Claims:We claim :
1. A multi-stage aerobic composter for composting organic waste into high-quality organic manure, comprising of : a plurality of ventilated containers (120a,120b,120c.....), having an open top end (121) and a covered bottom end (122), wherein said bottom end (122) of the ventilated container is smaller in diameter than the said top end; a plurality of dividers (123a,123b,123c..........), placed separating each of the ventilated containers, wherein said divider is provided with atleast a perforation (131) placed at its centre; a top lid (124), placed on the open top end of the first ventilated container (120a); a chimney (125) with a detachable vented closure (126), located on the top lid (124), wherein said chimney (125) is elevated and is smaller in diameter than the said top lid (124); and a bottom plate (127), placed at the bottom end of the bottom ventilated container.
2. A multi-stage aerobic composter according to claim 1, wherein said ventilated container is provided with a plurality of tiny perforations (128) covering the entire body of the ventilated container.
3. A multi-stage aerobic composter according to claim 1 and claim 2, wherein said tiny perforations (128) allows the passage of air into the said ventilated containers, providing sufficient aeration, thereby maintaining the aerobic environment inside the ventilated container and eliminating the need of frequent mixing/aerating of the contents inside the container during composting process.
4. A multi-stage aerobic composter according to claim 1 and claim 2, wherein said tiny perforations (128) are small enough which restricts the entry or exit of any external particle into and/or from the ventilated container.
5. A multi-stage aerobic composter according to claim 1, wherein said ventilated containers (120a,120b,....) are stacked vertically, with said divider (123a,123b,....) separating each of the ventilated container.
6. A multi-stage aerobic composter according to claim 1 and claim 5, wherein said divider (123) at its top end additionally comprises a means for accommodating (129) the covered bottom end (122) of the said ventilated containers.
7. A multi-stage aerobic composter according to claim 1, wherein said bottom end (122) of the ventilated container is provided with a cross duct which aligns appropriately with the said accommodating means (129), provided in the divider (123).
8. A multi-stage aerobic composter according to claim 1, wherein said top lid (124) provided with a chimney (125) and a detachable vented closure (126) acts as an exit to expel the hot moist air generated inside the ventilated containers during composting process, the vacuum created due to the exit of hot gases is replaced by fresh air inflow through the said plurality of tiny perforations (128) on the ventilated containers, thereby maintaining a constant aerobic environment inside the said multi-stage composter.
9. A multi-stage aerobic composter according to claim 1, wherein said ventilated containers are trapezoidal in shape, with the covered bottom end (122) having a smaller diameter than the open top end (121), this when stacked enables sufficient ventilation of the containers placed at the lower end.
10. A multi-stage aerobic composter according to claim 1, wherein bottom plate (127) placed at the bottom end of the bottom ventilated container is filled with water or any fluid to prevent the entry of ants and other insects into the ventilated containers.
11. A multi-stage aerobic composter according to claim 1, is made of materials including but not limited to high density polyethylene, poly propylene, stainless steel and/or combinations thereof.
12. A method of composting the organic waste using the multi-stage aerobic composter, comprises of :
a) opening the top lid (124) of the first ventilated container (120a);
b) layering of composting media and the organic waste as alternate layers starting from the bottom end (122) of the first ventilated container (120a);
c) shifting the completely layered first ventilated container (120a) to a lower level of the stack, wherein an empty ventilated container (120b or 120c) stacked at any of the lower level is transferred to first level of the stack,
d) layering the shifted empty container (120b or 120c) in the first level with composting media and organic waste as alternate layers;
e) allowing the contents of the completely filled lower ventilated containers to stand for composting;
f) emptying the contents of the lower ventilated container and collecting the high quality manure upon completion of composting; and
g) repeating the cycle of layering and emptying the stacked ventilated containers.
13. A method of composting the organic waste using the multi-stage aerobic composter according to claim 12, optionally may include, size reduction of the organic waste before being introduced into the said first ventilated container.
14. A method of composting the organic waste using the multi-stage aerobic composter according to claim 12 and claim 13, wherein said size reduction of the organic waste is executed either manually, mechanically, electronically or combinations thereof.
15. A method of composting the organic waste using the multi-stage aerobic composter according to claim 12, wherein said composter maintains an optimum air-water balance inside the ventilated containers and accelerates the biodegradation process with enhanced composting efficiency.
16. A method of composting the organic waste using the multi-stage aerobic composter according to claim 12, wherein the standing time required for composting the organic waste filled in each of the ventilated containers is preferably 20 to 40 days, more preferably 30 to 40 days.
17. The multi-stage aerobic composter as claimed in any of the preceding claims, results in a accelerated, hassle-free, convenient, odour-free, leachate-free cost-effective residential composting process, without generating any toxic gases during composting.
, Description:MULTI-STAGE AEROBIC COMPOSTER AND A METHOD OF COMPOSTING THEREIN
FIELD OF INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a composting apparatus and a method of composting the biodegradable waste using the said apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-stage aerobic composter and a method of composting the biodegradable waste into organic manure at residential level.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Conventionally, there exists a variety of ways for the disposal of organic wastes, easiest way includes incineration and dumping it as a land-fill. Incineration results in emission of green house gases which is of environmental concern and also requires the disposal of resultant ashes. Further, the initial costs involved in setting-up an incineration unit is very high. While in the urban society the local self government collects the garbage and dump it in waste disposing yards located far away from the urban area. Dumping of waste as land-fill holds serious environmental problems such as pollution of the ground water, green - house gas emission, leachate, foul odor, contamination, dissemination etc,. These dumping yards develop into ecological disasters by becoming a breeding ground for insects, pests, reptiles, canines etc., posing a serious health threat to the locals. Further, there exists a high risk of these dumping yards catch fire very often releasing huge amounts of dioxins and other noxious gases into the local environment. In addition, dumping yards requires huge capital, infrastructure and operational cost, while any disturbance in its chain of operation cause severe inconvenience to the urban dwellers.
Other waste disposal methods include vermicomposting, which results in quality manure in a relatively short time. But it is limited in its application, where only wastes which are palatable to earthworms can be converted to manure. Further requires controlled atmosphere for the earthworms to produce the compost, this also creates foul smell and produces leachate. Ants, rodents and birds cause severe threat to the earthworms and it is a highly inconvenient way of handling the waste. Biomethanation the process of generation of methane using an anaerobic digester, involves high capital cost and cumbersome operating techniques and often requires disposal of the resulting slurry.
Another simple yet efficient method of disposal of organic waste is by composting. Composting is a biological decomposition and stabilization of organic material to produce a stable humic rich substance known as compost, which can be used to improve the soil quality as fertilizer and soil conditioner. Composting has a wide range of applications in agriculture, economy, and environment. Composting involves the process of recycling the organic materials by fragmenting, mixing and depositing in a pit and allowing them to sit until they decomposed. This requires considerable ground space in the back yard which is unfeasible in the present urban society. Further during composting, in order to achieve optimum conditions such as sufficient oxygen supply, the waste is aerated from time to time by shifting the stacks or mixing the contents, if not the resulting mixture would decompose anaerobically, with strong odors associated therewith. In particular, many organic waste materials disposed from kitchen are likely to have high water content and improper composting of these may lead to a growth of variety of bacteria including aerobic and anaerobic. This mixed fermentation by anaerobic and aerobic bacteria results in reduced fermentation efficiency and takes several months to decompose and stabilize as compost. This kind of composting requires lot of space and becomes a breeding ground for flies, insects and rodents causing health concerns. Further during rain it emits foul smell due to anaerobic conditions and putrefaction in the garbage piles. Leachate from the garbage piles posses a treat of ground water contamination. Hence there exists a need for a efficient, hassel-free and convenient waste disposal method at residential level which is odor-free, leachate-free and requires negligible handling and capital investment.
IN 201621020729 provides a plastic composter bin with a top lid and having a plastic mesh kept in bottom inside. The bin further contains holes in the bottom and side walls for air-oxygen suction and water outflow. Few holes on the top lid are made to escape the hot air, water vapour and gases exhales from the top bin. To initiate the composting for the first time previously made compost is added and then organic waste is added daily. Further, this requires frequent turning of the contents using a handle and takes a minimum of 30 days for the biodegradation of waste to compost. This composter bin can be made on industrial scale and can be implemented for industrial purpose.
IN 5642/CHE/2015 discloses a composting device for bio-transformation of the organic waste into manure. The device includes an upper compartment, where plants are grown and a processing lower compartment for the organic material to be composted. Two compartments are stratified vertically with the upper compartment with perforations in its partially inserted into the lower compartment for a predetermined height. Even though this device is used for a dual purpose, there arises a problem with watering the plant and messy handling of the compost.
IN 4622/CHE/2015 relates to a twin chambered in-vessel composting apparatus for passive and active compositing. The apparatus includes composting chambers with body portion having a bottom, at least one sidewall from the bottom, and an top with a lid, an air distribution system positioned in-between the composting chambers consists of several interconnected ducts with valves, blower and suction device, 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 and a leachate recirculation pump and wastage line with a valve is provided at the bottom of each chamber to remove excess leachate.
WO2012103269 discloses an apparatus for the in-vessel composting of feedstock into nutrient-rich compost comprising a means for shredding the input material, a vessel having an input port and a discharge port, means for passing said shredded feedstock into said vessel, means for rotating said vessel, means for introducing air into said vessel and a process controller for communicating with said means for shredding, said vessel, said means for rotating said vessel and said means for introducing air into said vessel.
5092/CHE/2012 provides a multi stage solid waste storage cum composting unit comprising a rotatable first chamber for receiving, collecting and crushing biodegradable waste, a rotatable second chamber disposed under the first chamber for receiving the crushed waste from the first chamber and maturing the waste into compost, and third chamber disposed under the second chamber for collecting and storing the matured compost received from the second chamber wherein all the chambers are individually rotatable or may be rotated as a group along vertical axis. The first chamber and second chamber have sharp blades disposed on fixed shafts. The waste gets crushed by rotational motion of the first chamber.
All of the above cited prior-art documents describes about various composting apparatus for composting the organic wastes at both household and industrial level. But each possess some inherent disadvantages such as, requiring a means for aeration and mixing, involving complex construction and cumbersome operations, high capital investment, messy/inconvenient handling of the waste, leachate production, evolution of toxic gases, foul odour, breeding of ants and insects etc,. Therefore there exists a need in the art for a simple, efficient, reliable and cost effective composting apparatus which enables a hassel-free and convenient waste disposal method at domestic environment. The present invention provides a multi stage aerobic composter which enables us to perform a rapid, hassle free, convenient and odour free composting of organic waste into a high quality manure with pleasant odour and easily handling characteristics.
OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION:
The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a multi-stage aerobic composter to be used at residential level for biodegradation of the organic waste into a high quality organic compost.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a simple, efficient, reliable and cost effective composting apparatus which enables a hassel-free and convenient waste disposal method at domestic environment.
Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a rapid, hassle-free, convenient and odour-free composting method of organic waste into a high quality manure with pleasant odour and easy handling characteristics.
Additional objective of the present invention is to provide an aerobic environment inside the composting apparatus for rapid and efficient biodegradation of the organic waste, thereby eliminating the need of frequent mixing/aeration of contents during composting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a multi-stage aerobic composter for composting organic waste into high-quality organic manure, comprising of : a plurality of ventilated containers (120a,120b,120c,....), having an open top end (121) and a covered bottom end (122); a plurality of dividers (123a,123b,....), wherein said dividers are positioned at the bottom end of each of the ventilated containers, wherein said divider (123) is provided with atleast a perforation (131) placed at its centre; a top lid (124), placed on the open top end (121) of the first ventilated container (120a); a chimney (125) with a detachable vented closure (126), located on the said top lid (124); and a bottom plate (127), placed at the bottom end of the bottom ventilated container. The said ventilated containers (120a,120b,.....) is provided with a plurality of tiny perforations (128) covering the entire body of the ventilated container, wherein said tiny perforations (128) provide sufficient aeration inside the ventilated container thereby maintaining the aerobic environment inside the container and maintains an optimal air-water balance inside the container which facilitates accelerated and complete composting of the organic waste. The ventilated containers (120a,120b,...) are shaped trapezoidal, with bottom end (122) having a smaller diameter than the open top end (121). This arrangement while stacking the ventilated containers enables sufficient ventilation of the containers placed at the lower end of the stack. Further, the said top lid (124) provided with chimney (125) and a detachable vented closure (126) allows the escape of hot air generated inside the said ventilated containers. Further the present invention also provide a method of composting the organic waste using the multi-stage aerobic composter, comprises of : opening the top lid (124) of the first ventilated container; layering of composting media and the organic waste as alternate layers in the first ventilated container(120a); transferring the completely layered first ventilated container (120a) to a lower level of the stack, wherein an empty ventilated container stacked(120b or 120c) at the lower levels is transferred to first level, wherein said empty container in the first level is layered with composting media and organic waste as alternate layers; allowing the contents of the completely filled lower ventilated containers to stand for composting; emptying the contents of the lower ventilated container and collecting the high quality manure upon completion of composting; and repeating the cycle of layering and emptying the stacked ventilated containers. The method of composting using the multi-stage aerobic composter of the present invention does not require any frequent mixing/aerating of the material or frequent watering. Further the present invention provides a rapid, easy and cost-effective composting process at residential level without the requirement of any power source. The present invention provides the most convenient method of waste handling without producing any foul odour, liquid leachate and toxic gases.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Fig 1 shows the perspective view of the multi-stage aerobic composter of the present invention.
Fig 2 depicts the ventilated container with tiny perforations of the present invention.
Fig 3 represents the top lid of the multi-stage aerobic composter with chimney and a detachable vented closure.
Fig 4 shows the top view of the divider with accommodating means and a perforation at its centre.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention as embodied by the " A multi-stage aerobic composter and a method of composting therein," succinctly fulfils the above-mentioned need(s) in the art. The present invention has objective(s) arising as a result of the above-mentioned need(s), said objective(s) being enumerated below. In as much as the objective(s) of the present invention are enumerated, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, the enumerated objective(s) are not exhaustive of the present invention in its entirety, and are enclosed solely for the purpose of illustration. Further, the present invention encloses within its scope and purview, any structural alternative(s) and/or any functional equivalent(s) even though, such structural alternative(s) and/or any functional equivalent(s) are not mentioned explicitly herein or elsewhere, in the present disclosure. The present invention therefore encompasses also, any improvisation(s)/modification(s) applied to the structural alternative(s)/functional alternative(s) within its scope and purview. The present invention may be embodied in other specific form(s) without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" may imply the inclusion of an element or elements not specifically recited.
The present invention provides a multi-stage aerobic composter for composting organic waste into high-quality organic manure, comprising of : a plurality of ventilated containers (120a,120b,120c), having an open top end (121) and a covered bottom end (122), wherein said bottom end (122) of the ventilated container is smaller in diameter than the said top end (121); a plurality of dividers (123a,123b), placed separating each of the ventilated containers, wherein said divider is provided with atleast a perforation (131) placed at its centre; a top lid (124), placed on the open top end of the first ventilated container (120a); a chimney (125) with a detachable vented closure (126), located on the said top lid (124), wherein said chimney (125) is elevated and is smaller in diameter than the top lid; and a bottom plate (127), placed at the bottom end of the bottom ventilated container.
The said ventilated containers (120a,120b,....) of the present invention is provided with a plurality of tiny perforations (128) covering the entire body of the ventilated container, wherein the said perforations are small enough which restricts the entry or exit of any external particle into the container. wherein said tiny perforations (128) provide sufficient aeration inside the containers thereby maintaining an aerobic environment inside the ventilated container. The aeration also helps in maintaining optimal air-water balance inside the container which facilitates accelerated and complete composting of the organic waste.
The ventilated containers (120a,120b,.....) of the present invention are stacked vertically, with said dividers (123a,123b,......) separating each of the ventilated container, wherein top face of the said divider is provided with a means for accommodating (129) the bottom end of the said ventilated container. The said bottom end of the ventilated container is provided with a cross duct which aligns appropriately with the said accommodating means (129) provided at the said top face of the divider. This arrangement allows a free air flow of the ventilated container arranged at the lower end. The ventilated containers are shaped trapezoidal, with bottom end (122) having a smaller diameter than the open top end (121). This arrangement while stacking the ventilated containers one above the other enables sufficient ventilation of the containers placed at the lower end.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said top lid (124) is provided with a chimney (125) and a detachable vented closure (126). During the composting process judicious amount of moist hot air is generated inside the ventilated container, this due to the density difference rises to the top of the container and gets expelled via the top lid (124) through the chimney with a vented closure (126) provided therein. The vacuum created within the container is filled with the fresh air which enters through the plurality of tiny perforations (128) provided on the body of the ventilated container. This ventilation maintains a perfect air-water balance of the composting mixture, which enables efficient aerobic composting of the organic waste. Further the present invention is provided with a bottom plate (127) placed at the bottom end of the bottom ventilated container, wherein the said plate is filled with water or any fluid which prevents the entry of ants and other insects from entering the ventilated containers.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said ventilated containers (120a,120b,.....), dividers (123a,123b,.......), top lid (124), chimney (125) with a detachable vented closure (126) and bottom plate (127) is made of material including but not limited to high density polyethylene, poly propylene, stainless steel and/or combinations thereof. The multi-stage aerobic composter of the present invention is made of robust material and is protected from the attacks of pests and rodents. This also prevents the exit of any maggots formed inside the system.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the method of composting the organic waste using the multi-stage aerobic composter, comprises of : opening the top lid (124) of the first ventilated container (120a); layering of composting media and the organic waste as alternate layers starting from the bottom end (122) of the first ventilated container; shifting the completely layered first ventilated container (120a) to a lower level of the stack, wherein an empty ventilated container stacked at the lower levels (120b or 120c) is shifted to first level, wherein said empty container in the first level is layered with composting media and organic waste as alternate layers; allowing the contents of the completely filled lower ventilated containers to stand for composting; emptying the contents of the lower ventilated container and collecting the high quality manure upon completion of composting; and repeating the cycle of layering and emptying the stacked ventilated containers.
The method of composting the organic waste using the multi-stage aerobic composter may optionally include, size reduction of the organic waste before being introduced into the said first ventilated container, wherein said size reduction of the domestic scrap is executed either manually through the chopping knife at household to cut the scrap into smaller pieces or through crushers.
In the preferred embodiment, the wet waste having high moisture content when introduced into the multi-stage aerobic composting system will discharge its moisture content to the surrounding space, composting media surrounding the waste will absorb the discharged moisture and slowly evaporate it out to the atmosphere through the said plurality of perforations (128) provided on the ventilated container. Further, the leachate generated during composting process drains down to the lower ventilated containers maintaining the optimum moisture level in the lower stacks of the ventilated container, thereby effectively maintaining the aerobic environment inside the composter system. This enables the ventilated containers to maintain an optimum air-water balance and constant aerobic environment, thereby accelerating the biodegradation process with enhanced composting efficiency.
In the preferred embodiment, wherein the standing time required for composting the organic waste filled in each of the ventilated containers is preferably 20 to 40 days, more preferably 30 to 40 days.
The method of composting using the multi-stage aerobic composter of the present invention does not require any frequent mixing/aerating of the materials or frequent watering. Further the present invention provides a rapid, easy and cost-effective composting process at residential level without the requirement of any power source. The present invention provides the most convenient method of waste handling without producing any foul odour, liquid leachate and toxic gases.
Advantages of the present invention:
• Provides a hassle free, convenient and rapid composting of organic material, which permits us to do the composting in a domestic residential environment.
• Eliminates the release of any foul smell or leachate during the composting process.
• Eliminates the frequent mixing/aerating of the composting material, sufficient aeration is maintained through the plurality of perforations on the ventilated container. This reduces the cost incurred for turning.
• The efficient and complete breakdown of organic material prevents the possibility of evolution of any unwanted gases like carbon monoxide, Hydrogen Sulphide etc.
• The ventilated containers made of robust materials prevents the entry and/or exit of the any insects and also protects the container from rodents and pets.
• The plurality of tiny perforations provided over the body of the ventilated container prevents the entry of files into the container and if maggots are generated inside the container cannot migrate out from the container.
• The multistage composter of the present invention is aesthetically attractive.
• The multistage composting apparatus of the present invention is very cost effective, doest not require any power source for its operation and the composting method does not require any huge capital investment.
• The multistage composting apparatus of the present invention, allows to perform a decentralised Waste Management, where the waste generated in the house is segregated and easily managed in-house, without requiring any cumbersome efforts.
• The resulting compost after composting using the multistage composting apparatus of the present invention is a high quality organic manure with a pleasant odor and convenient handling property, is used for enhancing the soil fertility and acts as an excellent growing medium for plants.
• The vertically stacked design of the multistage composter is devised at a convenient height for the operators for easy and effective handling of the multistage composter.
• The vertically stacked design of the multistage composter saves huge space requirement when compared to the conventional composting method.
• The vertically stacked design of the multistage composter with fresh waste introduced in the first/top ventilated container, makes it difficult for the ants and insects to identify and access the palatable waste.
• The composting performed using the said multistage composter is not affected by the outside environmental temperature.

Example 1
The multi-stage aerobic composter including 3 stages/ventilated containers is shown in the Fig 1. The method of composting the organic waste using the multi-stage aerobic composter having 3 stages is described in detail here. The top lid (124) of the first ventilated container (120a) is opened. The composting media and the organic waste is layered onto the first ventilated container as alternate layers starting from the bottom end (122) of the first ventilated container (120a). Once the first ventilated container (120a) is fully layered/filled, it is transferred to the lower second level of the stack. Wherein the empty ventilated container (120b) stacked at the second level is transferred to first level. The said empty container in the first level is layered with composting media and organic waste as alternate layers, this filled container is then transferred to the lower third level The empty container (120c) located at the third level is transferred to the first level of the stack. Simultaneously the contents of the filled in ventilated containers (120a & 120b) at the lower levels (second & third) of the stack are allowed to stand for composting. Once the composting is complete the contents of the lower level (second & third) ventilated containers (120a & 120b) are emptied and high quality manure is collected. This cycle is repeated as the containers are filled and emptied repeatedly. This method may optionally include, fragmentation or size reduction of the organic waste before being introduced into the said first ventilated container (120a). The fragmentation/size reduction of the domestic scrap is executed either manually through the chopping knife at the household to cut the scrap into smaller pieces or through crushers.