Apparatus for processing insect-based biological waste

Abstract

Apparatus for processing insect-based biological waste. The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing insect-based biological waste. More specifically, the present invention relates to a substantially continuous insect-based biological waste processor comprising a tubular drum having a longitudinal axis and an interior; a drive for rotatably driving said drum around said axis; a shaftless helical conveyor fixedly connected to an inner surface of said drum; a plurality of circumferentially spaced cantilever blades connected to said inner surface of the cylinder, each extending longitudinally along said cylinder; and means for introducing a portion of conglomerate comprising biological waste and insect larvae into said interior of the drum.wherein said helical conveyor is subdivided into a plurality of longitudinally spaced rearing chambers for the introduced insect larvae, each of said rearing chambers being defined by two longitudinally adjacent filaments of said helical conveyor and by said circumferentially spaced cantilever blades within which insect larvae of a substantially uniform developmental stage are retained, wherein two or more of said circumferentially spaced cantilever blades are configured to firmly hold and unify said conglomerate portion at any time during its residence time within said drum interior while being transported distally, and wherein insect larvae are progressively more developed within a rearing chamber located more distally.

Description

1 / 17 APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING INSECT-BASED BIOLOGICAL WASTE Field of Invention

[001] The present invention relates to the field of biological processors. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus for processing insect-based biological waste. Fundamentals of the Invention

[002] The disposal or processing of ever-increasing quantities of organic waste material, such as sewage sludge and food waste, hereinafter referred to as “biological waste”, is a major challenge for municipalities, industrialized markets and nations.

[003] Insect larvae have recently been used as an effective means for processing biological waste, as they can consume up to twice their body weight per day, allowing biological waste to be converted into insect proteins. The protein and lipids from the insect are then able to feed various animals, such as chickens and fish. Some insect larvae have a relatively high energy value, depending on their fat content. In addition, the solid and liquid waste that insect larvae can produce can be used as fertilizer. Another significant benefit of feeding insect larvae with biological waste is related to its ability to inactivate disease-transmitting bacteria normally associated with biological waste.

[004] Some attempts have been made to use insect larvae to process biological waste on a large scale.

[005] In one method, insect larvae are introduced into flat trays or containers. Because insect larvae require an adequate supply of air, they tend to remain at a distance of 1030 cm from the top surface of a pile of biological waste that is Petition 870210116483, dated 12 / 16 / 2021, page 8 / 38 2 / 17 added periodically. This method is deficient since the flat trays or containers are configured with a maximum height of 30-40 cm, leading to poor utilization of the operational surface. Furthermore, insect larvae avoid a significant amount of biological waste that is not exposed to an air supply, resulting in anaerobic decomposition of the biological waste, foul-smelling conditions, and undesirable byproducts. Additionally, there are difficulties related to temperature regulation in the flat trays and containers due to the metabolic heat generated by the larvae and anaerobic decomposition. When the internal temperature becomes significantly higher than 35°C, the insect larvae crawl away or even die, and therefore the efficiency of biomass processing is severely deficient.

[006] In another method, a drum containing insect larvae and biological waste is rotated to facilitate mixing and aeration of the insect larvae and biological waste, as well as dissipation of the generated heat. However, the drum is rotated at an excessively high rate, CN 102351394, for example, revealing a speed of one revolution per 10 minutes, which limits the metabolic activity of the insect larvae. The insect larvae, therefore, must be retained within the drum for an extended period of time, substantially equal to their larval lifespan, until they develop into the pre-pupal stage.Since all insect larvae are substantially the same age and size and are discharged at the same time, the drum cannot function as a substantially continuous processor due to the significant time lag between the time of introduction of young larvae and the time of discharge of the larvae, and therefore the insect protein is not readily available at all times. Additional disadvantages of this method compared to the previous technique include the limited volume of biological waste that is processed per load and the lack of automation. Petition 870210116483, dated 12 / 16 / 2021, p. 9 / 38 3 / 17

[007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a substantially continuous insect-based biological waste processing apparatus.

[008] It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an insect-based biological waste processing apparatus with a relatively high biological waste processing rate.

[009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an automated insect-based biological waste processing apparatus.

[0010] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description progresses. Summary of the Invention

[0011] A substantially continuous insect-based biological waste processor comprising a tubular drum having a longitudinal axis and an interior; a drive for rotatably driving said drum around said axis; a shaftless screw conveyor fixedly connected to an inner surface of said drum; a plurality of circumferentially spaced cantilever blades connected to said inner surface of the cylinder, each extending longitudinally along said cylinder;and means for introducing a portion of conglomerate that includes biological waste and insect larvae into said interior of the drum, wherein said helical conveyor is subdivided into a plurality of longitudinally spaced rearing chambers for the introduced insect larvae, each of said rearing chambers being defined by two longitudinally adjacent filaments of said helical conveyor and by said circumferentially spaced cantilever blades within which insect larvae of a substantially uniform developmental stage are retained, wherein two or more of said blades in; Petition 870210116483, dated 12 / 16 / 2021, p. 10 / 38 4 / 17 circumferentially spaced cantilevers are configured to firmly hold and unify said portion of conglomerate at any time during its residence time within said drum interior while being transported distally, and in which insect larvae are progressively further developed within a rearing chamber located more distally.

[0012] A new supply of conglomerate containing young insect larvae is preferably introduced into a proximal rearing chamber simultaneously with the discharge of fully developed insect larvae from a distal rearing chamber.

[0013] In one aspect, the biological waste processor additionally comprises a control system for monitoring important parameters associated with the portion of conglomerate received in one of the rearing chambers and for adjusting the value of one or more of the parameters that have been considered deviant. A controller in data communication with the inverter is configured to regulate the drum rotation speed to no more than half a revolution per hour. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a biological waste processor; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a vertical cross-section of a proximal section of the biological waste processor of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a vertical cross-section of a distal section of the biological waste processor of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a proximal end of the biological waste processor of Fig. 1, shown without the Petition 870210116483, dated 12 / 16 / 2021, page 11 / 38 5 / 17 screw conveyor; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a proximal end of the biological waste processor of Fig. 1, shown with the screw conveyor; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a screw conveyor used in conjunction with the processor in Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is an oblique perspective view of a vertical cross-section of a central section of the biological waste processor of Fig. 1, showing the connection between the shaftless screw conveyor and a plurality of cantilever blades, as well as a drive unit; Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of a control system used in conjunction with the biological waste processor of Fig. 1; and Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of a fluid exchange unit used in conjunction with the biological waste processor of Fig. 1. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0015] A substantially continuous insect-based biological waste processor is configured with a drum having a shaftless screw conveyor that is subdivided into a plurality of longitudinally spaced rearing chambers, within each of which insect larvae, particularly Diptera larvae, of a different developmental stage can be retained. A mixture of undeveloped larvae and biomass (hereinafter “conglomerate”) is introduced into the drum through an inlet port communicating with a first proximal rearing chamber. During a slow rotation of the drum along with the screw conveyor that maximizes the residence time of the insect larvae within the drum, the larva-bearing conglomerate located Petition 870210116483, dated 12 / 16 / 2021, page 12 / 38 6 / 17 in one of the rearing chambers is transported along the drum while the insect larvae digest the biomass and consequently become physically developed, until the conglomerate is discharged from a distal end of the drum through an outlet port to allow the harvesting of fully developed insect larvae.

[0016] The biological waste processor promotes the intensive cultivation of insect larvae and can be configured as a subunit in a large-scale facility or as a stand-alone unit for small-scale operations. A biological waste processing operation can be monitored and controlled by a self-learning module to fully control and maintain a mass insect cultivation process without any human intervention.

[0017] Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a biological waste processor, generally indicated by the numeral 10. The biological waste processor 10 comprises a tubular drum 5, the inner surface of which is fixedly connected to a shaftless helical conveyor. The drum 5 can be made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) for significant weight reduction compared to any stainless steel alloy and corresponding savings in production and operating costs, although other materials can also be used. The outer layer of the drum material is preferably blackened to restrict or completely prevent light transmission to the interior of the drum for the benefit of photophobic insect larvae. The drum 5 has a proximal inlet end 1 and a distal outlet end 4. The drum 5 preferably has a length ranging from 10-60 m.

[0018] The use of a shaftless screw conveyor advantageously avoids the tendency of the conglomerate to adhere to the central shaft of a conventional screw conveyor and also promotes higher filling rates and lower speeds. Furthermore, a conveyor Petition 870210116483, dated 12 / 16 / 2021, page 13 / 38 7 / 17 helical screw without a shaft does not require any bearings normally needed for a rotating shaft and therefore facilitates direct conglomerate insertion and a reduction in maintenance work.

[0019] The larva-biomass conglomerate is introduced through entry port 2, which coincides with the central, non-vessel region of the screw conveyor. The conglomerate is produced by a mixture of substrate, biological waste, and insect larvae. The substrate is generally cellulose-based waste, such as cellulosic urban waste derived from cut branches and grass, wood and paper waste, which is used to regulate levels of nitric compounds, such as ammonia, and to absorb excess fluids from the biological waste processing operation. The biological waste is used as food for the insect larvae.

[0020] The substrate and biological waste are treated at the facility entrance by several pre-processes which may include sterilization, grinding and storage, to produce a resulting particle size and texture suitable for efficient digestion by insect larvae. Each pre-process requires dedicated apparatus and is carried out until a viscous pulp is achieved, after which the substrate and biological waste are received in separate reservoirs. Before being introduced into drum 5, the substrate and biological waste are delivered by a corresponding pump, for example, a peristaltic pump, from the corresponding reservoir to a container supported on the roller conveyor system 15, which is usually arranged horizontally to facilitate transport of the container to the vicinity of the entrance door 2. The substrate and biological waste are then mixed inside the container.

[0021] Young insect larvae, for example, 3-5 days old, are diluted in an oxygen-enriched liquid by manually inserting the insect larvae into a tank that is located remotely from drum 5, in order to provide a continuous supply of insect larvae. Petition 870210116483, dated 12 / 16 / 2021, page 14 / 38 8 / 17 daily, whether for one processor or a plurality of processors. The specific concentration of insect larvae depends on the number of processors that are operational. In general, the minimum concentration of insect larvae varies from 40 to 70 thousand larvae per cubic meter, in order to guarantee the economical operation of the biological waste processor 10. It will be appreciated that the insertion of insect larvae into the tank before delivery to the drum is the only action related to the processing operation that involves manpower, and even this action is performed remotely from the drum.

[0022] The mixture of oxygen-enriched liquid and insect larvae is distributed by a larval distribution mechanism, for example, a pneumatic mechanism, to a region that is close to the container supported on the roller transport system 15, and is then discharged by sprayers onto the upper surface of the substrate and the mixture of biological waste located inside the container before being introduced into the inlet port 2. The larvae can be added to the substrate-biological waste mixture at a density of approximately 4 larvae per cm2 of mixture to form the conglomerate. Subsequently, the formed conglomerate is delivered by a peristaltic pump, or by any other suitable delivery mechanism, to the inlet port 2. The insect larvae are then able to digest the biomass and increase in size.

[0023] The percentage of substrate and biological waste within the agglomerate is determined based on the relative net content of the substrate and biological waste. For example, if the biological waste is sludge from a municipal source with 75% net content, the percentage of substrate should be 60-80% of the agglomerate. If the waste has a low net content, for example, dried manure, the substrate should constitute 30-40% of the agglomerate.

[0024] A plurality of longitudinally spaced rings 7 Petition 870210116483, dated 12 / 16 / 2021, page 15 / 38 9 / 17 fixed to the outer surface 6 of the drum 5 are rotationally supported from below by a corresponding pair of laterally spaced roller wheels 9. A gear ring 11 is fixed to a centrally longitudinal region of the outer surface 6 of the drum 5 and is rotationally driven by the gear 22 of a motorized drive 29 shown in Fig. 7 configured to rotate the drum 5 at a predetermined slow rate of no more than half a revolution per hour, generally varying from 1-10 revolutions per day, which depends on the duration of the growth cycle of the insect larvae being harvested by the processor 10. The rings 7 and 11 are generally concentric to the tubular outer surface 6 of the drum 5, while the various threads of the screw conveyor are positioned at an angle to it.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 2, each roller wheel 9 can rotate in response to the rotation of the drum 5 around a substantially horizontally oriented and longitudinally extending pin 12, which is fixed to two longitudinally spaced forks 14, for example, of triangular shape. The lower side of each fork 14 can be connected to a horizontal support plate 16 which can be raised from the underlying surface S by a plurality of laterally spaced vertical rod legs 19.

[0026] With reference to Fig. 1, an air supply tube 8, shown to assume a rectangular configuration, is positioned in fluidic communication with the inlet end 1 of the drum 5, to ensure a reliable influx of air to the conglomerate and thus induce the discharge of gases derived from the conglomerate. One end of the air supply tube 8 is connected to a compressor fixed to the bottom of the roller conveyor system 15. A distally narrowing cover 17 within which a fan 36 is housed to expel unwanted gases from the interior of the drum 5 is fixed to the outlet end 4 of the drum 5, as shown in Fig. 3. Petition 870210116483, dated 12 / 16 / 2021, page 16 / 38 10 / 17

[0027] The structure of drum 5 and the shaftless screw conveyor is illustrated in Figs. 2-7.

[0028] A plurality of circumferentially spaced reinforcing beams 24, for example, twelve beams, are connected to the inner thin-walled surface 21 of the drum 5 and extend longitudinally through the length of the drum, from the inlet end 1 to the outlet end 4. Each beam 24 may have a triangular cross-section, such that its base is connected to the inner surface 21 and its cantilevered triangular blade 34 is positioned inside the cylinder to provide a firm hold on the introduced conglomerate as the cylinder 5 rotates. In addition, the triangular blades 34 are adapted to direct the conglomerate, particularly after rotational displacement, to a central region of a rearing chamber and to prevent its passage to a neighboring rearing chamber.

[0029] The triangular blades 34, which can be configured in a manner similar to a plow tooth, can be extensions and connected to the longitudinal beams 24. Alternatively, each triangular blade 34 can be integrally formed with a corresponding beam 24.

[0030] In one embodiment, each reinforcing beam 24 having a triangular cross-section has a hollow internal cavity 37, which occupies at least a portion of the triangular cross-section and may extend the entire length of the beam. The presence of the internal cavity 37 is advantageous because it facilitates the influx of air through the air supply tube 8 to the conglomerate and the drainage of excess fluids. Furthermore, the weight of each beam 24 is consequently reduced, its weight being further reduced when made of fiberglass, so that it can be easily handled. Thus, a beam can be modular in the sense that a beam section with a length of approximately 40 cm can be coupled to or separated from an adjacent section according to the length of the Petition 870210116483, dated 12 / 16 / 2021, page 17 / 38 11 / 17 cylinder 5 and connected to the inner surface of cylinder 21. In addition, the lightweight beam 24 reduces the resistance of the rotating drum 24 and therefore provides energy savings.

[0031] The shaftless screw conveyor 22, which may be made of fiberglass, is configured with a continuous helical profile having, for example, an angle of attack of 4.5 degrees and a helix angle of 2-5 degrees. The radially outer edge 31 of each span 28 of the shaftless screw conveyor 22 is connected to the inner surface 21 of the drum 5. In order to accommodate the presence of the cantilevered triangular blade 34 of each reinforcing beam 24, the radially outer edge 31 of each span 28 is configured with a triangular cutout 33 by which the span is connected to the cantilevered triangular blade. A transverse member 26 may extend longitudinally between, and increase the structural strength of, adjacent fillets 28.Since the helical conveyor 22 is connected to the inner surface 21 of the drum 5 to facilitate rotation around its longitudinal axis together with the drum, its radially inner edge 27 does not need to be connected to a shaft and is therefore unobstructed, to provide the advantages described above.

[0032] An important aspect of the invention is the processor's ability to ensure that all insect larvae located within each rearing chamber will be characterized by a substantially uniform stage of development that is different from the stage of development of insect larvae located in an adjacent rearing chamber. Since insect larvae are progressively more developed within rearing chambers located more distally, the processor can advantageously continuously harvest insect larvae for protein, as a new supply of conglomerate can be introduced simultaneously with the discharge of fully developed insect larvae. Petition 870210116483, dated 12 / 16 / 2021, page 18 / 38 12 / 17

[0033] The provision of substantially uniformly developed insect larvae within a given rearing chamber is made possible by virtue of the circumferentially spaced cantilevered triangular blades 34.

[0034] Two adjacent longitudinally spaced filaments 28 of the helical conveyor 22 define between them the longitudinal length of a rearing chamber R for the insect larvae. Since the filaments 28 of the helical conveyor 22 are substantially mutually parallel, being oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drum and occupying substantially the internal cross-section of the drum 5, and since the radially outer edge 31 of each filament 28 is fixed to the inner drum surface 21, the mobility of the insect larvae is significantly limited to prevent the passage of the insect larvae from one rearing chamber to another.

[0035] The useful volume of the breeding chamber R is defined by the triangular blades 34, which firmly hold, and perforate to some extent, a portion of the conglomerate that has been introduced into the breeding chamber R. Since the semi-solid conglomerate has sufficient structural strength to support its own weight when supported by the blades, a portion of conglomerate located between two adjacent blades 34 will not separate from the other mass of conglomerate and will fall to the inner surface of the drum 5. A typical useful volume of a breeding chamber Ré is 6-7 m3 for a drum 25 m long and a screw diameter of 1.25 m.

[0036] By firmly holding the introduced conglomerate portion, the circumferentially spaced blades 34 ensure that the conglomerate portion will remain substantially unified throughout its residence time within the drum 5, varying for example 12-20 days. During the rotation of the drum 5, the same conglomerate portion held by a set of blades 34 is propelled along a helical path. Petition 870210116483, dated 12 / 16 / 2021, page 19 / 38 13 / 17 specific characterized by upward rotational movement followed by downward rotational movement to advance distally within the interior of the drum. Even after the downward rotational movement under the influence of gravity, the blades 34 engage the portion of the conglomerate from below to prevent a significant majority of it, for example, 75-80%, from disintegrating throughout the interior of the cylinder and being ejected into a neighboring rearing chamber.

[0037] The conglomerate portion undergoes a mixing action as it is moved along the specific helical path. The mixing action results from a combination of the upward and downward rotational movement of the conglomerate portion while being held by a plurality of blades 34 and the larval activity characterized by actively burrowing into the substrate. These two factors help to produce a substantially uniform and homogeneous distribution of nutrients, substrate, and insect larvae in a way that will make the biological waste processing operation more efficient.

[0038] This process is repeated during each revolution of the screw conveyor to facilitate the longitudinal transport of a portion of the conglomerate along the length of the drum. As the portion of the conglomerate is transported to a more distally located rearing chamber, the insect larvae digest additional biomass, causing the biomass mass to be reduced while the size of the insect larvae increases. Insect larvae exhibit a biological waste reduction capacity ranging from 50-70% in an extreme proximal rearing chamber compared to an extreme distal rearing chamber. As a result of the metabolic and digestive activities of the insect larvae and evaporation due to the heat generated during the biological waste processing operation, the net content of the conglomerate portion is reduced by 50-70% in the extreme proximal rearing chamber, a value that is Petition 870210116483, dated 12 / 16 / 2021, page 20 / 38 14 / 17 required by insect larvae to ensure normal activity, from 20 to 40% in the extreme distal brood chamber. The plurality of 34 blades is able to continue holding and grasping the conglomerate portion, despite a reduction in its volume and water content and its downward rotational movement. Consequently, insect larvae found in a given brood chamber are at the same stage of development and gain weight at a substantially uniform rate.

[0039] Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a control system 50 for monitoring important biological and physical parameters that are associated with a given portion of conglomerate C received in a rearing chamber.

[0040] The control system 50 comprises the controller 52 located externally to the drum 5 and the distribution mechanism 54 for distributing the conglomerate C to a proximal rearing chamber, the operation of which is controlled by the controller 52.

[0041] Distribution mechanism 54 can be a controlled weight distribution mechanism that defines a weight-to-volume ratio based on the biological waste being processed and thus determines the volume of the conglomerate to be introduced into the proximal rearing chamber. For example, the specific gravity of 25% solid sewage sludge is different from 10% solids, and the specific gravity of agricultural waste is different from bakery waste, etc. Based on the weight / volume ratio of the biological waste being processed, each portion of the conglomerate will be assigned an adjusted weight / volume ratio.

[0042] The controller 52 is also in electrical communication with the motor drive 29, so that it will be commanded to drive the drum 5 at a predetermined slow rate. The controller 52 may be a computerized control and monitoring module that is configured to adjust the speed of the drum 5, if necessary, during the course of a Petition 870210116483, dated 12 / 16 / 2021, page 21 / 38 15 / 17 processing operation, depending on the data received from the process-related sensors, although the drum speed does not exceed a rate of one-half revolutions per hour. The plurality of sensors, including oxygen sensor 61, weight sensor 63 and liquid sensor 66, are provided within a given creation chamber R and are in electrical communication with the controller 52, preferably in wireless communication with the controller 52. The sensors can be embedded in the inner surface of the cylinder, for example, under a fiberglass element.

[0043] The controller 52 will command the operation of a fluid exchange unit 57, for example, a ventilation unit, if the oxygen level detected by the oxygen sensor 61 deviates from a predetermined level. The ventilation unit is configured to ventilate the interior of the drum, in addition to the conventional aeration of the conglomerate and dissipation of process-derived heat generated, which results from the rotation of the drum 5.

[0044] The fluid exchange unit 57 generates gas input or output relative to the inside of the drum, for example, after detecting high levels of unwanted gases or low oxygen levels.

[0045] In one embodiment, as schematically illustrated in Fig. 9, the fluid exchange unit 57 comprises two arrays 72 and 73 of valves, each of which is operatively connected near a different region of the screw conveyor 22. The two arrays 72 and 73 of valves may be diametrically opposed to each other, to allow a valve instantaneously positioned below the first array 72 to drain excess liquid, while a valve instantaneously positioned above the second array 73 is capable of performing a gas transfer operation. Each of the valves may be a one-way valve or an electrically controlled valve.

[0046] The helical conveyor 22 can be a hollow structure in addition Petition 870210116483, dated 12 / 16 / 2021, p. 22 / 38 16 / 17 of the triangular blades 34, in order to reduce installation and production costs, as well as to facilitate efficient and easy maintenance. Therefore, each valve can be mounted inside a thread of the helical conveyor 22 and close to the inner surface of the drum 21, so as to be in fluid communication with the interior of the drum 13, the cavity 37 and the air supply tube 8 (Fig. 2).

[0047] The first array 72 comprises one or more valves 74 and a conduit 76 along which the exchanged liquid is able to flow. When the valves 74 are one-way valves, some are adapted to allow only the entry of liquid into the interior of the drum 13 and some are adapted to allow only the exit of liquid from the interior of the drum 13. When the valves 74 are control valves, they are adapted to be controllable and open and close in response to detected conditions. Another control valve 78 may be operatively connected to the conduit 77 extending from a multi-passage flow junction 81 to the valves 74. The flow junction 81 may facilitate simultaneous entry and exit of liquid or, alternatively, facilitate only the entry of liquid or only the exit of liquid at a given time. The outflow of liquid from the interior of the drum 13 may be discharged to the collection element 79, such as a drain.

[0048] The second array 73 comprises one or more valves 84 and an air tube 86 in fluid communication with each valve 84 and with the interior of the drum 13. When the valves 84 are one-way valves, some are adapted to allow only the entry of air into the interior of the cylinder 13 and some are adapted to allow only the exit of air from the interior of the cylinder 13. When the valves 84 are control valves, they are adapted to be controllable and open and close in response to detected conditions.

[0049] A common input flow line 91 to which are Petition 870210116483, dated 12 / 16 / 2021, p. 23 / 38 17 / 17 operatively connected to control valve 93 and compressor 94 and a common outlet flow line 96 to which control valve 97 and vacuum pump 98 or other means for causing the evacuation of gases from inside the drum 13 are operatively connected are in fluidic communication with each valve 84. Controller 52 (Fig. 8) will send a control signal to one or more to correct the current oxygen level. For example, controller 52 will cause compressor 94 to be activated and control valve 84 located near the breeding chamber found to have a deviating oxygen level to be opened in order to correct the current oxygen level.

[0050] The controller 52 can control the operation of the fan 36 and one or more valves, so that the corresponding air influx into the cylinder drives and causes the evacuation of excess gases. The air drawn in by the fan can flow through an external filter to prevent the entry of foul-smelling gases and to filter out unwanted gases.

[0051] The volume and gas exchange rate in relation to the interior of drum 13 are controlled by the controller 52 in response to sensor readings in order to optimize the biological waste processing operation. Several parameters that are fed into a self-learning computer module include low oxygen level, high carbon dioxide level, ammonia levels and low temperatures to regulate the volume and gas exchange rate as well as the drum speed.

[0052] Although some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be evident that the invention can be carried out with many modifications, variations and adaptations, and with the use of numerous equivalents or alternative solutions that are within the scope of those skilled in the art, without exceeding the scope of the claims. Petition 870210116483, dated 12 / 16 / 2021, p. 24 / 38

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. Substantially continuous insect-based biological waste processor (10), comprising: a) a tubular drum (5) having a longitudinal geometric axis and an interior; b) a drive (29) for rotatably driving the drum (5) around the geometric axis; c) a shaftless helical conveyor (22) fixedly connected to an inner surface (21) of the drum (5); ed) means for introducing a portion of conglomerate (C) that includes biological waste and insect larvae into the interior of the drum (5), characterized in that it further comprises: e) a plurality of circumferentially spaced cantilever blades (34) that are connected to the inner surface (21) of the drum (5) and wherein each extends longitudinally along the drum (5), wherein the helical conveyor (22) is subdivided into a plurality of longitudinally spaced rearing chambers (R) for introduced insect larvae,each of the rearing chambers (R) being defined by two longitudinally adjacent filaments (28) of the helical conveyor (22) and by circumferentially spaced cantilever blades (34) and within which insect larvae of a substantially uniform developmental stage are maintained, wherein two or more of the circumferentially spaced cantilever blades (34) are configured to firmly hold and unify the conglomerate portion (C) at any given time during its residence time within the interior of the drum (5) while it is being transported distally.

2. Biological waste processor (10) according to Petition 870260066437, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, page 8 / 15 2 / 4 claim 1, characterized in that each of the cantilever blades (34) is configured with a triangular cross-section.

3. Biological waste processor (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that each of the cantilever blades (34) comprises a support beam (24) connected to the inner surface (21) of the drum (5) and a triangular tip connected to the support beam (24).

4. Biological waste processor (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the cantilever blades (34) is longitudinally modular.

5. Biological waste processor (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the cantilever blades (34) is configured with an internal cavity (37).

6. Biological waste processor (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an air supply tube (8) in fluid communication with each of the cantilever blades (34) to facilitate the influx of air into the interior of the drum (5).

7. Biological waste processor (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a control system (50) for monitoring important parameters that are associated with the portion of conglomerate (C) received in one of the rearing chambers (R) and for adjusting a value of one or more of the parameters that were considered to be deviant.

8. Biological waste processor (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the control system (50) comprises a controller (52) in data communication with the unit, to regulate a rotation speed of the drum (5) not to be more than half a revolution per hour. Petition 870260066437, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, page 9 / 15 3 / 4 9. Biological waste processor (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the rotation speed of the drum (5) is regulated to vary from 1 to 10 rotations per day.

10. Biological waste processor (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the control system (50) further comprises a fluid exchange unit (57) for generating gas input or output relative to the interior of the drum (5).

11. Biological waste processor (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the fluid exchange unit (57) comprises two valve arrays (72, 73), each of which is operatively mounted near a different region of the inner surface (21) of the drum (5), an air tube (8) in fluid communication with each of the valves and a compressor (94).

12. Biological waste processor (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that each of the valves (72, 73) is a one-way valve.

13. Biological waste processor (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that each of the valves (72, 73) is an electrically controlled valve.

14. Biological waste processor (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the controller (52) is operable to cause the compressor (94) to be activated and one of the valves (72, 73) near a rearing chamber (R) found to have a deviating oxygen level to be opened in order to correct a current oxygen level.

15. Biological waste processor (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the fluid exchange unit (57) comprises a fan (36) and the controller (52) is operable to control the operation of the fan (36) and one or more of the valves (72, 73). Petition 870260066437, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, page 10 / 15 4 / 4 16. Biological waste processor (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the controller (52) is a self-learning control module. Petition 870260066437, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, page 11 / 15

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