosphate recovery process, allowing for customization based on specific waste volumes and operational requirements.
[0010] These and other advantages will be apparent from the embodiments described herein, showcasing the innovation and practical benefits of the disclosed phosphate recovery method.
[0011] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible by utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a poultry waste 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of components used for recovering phosphate from the poultry waste 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0015] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for recovering phosphate from the poultry waste 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0018] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0019] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates poultry waste 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the poultry waste 100 may include a mixture of organic matter such as manure, bedding materials, feathers, feed residues, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any organic matter for the poultry waste 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The poultry waste 100 may contain phosphorus (P) compounds derived from poultry excreta and feed additives. In another embodiment of the present invention, the poultry waste 100 may undergo preliminary treatment to remove large debris and contaminants before the phosphate recovery process.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the poultry waste 100 may be obtained from commercial poultry farms, hatcheries, or processing facilities. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any source for the poultry waste 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The poultry waste 100 may be collected periodically or continuously from poultry production sites, ensuring a consistent supply for phosphate recovery operations.
[0022] FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram of components 200 used for recovering the phosphate from poultry waste 100. The components 200 may be, but not limited to, a mixing vessel 202, a dispenser 204, and a separator 206.
[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixing vessel 202 may be adapted to mix the poultry waste 100 with an acid solution to hydrolyze phosphorus (P) molecules and convert organically bound P into soluble P compounds. In an embodiment of the present invention, the acid solution used in the phosphate recovery process comprises one or more of a hydrochloric acid, a sulfuric acid, a citric acid, an oxalic acid, a malic acid, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any acid solution, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, a selection of the acid solution may vary based on factors such as a pH requirements, a solubility of the P compounds, and environmental considerations for ensuring flexibility and effectiveness in a recovery process.
[0024] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixing vessel 202 may be a cylindrical tank that may be made of stainless steel. In another embodiment of the present invention, the mixing vessel 202 may be of a conical shape. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any shape for the mixing vessel 202 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In another embodiment of the present invention, the mixing vessel 202 may be made of a rustproof material. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the mixing vessel 202 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0025] The mixing vessel 202 may further include agitation means to facilitate a thorough mixing of the poultry waste and acid solution. The mixing vessel 202 may be equipped with a motorized agitator for efficient mixing of poultry waste and the acid solution. The mixing vessel 202 may be designed to withstand corrosive environments and is insulated to maintain temperature control during the hydrolysis process.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser 204 may be provided to introduce an organic flocculant into the mixture to enhance a product precipitation. The dispenser 204 may be configured to control the dosage of the organic flocculant based on the characteristics of the liquid extract, ensuring optimal product quality. In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser 204 may comprise a reservoir made of chemically resistant materials such as polypropylene or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser 204 may be gravity gravity-influenced dispenser. In another embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser 204 may include a pump mechanism capable of delivering controlled amounts of the organic flocculant. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of dispenser 204 design, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The dispenser 204 may also include sensors (not shown) and controls (not shown) for monitoring and adjusting flocculant dosage based on liquid extract characteristics.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the separator 206 may be utilized for separating and extracting the precipitated P-rich solid from the liquid extract. The separator 206 may be a centrifuge or filtration system, providing efficient separation to obtain a concentrated phosphate product suitable for agricultural applications. In an embodiment of the present invention, the separator 206 may be a centrifuge with a stainless steel bowl and a high-speed rotating mechanism. The separator 206 may feature variable speed controls and automatic discharge functions for precise separation of P-rich solid from the liquid extract. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of separator 206, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the separator 206 may include safety features such as emergency stop buttons (not shown) and protective enclosures (not shown) for a safe operation.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the alkaline earth base employed for precipitating P compounds may be, but not limited to a calcium hydroxide, a magnesium hydroxide, and so forth. This selection of the alkaline earth base may ensure an optimal precipitation efficiency and minimize a generation of unwanted byproducts, thereby enhancing a purity of the recovered phosphate product. In an embodiment of the present invention, the P-rich solid obtained from the process may be subjected to drying or processing into a concentrated phosphate product suitable for use as fertilizer or in other applications. This processing step may enhance a usability and marketability of the recovered phosphate product for meeting quality and purity standards for agricultural use.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the recovered phosphate product undergoes testing and certification for quality and purity standards suitable for agricultural applications. This ensures that the recovered phosphate product meets regulatory requirements and is safe and effective for use as a fertilizer or in other agricultural applications.
[0031] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for recovering phosphate from the poultry waste 100.
[0032] At step 302, the poultry waste 100 may be mixed in the mixing vessel 202 with the acid solution to hydrolyze phosphorus molecules. The hydrolyzed phosphorus molecules may be further converted into soluble phosphorus compounds.
[0033] At step 304, the alkaline earth base may be added to the mixture to precipitate the phosphorus compounds.
[0034] At step 306, the organic flocculant is introduced through the dispenser 204 to enhance the precipitation.
[0035] At step 308, the precipitated phosphorus rich solid is separated and extracted from the liquid extract using the separator 206. The liquid supernatant may be recycled back after extracting the precipitated P-rich solid from the liquid extract, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0037] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A method (300) for recovering phosphate from poultry waste (100), comprising:
mixing poultry waste, in a mixing vessel (202) with an acid solution to hydrolyze phosphorus molecules and convert into soluble phosphorus compounds;
adding an alkaline earth base to the mixture to precipitate the phosphorus compounds;
introducing an organic flocculant, through a dispenser (204) to enhance a precipitation; and
separating and extracting a precipitated phosphorus rich solid from the liquid extract using a separator (206).
2. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a step of recycling a liquid supernatant back after extracting the precipitated P-rich solid from the liquid extract.
3. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the acid solution comprises one or more of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, or malic acid.
4. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alkaline earth base is selected from calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, or a combination thereof.
5. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mixing vessel (202) includes agitation means to facilitate thorough mixing of the poultry waste and acid solution.
6. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the separator (206) is a centrifuge or filtration system for efficient separation of the P-rich solid from the liquid extract.
7. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the organic flocculant dispenser (204) is configured to control the dosage of the organic flocculant based on the characteristics of the liquid extract.
8. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the P-rich solid is dried or processed into a concentrated phosphate product for use as fertilizer or in other applications.
9. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the recovered phosphate product is tested and certified for quality and purity standards suitable for agricultural use.

Date: May 14,2024
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)