Device for the aerobic microbiological heating of free-flowing moist organic solids

Abstract

Apparatus (1) for the aerobic microbiological heating of free-flowing moist organic solids for carrying out a process for the aerobic microbiological heating of free-flowing moist organic solids, preferably of partially dewatered slurry, comprising the steps: - Loading the solid into a drum (2), - Rotating the drum (2) about a rotational axis (3) and simultaneously conveying the solid material in the drum (2), and - Introducing oxygen, in particular atmospheric oxygen, into the solid via at least one perforated tube (15), wherein the at least one perforated tube (15) extends in the drum (2) and rotates with the drum (2), - wherein with each revolution of the drum (2) at least one perforated tube (15) is immersed in the solid and transported back out of the solid, - wherein at least one perforated tube (15) is blown into and the air is extracted from the drum (2), and - wherein by means of a control device (35) the amount of air blown in and / or the amount of air extracted is changed depending on the rotational position of the drum (2) and / or the pressure in the drum (2) and / or the amount of air conveyed, the device comprises: - the rotatably arranged drum (2), wherein the drum (2) has a rotational axis (3), - a feed device (8) on the drum (2) for feeding the solid material, - a discharge device (9) on the drum (2) for discharging the solid material, - a first fan (12) for extracting air from the drum (2) and at least a second fan (24) for blowing air into the at least one perforated tube (15), - the at least one perforated tube (15) for introducing oxygen, in particular atmospheric oxygen, into the solid, wherein the at least one perforated tube (15) extends in the drum (2) and is rotationally fixed to the drum (2), wherein the at least one perforated tube (15) is arranged eccentrically in the drum (2), i.e. at a distance from the axis of rotation (3), - an air inlet (22) on a fixed end face of the drum (2), and - the control device (35) for changing the amount of air blown in and / or the amount of air extracted depending on the rotational position of the drum (2) and / or the pressure in the drum (2) and / or the amount of air conveyed, comprising a rotary coupling (21) for connecting the supply air connection (22) to the at least one perforated pipe (15), wherein the rotary coupling (21) comprises: ◯ a first pipe section (36) opening into the at least one perforated pipe (15) and rotating with the at least one perforated pipe (15), with a lateral first opening (47), and ◯ a fixed second pipe section (42) surrounding the first pipe section (36) with a lateral second opening (48), ◯ wherein the second pipe section (42) is connected to the fixed end face of the drum (2), ◯ wherein the air supply connection (22) opens from the outside to the second opening (48), and ◯ wherein the first opening (47) and the second opening (48) are arranged such that when the at least one perforated tube (15) is at the bottom, i.e. in the solid, the two openings (47, 48) completely overlap, and when the at least one perforated tube (15) is conveyed out of the solid, the overlap of the two openings (47, 48) decreases to a minimal overlap or no overlap, wherein the control device (35) further comprises: ◯ a detection unit (49) for detecting a rotational position of the drum (2), and / or ◯ a measuring unit (51) for measuring the amount of air blown in and / or the amount of air extracted and / or the air pressure in the drum (2) and ◯ a control unit (50) for changing the power of the first fan (12) and / or the second fan (24) depending on the detected rotational position and / or depending on the measured values ​​of the measuring unit (51).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for carrying out a process for the aerobic microbiological heating of free-flowing moist organic solids. In particular, partially dewatered liquid manure, preferably cattle manure, is treated by means of the device according to the invention in order to obtain hygienized bedding.

[0002] The state of the art, for example EP 1 817 532 B1, describes how cattle slurry is partially dewatered using separators and then sanitized in rotary drums. This allows the slurry to be recycled into bedding material. Relevant regulations (for example, Regulation EC 1774 / 202 of the European Parliament) stipulate sanitization at 70 °C for a retention time of one hour for the use of such material. The use of external heat sources is not acceptable for economic reasons. A disadvantage of previously known solutions is that the solid material to be introduced must have a dry matter content that is continuously above 38% in order to achieve the required temperature of 70 °C for one hour. The upstream screw press separator reaches its mechanical limits in this respect. Furthermore, the fluctuations in the delivered slurry necessitate special measures for regulating the entire process.

[0003] CN 2 905 782 Y relates to a disposal system for municipal solid waste. The disclosed kitchen waste composting plant comprises an anaerobic composting system, a biological filter tank for deodorization, and a suction system. The anaerobic composting system includes a motor and an anaerobic roller mounted on the base frame; two toothed belts are wound around the outer ring of the anaerobic roller; two support wheels coordinated with the two toothed belts are provided on the base frame; a large gear is arranged at the ends of the anaerobic roller; small gears meshing with the large gear are installed on the output shaft of the motor; and a plurality of agitator plates are provided on the inner wall of the anaerobic roller.

[0004] US 3,055,744 A discloses an apparatus for producing compost from unshredded, non-liquid waste materials containing fermentable organic substances, comprising a rigid-walled, elongated container, a device for securing the container for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis, a device for feeding unshredded waste material into the container at one end thereof, a discharge device at the opposite end of the container for discharging treated material from the container at the end opposite the feed end, a means for injecting aeration medium into the container, wherein the injection means are arranged on the circumferential wall of the container and the injection means are distributed at spaced intervals along the wall in the axial direction of the container, and a means for supplying aeration medium arranged on the container wall.A supply means per injection means and a connecting means between the supply means and the injection means to connect the supply means to the means for injecting aeration medium, wherein the connecting means comprise variable means for variably controlling the supply of aeration medium into the vessel by the injection means along the length of the vessel and means at a location of the supply means remote from the connecting means for introducing aeration medium under pressure into the supply means.

[0005] DE 10 33 684 A discloses a process for the aerobic fermentation of solid, organic waste products in a horizontal, rotating, preferably cylindrical container under artificial aeration, wherein the waste products in solid form are subjected to fermentation at an elevated temperature, the level of which is controlled by the supply of air, which is supplied to the container at its shell and from there to the solid products from the outside inwards, and / or which is supplied to the container, when it is more than 50% full of products, along the container's axis of rotation and from there radially outwards to the solid products through a number of openings or nozzles distributed over the length of the container.

[0006] DE 43 00 188 A1 discloses: For the rapid composting of biomass, in which the material passes through a composting section with air supply, the local temperatures of the material are equalized by heat exchange in the successive material sections (in the direction of flow) using a heat transfer medium that is not in direct contact with the composting material. Also disclosed is a plant for aerobic rapid composting with an enclosed composting section equipped with an air supply and exhaust system. It has a system for circulating a heat transfer medium, which is not in direct contact with the composting material, for heat exchange in the successive sections (in the direction of flow). The composting section consists of sections that are arranged separately and in parallel and / or sequentially, such as three successive sections. The material is mixed in at least one section.The heat transfer medium is heated externally, with heat being transferred from the medium to the incoming air and heat from the exhaust air also being transferred to the incoming air. Condensation droplets are separated from the air passing over the material, and the exhaust air is filtered at the end of the composting section. The spent filter material is then added to the material being composted.

[0007] US 2,969,277 A discloses a device for producing compost from non-liquid waste materials containing fermentable organic substances, comprising an elongated container with solid walls, wherein the container includes a shell, an end plate for closing the container at one end thereof, connecting means between the end plate and the shell, which are attached to the circumferential wall of the shell and to the end plate to secure the plate to the shell, wherein the connecting means have a considerable length to keep the end plate at a distance from the adjacent end of the shell in the axial direction of the container, means for securing the shell together with the end plate for rotation about a horizontally arranged axis, and a cylindrical ring element arranged in the space between the shell and the end plate in a substantially coaxial relationship to the shell and the plate.Means for fixing the cylindrical ring element in this position in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the cylindrical ring element has a diameter that is substantially equal to the diameter of the shell and a length that is substantially equal to the axial length of the space, a feed opening for the materials which is arranged in the circumferential wall of the cylindrical ring element in the upper half thereof with respect to the axis of rotation of the container, and discharge means at the end of the container opposite the feed opening.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a device for carrying out a process for the aerobic microbiological heating of free-flowing, moist organic solids, which, with cost-effective implementation and manufacture, enables safe and energy-efficient heating of the solid, in particular for the hygienization of bedding. In particular, the device must create suitable living conditions for the thermophilic organisms in the solid, so that maximum utilization of the high temperature generation by these organisms is possible.

[0009] The problem is solved by a device having the features of the independent claim. The dependent claims each relate to advantageous embodiments of the device.

[0010] The problem is thus solved by a device for carrying out a process for the aerobic microbiological heating of free-flowing moist organic solids, preferably partially dewatered slurry. In particular, the process produces bedding for cattle, preferably for dairy farms, from the slurry produced. The process comprises at least the following steps: (i) feeding the solid into a drum. (ii) rotating the drum about an axis of rotation and simultaneously conveying the solid within the drum. The axis of rotation of the drum is, in particular, approximately horizontally oriented and runs through both end faces of the drum. The conveying of the solid takes place, in particular, from one end face to the other. (iii) As a further step, oxygen is introduced into the solid via at least one perforated pipe (aeration pipe).This perforated tube extends inside the drum from the discharge to the feed side and rotates with the drum. Atmospheric oxygen is preferably used, allowing ambient air to be introduced into the solid material via the perforated tube. The solid material is conveyed within the drum preferably by rotating the drum and by guide vanes. The perforated tube is positioned eccentrically within the drum, so that with each rotation, the tube is immersed in and then retracted from the solid material. This results in both mixing of the solid material by the perforated tube and the direct injection of air into the solid material through the perforated tube.

[0011] During operation of the process, it is essential to ensure that no more air is blown in than is extracted. Otherwise, overpressure can occur in the drum. This overpressure would cause air to escape through the solid feed or discharge device. This, in turn, makes the aerobic microbiological heating process difficult to control and prevents the escaping air from being utilized. The air extracted from the drum can, for example, be used in a heat exchanger. Particularly in the drum's rotational positions where the perforated tube is not immersed in the solid, an excessive volume of air can be blown in. While the perforated tube is in the solid, a certain pressure, for example, 1.5 kPa, is required to blow the air in.However, as soon as the perforated pipe leaves the solid material again due to the rotation of the drum, this pressure drops to near zero and the flow rate increases accordingly. This can lead to the described overpressure in the drum.

[0012] On the other hand, excessive negative pressure in the drum must also be avoided, as otherwise air could not only be blown in but also drawn in through other openings. The blown-in air is advantageously preheated. Therefore, it is crucial that essentially only preheated air is blown in and that air is not drawn in through other openings due to negative pressure.

[0013] To achieve the desired internal pressure in the drum, a control device is arranged. Crucially, the amount of air blown in and / or extracted is varied depending on the drum's rotational position and / or the pressure within the drum and / or the volume of air conveyed. As soon as the perforated tube leaves the solid, the back pressure exerted by the solid on the holes in the perforated tube changes significantly. Therefore, with the control device according to the invention, the amount of air blown in and / or extracted is preferably varied depending on the drum's rotational position and thus also depending on the position of the perforated tube relative to the solid. The extracted air volume is increased as soon as the perforated tube leaves the solid, and / or the amount of air blown in is decreased as soon as the perforated tube leaves the solid.

[0014] Advantageously, a heat exchanger transfers heat from the extracted air to the supplied air. This enables very energy-efficient operation, especially at low ambient temperatures. Alternatively, the extracted air can also be used via a heat exchanger to heat, for example, a stable. The supplied air can also be heated by other means. However, the preferred heat exchanger, which transfers heat from the extracted air to the supplied air, is the more energy-efficient option.

[0015] Preferably, the solid material is fed in and / or discharged continuously while the drum is continuously rotated. The discharge can be designed such that a discharge chute located laterally at the end of the drum allows the fill level to be adjusted from 65 to 75%.

[0016] At the feed side, the solid material can be conveyed into the drum's interior, for example, via a screw conveyor. Alternatively, the solid material can be introduced via a flap system. In both cases, this is referred to as a continuous feeding or discharge of the solid material.

[0017] Furthermore, a mixing phase and a resting phase preferably occur with each rotation of the drum. During the mixing phase, the perforated tube is immersed in the solid, mixes it thoroughly, and simultaneously introduces oxygen or air into the solid. After the mixing phase, the perforated tube is removed from the solid by rotating the drum. During the resting phase, the perforated tube is located outside the solid. In this resting phase, the solid is either not mixed at all or mixed to a lesser extent than during the mixing phase. To easily generate the mixing and resting phases, the perforated tube preferably extends parallel to and at a distance from the axis of rotation within the drum. In particular, the perforated tube is positioned a short distance from the inner surface of the drum.This ensures that by simply rotating the drum, the perforated tube is immersed in the solid material and transported back out of the solid material with each revolution.

[0018] During the mixing phase, the solid is actively mixed with the perforated pipe and optionally arranged guide vanes. This mixing introduces oxygen into the solid, particularly air, resulting in atmospheric oxygen enrichment. In the resting phase, the solid is internally inert. This allows aerobic organisms to grow, simultaneously generating microbiological heat. Because active mixing and oxygen introduction precede each resting phase, the aerobic organisms have sufficient oxygen during the resting phases for reproduction and thus for microbiological heat generation. During the resting phase, there is no mixing, or at least only superficial mixing compared to the mixing phases. Advantageously, the solid is moved continuously along the conveying direction.This results in some movement of the solid even during the resting phases. Minimal mixing may occur. Advantageously, however, the solid remains as internally stable as possible during these resting phases and only moves relative to its surroundings.

[0019] The high temperature of at least 70 °C over an extended period can be achieved particularly when optimal living conditions for thermophilic microorganisms are created. Archaea, for example, even reproduce at temperatures of 110 °C. The process provides optimal living conditions for the proliferation of aerobic thermophilic microorganisms. This is especially important because aerobic organisms, which require oxygen for their metabolism, have a much faster reproduction rate and thus a higher heat generation capacity than anaerobic organisms. In particular, the process promotes the growth of archaea, which are mostly aerobic chemoorganotrophs and obtain their energy from the chemical reactions of organic compounds.

[0020] The invention relates to a device for carrying out the method just described. The device comprises a rotatably arranged drum with a rotational axis, a feed device on the drum, and a discharge device on the drum. The feed device is designed for feeding the solid material. The discharge device is designed for discharging the solid material from the drum. Furthermore, at least one perforated tube is arranged for introducing oxygen, in particular atmospheric oxygen, into the solid material. The perforated tube extends inside the drum and is non-rotatably connected to the drum. The perforated tube is arranged eccentrically within the drum, i.e., at a distance from the rotational axis. The device also includes a control device.The control device is designed to change the amount of air blown in and / or the amount of air extracted depending on the rotational position of the drum and / or the pressure in the drum and / or the amount of air conveyed.

[0021] Preferably, the perforated tube is arranged parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum. By arranging the perforated tube as close as possible to the inner wall of the drum, it is ensured that the perforated tube always exits and re-enters the solid with each revolution of the drum, thus guaranteeing the mixing phase and the settling phase.

[0022] Advantageously, the device includes a heat exchanger. The extracted air is introduced into the heat exchanger and heats the incoming air there.

[0023] According to the invention, the device comprises at least one air supply connection on the drum for introducing the air to be blown into the perforated pipe. The air supply connection is located, in particular, on an end face of the drum. This end face is stationary relative to the rotating drum. The perforated pipe is connected to the air supply connection via a rotary coupling. The air supply connection is located, in particular, on the discharge end face. Accordingly, the air is extracted at the inlet end face.

[0024] The control device includes a rotary coupling. The rotary coupling comprises a first pipe section. This first pipe section transitions into the perforated pipe. The first pipe section has a lateral opening on its outer surface. Furthermore, the rotary coupling comprises a second pipe section. The second pipe section surrounds the first pipe section. Thus, the first pipe section is contained within the second pipe section. The second pipe section has a lateral opening on its outer surface. The first pipe section rotates with the perforated pipe and therefore with the drum. The second pipe section is connected to the stationary end face. The air supply connection opens externally to the second opening of the second pipe section.

[0025] As the drum rotates, and thus the perforated tube rotates, the first section of the tube rotates with it. This results in a different overlap between the first and second openings. The two openings are arranged so that when the perforated tube is at the bottom, i.e., in the solid material, the two openings completely overlap. As the perforated tube is conveyed out of the solid material, the overlap between the two openings decreases until it is minimal or nonexistent. Depending on the shape of the two openings, the amount of air injected can be controlled based on the drum's rotational position. Advantageously, the two openings are elliptical to provide a sufficiently large cross-section for the airflow.

[0026] The second pipe section is particularly advantageous as part of a bearing element. The swivel coupling comprises a tubular base. This tubular base is firmly connected to the fixed end face. The air supply connection opens onto the base, for example, laterally. The bearing element, which has the second opening, is inserted into the tubular base. The first pipe section, which has the first opening, is then inserted into the bearing element.

[0027] The bearing element is advantageously made of plastic. The first pipe section is rotatably mounted in the bearing element. The bearing element is arranged in a rotationally fixed position relative to the base of the swivel coupling.

[0028] Advantageously, the air from the air supply connection flows not only through the second and first openings into the perforated pipe, but also onto an annular space formed on the surface of the bearing element. From this annular space, the air can flow directly into the drum interior through small openings. Therefore, if a certain negative pressure exists inside the drum that cannot be equalized by the air blown in through the perforated pipe, air flows into the drum interior through these small openings, thus equalizing any negative pressure. The advantage here is that ambient air does not flow into the drum interior through other openings; instead, only the preheated air from the air supply connection enters the drum interior.

[0029] A first fan is preferably used to extract air from the drum. At least a second fan is preferably used to convey the air or oxygen into the drum interior. The second fan is connected to the supply air connection and thus to the perforated pipe. The exhaust air and the supply air are preferably coupled via the heat exchanger.

[0030] Advantageously, the first fan has a slightly higher output than the second. This maintains a slight negative pressure inside the drum and ensures airflow from the perforated tube into the solid material. Furthermore, the first fan must also remove the evaporated water. As described earlier, the control device according to the invention ensures that the positive or negative pressure inside the drum remains within a certain range. This is achieved by the control device regulating the amount of air blown in and / or extracted depending on the drum's rotational position.

[0031] Furthermore, the control device comprises a detection unit and / or a measuring unit, as well as a control unit. The detection unit serves to detect the rotational position of the drum. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a position sensor on the drum's outer surface. The control unit is designed to change the power output of the first fan and / or the second fan. The control unit adjusts the fan power output depending on the detected rotational position.

[0032] In addition to or as an alternative to detecting the drum's rotational position, the control unit can also measure the volume of air blown in and / or extracted and / or the air pressure inside the drum. Based on this data, it can also be calculated whether the pressure inside the drum is too high or too low. Thus, the control unit can adjust the fans accordingly, based on both the detected rotational position and the measured data.

[0033] The advantageous embodiments of the method are correspondingly advantageously applied to the device according to the invention.

[0034] By rotating the drum at a sufficiently slow speed, for example one revolution per minute, the microorganisms have enough time to generate sufficient energy from the conversion of organic compounds to raise the required temperature. This also results in greater water evaporation. Consequently, the dry matter content of the incoming solid material can be effectively reduced. As a result, the load on an upstream screw press separator is reduced.

[0035] An embodiment of the invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a first isometric view of a device according to the invention for carrying out the method according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 2 an interior view of the drum of the device according to the invention for carrying out the method according to the exemplary embodiment, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the device according to the invention with heat exchanger for carrying out the method according to the exemplary embodiment, Fig. 4 a rotary coupling designed as a control device of the device according to the invention, and Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 details about Fig. 4.

[0036] The figures show an embodiment of a device 1 for the aerobic microbiological heating of free-flowing, moist organic solids. The described process can be carried out using this device 1.

[0037] The device 1 comprises a drum 2. This drum 2 is mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotary axis 3. Several bearings 4 are arranged to support the drum 2. These bearings 4 support the outer surface of the drum 2. Furthermore, a drive 5 is arranged to set the drum 2 into rotation.

[0038] Drum 2 has a feed end face 6 and a discharge end face 7. A feed device 8 is integrated into the feed end face 6. A discharge device 9 is integrated into the discharge end face 7. The feed device 8 serves to continuously feed the solid material into the drum interior. The discharge device 9 continuously discharges the solid material.

[0039] As the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a screw press separator 10 is located upstream of the feed device 8. Liquid manure, for example, is first partially dewatered via this screw press separator 10 and then conveyed through a hopper onto a screw conveyor 11 of the feed device 8. The partially dewatered solid is conveyed into the drum 2 via this screw conveyor 11 and a stationary part of the feed device end face 6.

[0040] A non-rotating, stationary portion of the discharge end face 7 is arranged on the discharge device 9. A discharge chute 13 is also located here. Due to the arrangement of the discharge chute 13 in the discharge end face 7, the same proportion of solid material constantly falls into the discharge chute 13 and thus to the outside as is fed in on the feed side. The set height of the discharge chute 13 determines the fill level in the drum, which is between 65 and 75%.

[0041] How Fig. Figure 2 shows that inside the drum 2 is a perforated tube 15. This perforated tube 15 has, for example, a perforated outer surface. This outer surface is in turn wrapped with a fabric, thus creating the perforated tube 15.

[0042] The perforated pipe 15 extends parallel to the axis of rotation 3 and runs along the inside of the drum's outer surface 2. The perforated pipe 15 is fixedly connected to the drum 2 so that it rotates with the drum 2. At the discharge end 7, the perforated pipe 15 is connected to an air supply connection 22 via a rotary coupling 21. The pipe end 16 at the inlet end 6 is closed.

[0043] The perforated pipe 15 is rigidly connected to the drum 2 via fixed pipe sections 18. Specifically, the pipe sections 18 are rigidly connected to guide vanes 17, which in turn are rigidly connected to the drum 2. The perforated pipe 15 is formed between the pipe sections 18 by intermediate sections 19. These intermediate sections 19 are perforated. A flexible pipe section 20, e.g., a hose, is inserted between the air inlet 22 and the horizontal portion of the perforated pipe 15.

[0044] In particular Fig. Figure 3 shows the arrangement of a first fan 12 at the inlet end face 6. Air is drawn from the drum 2 via this first fan 12, creating a negative pressure in the drum 2. A second fan 24 is arranged at the air inlet 22. Depending on the ambient temperature, the use of a heat exchanger 25 is recommended. Fig. 3. In the heat exchanger 25, the fresh air 26 for the second fan 24 is heated by the exhaust air 27. The exhaust air connection 23 of the first fan 12 is therefore connected to the heat exchanger 25. Furthermore, condensate 28 forms in the heat exchanger 25 from the moist exhaust air 27.

[0045] Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 6 shows in detail the rotary coupling 21, designed as a control device 35. The rotary coupling 21 comprises a first pipe section 36. The first pipe section 36 transitions into the perforated pipe 15. The essential component of the first pipe section 36 extends along the longitudinal axis 3. A first lateral opening 47 is arranged in the first pipe section 36.

[0046] The rotary coupling 21 further comprises a tubular base 37. The air supply connection 22 opens laterally onto the tubular base 37. The base 37 is firmly connected to the discharge end face 7 via a first flange 38.

[0047] The base 37 contains the in Fig. The bearing element 44 is shown in Figure 5. A second pipe section 42 is an essential component of the bearing element 44. A second opening 48 is formed in the outer surface of the second pipe section 42. The bearing element 44 has a second flange 43. The bearing element 44 is rotationally fixed to the base 37 by means of this second flange 43. This is achieved by placing a cover 39 on the base, thus clamping the second flange 43. The cover 39 is connected to the base 37 by means of screw connections 41.

[0048] The bearing element 44 is inserted into the base 37. The first pipe section 36, in turn, is inserted into the bearing element 44. The first pipe section 36 is connected via the Fig. 4 and Fig. 6. Mounting bracket 40 shown.

[0049] The bearing element 44 is advantageously made of abrasion-resistant plastic.

[0050] The two openings 47, 48 are advantageously of the same size and elliptical in shape. The height of the ellipse is adapted to the fill level of the solid in the drum 2. This opens and closes the air supply when the perforated tube 15 enters and exits the solid. Fig. Figure 6 shows a state in which the first and second openings 47, 48 only partially overlap. In this state, the perforated tube 15 is just exiting the solid.

[0051] How in particular the Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, an annular space is formed on the bearing element 44 between the two surfaces 45. Air from the supply air connection 22 constantly flows into this annular space. This air can always flow into the interior of the drum 2 through at least one through-opening 46 in the corresponding surface 45. This prevents ambient air from being drawn in through other openings in the event of a corresponding negative pressure in the drum 2. The preheated air from the heat exchanger 25 is always drawn in through the through-opening 46.

[0052] The second flange 43 of the bearing element 44 is firmly clamped between the base 37 and the cover 39. However, by loosening the corresponding screws 41, the bearing element 44 can be rotated relative to the base 37, allowing the two openings 47, 48 to be adjusted accordingly. Such an adjustment is made, for example, depending on the angle of repose of the solid or the fill level. Furthermore, this fastening of the bearing element 44 also allows for easy removal of the bearing element 44 for inspection or, if necessary, for adjusting the size of the second through-opening 48.

[0053] Fig. Figure 3 shows the acquisition unit 49, the control unit 50 and the measuring unit 51.

[0054] Accordingly, the detection unit 49 detects the rotational position of the drum 2. The measuring unit 51 measures the volume of incoming air. Additionally or alternatively, the pressure inside the drum 2 or the volume of extracted air can also be measured. Both the detection unit 49 and the measuring unit 51 are connected to the control unit 50 for data transmission. The control unit 50, in turn, is designed to change the speed of the second fan 24. The speed of the first fan 12 can also be changed using the control unit 50.

[0055] In addition to the mechanical path with the corresponding design of the rotary coupling 21, the control device 35 can also be equipped with corresponding detectors and measuring units. Reference symbol list 1 Device 2 drums 3. Axis of rotation 4 bearings 5 Drive 6 Entry front page 7 Output front 8 Entry device 9 Discharge device 10 screw press separator 11 auger 12 first fan 13 discharge chutes 15 perforated pipe 16 Pipe ends 17 guide vanes 18 pipe sections 19 spacers 20 flexible pipe sections 21 Rotary coupling 22 Air supply connection 23 Exhaust air connection 24 second fan 25 heat exchangers 26 Fresh air 27 Exhaust air 28 Condensate 35 Control device 36 first pipe section 37 Base 38 first flange 39 lids 40 bracket 41 Screw connection 42 second pipe section 43 second flange 44 Bearing element 45 area 46 Through-hole into the drum 47 first opening 48 second opening 49 recording units 50 Control unit 51 Unit of measurement

Claims

[1] Apparatus (1) for aerobic microbiological heating of free-flowing moist organic solids for carrying out a process for aerobic microbiological heating of free-flowing moist organic solids, preferably of partially dewatered slurry, comprising the steps: - Loading the solid into a drum (2), - Rotating the drum (2) about a rotational axis (3) and simultaneously conveying the solid material in the drum (2), and - Introducing oxygen, in particular atmospheric oxygen, into the solid via at least one perforated tube (15), wherein the at least one perforated tube (15) extends in the drum (2) and rotates with the drum (2), - wherein with each revolution of the drum (2) at least one perforated tube (15) is immersed in the solid and transported back out of the solid, - wherein at least one perforated tube (15) is blown into and the air is extracted from the drum (2), and - wherein by means of a control device (35) the amount of air blown in and / or the amount of air extracted is changed depending on the rotational position of the drum (2) and / or the pressure in the drum (2) and / or the amount of air conveyed, the device comprises: - the rotatably arranged drum (2), wherein the drum (2) has a rotational axis (3), - a feed device (8) on the drum (2) for feeding the solid material, - a discharge device (9) on the drum (2) for discharging the solid material, - a first fan (12) for extracting air from the drum (2) and at least a second fan (24) for blowing air into the at least one perforated tube (15), - the at least one perforated tube (15) for introducing oxygen, in particular atmospheric oxygen, into the solid, wherein the at least one perforated tube (15) extends in the drum (2) and is rotationally fixed to the drum (2), wherein the at least one perforated tube (15) is arranged eccentrically in the drum (2), i.e. at a distance from the axis of rotation (3), - an air inlet (22) on a fixed end face of the drum (2), and - the control device (35) for changing the amount of air blown in and / or the amount of air extracted depending on the rotational position of the drum (2) and / or the pressure in the drum (2) and / or the amount of air conveyed, comprising a rotary coupling (21) for connecting the supply air connection (22) to the at least one perforated pipe (15), wherein the rotary coupling (21) comprises: ◯ a first pipe section (36) opening into the at least one perforated pipe (15) and rotating with the at least one perforated pipe (15), with a lateral first opening (47), and ◯ a fixed second pipe section (42) surrounding the first pipe section (36) with a lateral second opening (48), ◯ wherein the second pipe section (42) is connected to the fixed end face of the drum (2), ◯ wherein the air supply connection (22) opens from the outside to the second opening (48), and ◯ wherein the first opening (47) and the second opening (48) are arranged such that when the at least one perforated tube (15) is at the bottom, i.e. in the solid, the two openings (47, 48) completely overlap, and when the at least one perforated tube (15) is conveyed out of the solid, the overlap of the two openings (47, 48) decreases to a minimal overlap or no overlap, wherein the control device (35) further comprises: ◯ a detection unit (49) for detecting a rotational position of the drum (2), and / or ◯ a measuring unit (51) for measuring the amount of air blown in and / or the amount of air extracted and / or the air pressure in the drum (2) and ◯ a control unit (50) for changing the power of the first fan (12) and / or the second fan (24) depending on the detected rotational position and / or depending on the measured values ​​of the measuring unit (51). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by a heat exchanger (25) for transferring heat from the extracted air to the supplied air. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the second pipe section (42) is part of a bearing element (44), • wherein the rotary coupling (21) comprises a tubular base (37) on which the air supply connection (22) is formed, • wherein the bearing element (44) is inserted into the tubular base (37), and • wherein the first pipe section (36) is inserted into the bearing element (44).

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