Pelletized Feed Material for Biomass Generator

Abstract

The present invention is a bacteria and nutrient delivery composition containing bran. The subject composition is preferably made in the form of a tablet that is structurally stable without being excessively hard. The tablets preferably have a configuration that reduces the likelihood of premature shearing in tableting presses or jamming in feeder devices for biomass generators. Methods of manufacturing the bacterial delivery composition in a structurally stable form that maintains bacterial viability are also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 796,487 filed May 1, 2006.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to pelletized blends of bran and at least one waste-decomposing microorganism for use as a starter material for biomass generators.[0003]Bacteria decompose organic materials in the environment in a natural process that typically degrades organic material into carbon dioxide and water. Under normal conditions, competition for resources, limited supplies of nutrients, and natural enemies can combine to inhibit rapid bacterial growth that in turn limits organic material decomposition. Bacteria proliferate rapidly when selected strains of bacteria are isolated and provided a growth-promoting food source. These larger bacterial populations decompose waste material more quickly and effectively and can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as, for example, i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present invention is a bacteria and nutrient delivery composition containing bran that is preferably made in the form of a tablet that is structurally stable without compromising bacterial viability. The tablets preferably have a configuration that reduces the likelihood of premature shearing in tableting presses or jamming in feeder devices for biomass generators. A method of manufacturing the bacterial delivery composition in a structurally stable form that maintains bacterial viability is also disclosed.

Problems solved by technology

Under normal conditions, competition for resources, limited supplies of nutrients, and natural enemies can combine to inhibit rapid bacterial growth that in turn limits organic material decomposition.

However, solid nutrients may be friable, depending upon their components, and too readily disintegrate into powders that are easily inhaled, jam machine parts, or are messy to apply to septic systems, etc.

Solid forms that are not friable when initially produced may subsequently become friable and deteriorate rapidly in humid environments.

Other pelletized solid forms are too hard, which can adversely affect solubility or damage automated feeders or stirring devices.

Many methods of manufacturing and packaging bacteria are also difficult to use or compromise bacterial viability.

For example, continuous milling or direct extrusion methods can involve temperatures that kill bacteria or compromise their viability, however, temperature-neutral methods can also kill or compromise bacteria where tablets are manufactured under pressures greater than bacteria can withstand.

On the other hand, if pressures are too low, tablets will lack structural integrity.

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