Apparatus and method for producing humus material or compost

Abstract

Device for producing humus material or compost with: - a processing basin (1) which is set up to form a material bed (4) in the processing basin (1) to receive a solid organic carrier material such as green waste, straw, manure, fresh compost or the like; - a traveling crane (5) which extends in a transverse direction over the processing basin (1) and can be moved in a longitudinal direction along the processing basin (1); - a turning device (7) which is arranged on the overhead crane (5) such that the turning device (7) can be moved with the overhead crane (5) in the longitudinal direction of the processing basin (1), and which has turning devices (8) which are arranged to turn the solid organic carrier material in the material bed (4); - a ventilation device (22) which is designed to ventilate the solid organic carrier material in the area of ​​the turning devices (8) and / or adjacent thereto; - an exhaust air device associated with the treatment basin (1), comprising - an extraction device (10) which is arranged and configured on the overhead crane (5) to locally extract exhaust gases generated in the material bed (4); and - an exhaust air scrubber (11; 12) which is configured to receive and clean the exhaust air extracted by means of the extraction device (10) via an exhaust air duct; and - a separation device which is designed to separate at least a spatial area above the material bed (4) and below the overhead crane (5) from the environment above the material bed (4) on one or more sides, starting from the overhead crane (5), wherein the extraction device (10) is designed to extract the exhaust gases at least in the spatial area.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for producing humus material or compost. background

[0002] In soil science, humus usually refers to the entirety of finely decomposed organic matter in the soil. Humus is part of the organic matter in the soil. To improve the soil, separately produced humus material can be added.

[0003] Document EP 1 490 305 B1 discloses a device for treating zootechnical wastewater. In a treatment tank, the zootechnical wastewater is introduced into a bed of organic substances to produce a homogeneous biomass. A traveling or gantry crane is associated with the treatment tank, extending across it transversely and movable along its length. A carriage is mounted on the traveling crane, which can be moved along the gantry crane transversely to the treatment tank and carries agitators and aerators. The agitators serve to mix the organic substances with the introduced wastewater.

[0004] A device for treating organic waste is further disclosed in document WO 2002 / 018 534 A2.

[0005] Document DE 28 23 959 A1 discloses the treatment of bulk materials, in particular for the conversion of waste into compost, using conveyor belts that distribute the material in uniform layers up to a certain height. The material is left undisturbed for a period of time to allow the reaction to complete and is then loosened along its entire height. This process is repeated until the desired degree of maturity is reached.

[0006] Document EP 1 550 647 A1 relates to a method for ventilating a composting process in which raw air is supplied to the compost and process exhaust air is extracted from the compost, with portions of the process exhaust air being extracted continuously and other portions being extracted separately and intermittently. In the composting ventilation system, which includes a composting reactor, a blower, and exhaust and supply air ducts, the exhaust air leaving the composting reactor is connected to a first collector. At least two separate branch lines for process exhaust air are connected to the first collector, and a throttle and / or shut-off valve or a control damper is installed in at least one of these branch lines. Summary

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a device and a method for producing humus material or compost using an aerobic process, with which the operational reliability of such devices or systems is improved.

[0008] To solve this problem, a device and a method for producing humus material or compost are provided according to independent claims 1 and 15. Embodiments are the subject of dependent subclaims.

[0009] According to one aspect, a device for producing humus material or compost is created, comprising the following: a processing basin, which is designed to receive a solid organic carrier material such as green waste, straw, manure, fresh compost, or the like for forming a material bed in the processing basin; a traveling crane, which extends transversely above the processing basin and is movable longitudinally along the processing basin; a turning device, which is arranged on the traveling crane in such a way that the turning device is movable with the traveling crane in the longitudinal direction of the processing basin, and which has turning devices designed to turn the solid organic carrier material in the material bed; an aeration device designed to aerate the solid organic carrier material in the area of ​​the turning devices and / or adjacent thereto;and an exhaust air system associated with the processing basin. The exhaust air system further comprises: an extraction device located on the overhead crane and configured to locally extract exhaust gases generated in the material bed; and an exhaust air scrubber configured to receive and clean the exhaust air extracted by the extraction device via an exhaust air duct.

[0010] According to another aspect, a method for operating a device for producing humus material or compost is provided, wherein the device comprises: a processing basin; a traveling crane extending transversely over the processing basin and movable longitudinally along the processing basin; a turning device arranged on the traveling crane such that the turning device is movable with the traveling crane in the longitudinal direction of the processing basin, and which comprises turning devices configured to turn the solid organic carrier material in the material bed; an aeration device configured to aerate the solid organic carrier material in the area of ​​the turning devices and / or adjacent thereto; and an exhaust air device associated with the processing basin, comprising a suction device arranged on the traveling crane and an exhaust air scrubber.The process involves the following: creating a material bed in the processing basin by introducing a solid organic carrier material such as green waste, straw, manure, fresh compost, or the like into the processing basin; moving the turning device into a working position within the processing basin, whereby the turning device is moved into the working position by moving the overhead crane; turning the solid organic carrier material in a local area of ​​the material bed using the turning devices; extracting exhaust gases generated in the material bed using the extraction device; and cleaning the extracted exhaust air using the exhaust air scrubber.

[0011] The device and method ensure that any potentially harmful exhaust gases generated during the production of humus or compost in the processing tank are extracted and cleaned. This prevents the exhaust gases from spreading unintentionally into the surrounding area, particularly into any open building or hall housing the humus or compost production equipment. The extraction system allows exhaust gases, especially those generated when turning the solid organic carrier material in the material bed, to be extracted at least locally within the processing tank for subsequent cleaning. This minimizes or completely prevents the potential spread of exhaust gases from the processing tank into the surrounding environment.

[0012] The overhead crane may be equipped with a drive device that allows the overhead crane to be moved in the longitudinal direction of the processing basin in a machine-controlled manner.

[0013] The extraction system can be configured to extract the resulting exhaust gases, at least in an area adjacent to the turning device. In this way, the extraction system enables the direct extraction of exhaust gases that are generated locally during the operation of the turning device in the area where the turning mechanism enters the solid organic carrier material of the material pad to turn it. The turning device can be moved to different areas or positions within the material bed using the overhead crane to turn the solid organic carrier material. The overhead crane moves above the material bed, for example, along a guide rail that may be located on the side walls of the processing tank. Locally generated exhaust gases can be extracted directly by the extraction system.

[0014] Exhaust gases can be generated during and / or by turning the solid organic carrier material within the material bed. In particular, the extraction system can be designed to locally extract the exhaust gases generated during and / or by turning the solid organic carrier material within the material bed.

[0015] The extraction system can have several separate intake devices. These separate intake devices form an arrangement of intake devices, each configured to draw in exhaust gases locally, which are then cleaned by the exhaust air scrubber. The intake devices can be connected to a duct through which the extracted exhaust air is fed to the exhaust air scrubber.

[0016] Alternatively, the extraction system can be designed with a (single) central intake device. This central intake device can be configured to draw in exhaust gases, which are then cleaned using the exhaust scrubber.

[0017] The suction devices can be arranged longitudinally along the overhead crane. The arrangement of suction devices can extend across the entire width of the treatment basin in its transverse direction along the overhead crane, or only a portion thereof.

[0018] The suction devices can be arranged at least on opposite longitudinal sides of the overhead crane. For example, single- or multi-row arrangements of suction devices can be provided on the opposite longitudinal sides of the overhead crane, extending over the entire length of the overhead crane (in the transverse direction of the treatment basin) or a part thereof.

[0019] Each of the following intake devices can be assigned a valve assembly configured to open the intake device(s) for intake and to close them for blocking. This enables operational control for each intake device, such that the assigned valve assembly is opened and closed by a valve controller using appropriate control signals. In this way, individual intake devices and / or groups of intake devices can be opened for intake or shut down by closing them.For example, if the turning device with the turning mechanisms extends only over part of the length of the overhead crane in the transverse direction of the processing basin, suction devices arranged in this area of ​​the overhead crane can be opened and closed together using the associated valve devices, for example separately from suction devices that are arranged on the overhead crane outside the area of ​​the turning device.

[0020] One or more valve assemblies can be assigned a valve control system configured to open or close the valve(s) depending on position signals indicating the travel crane's position as it moves within the processing basin. For example, the valve assemblies can be used to close one or more suction devices when the position signals indicate that the travel crane is currently moving along the processing basin. When the position signals indicate a rest position, the suction devices can be (re)opened. Alternatively, the suction devices can be opened for suction when the position signals indicate that the travel crane is moving with the suction device, in order to extract any exhaust gases that may escape during the travel crane's movement over the material bed.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the suction devices are put into operation when the turning device is operating, i.e., when the solid organic carrier material is turned in the material bed.

[0022] A moving unit can be provided, which is arranged on the overhead crane and can be moved along the crane and thus transversely across the processing basin. The moving unit can consist of a carriage that can be moved on the crane transversely to the processing basin. The moving unit allows parts, components, or functional elements of the humus production device to be positioned transversely across the processing basin, in addition to being moved longitudinally by means of the crane. For example, the moving unit can be mounted on the crane by means of rollers and / or sliding elements. A drive device can be assigned to the moving unit, enabling its mechanically controlled movement along the crane and transversely across the processing basin.

[0023] The suction device can be at least partially arranged on the moving unit. If the suction device is arranged wholly or partially on the moving unit, this allows the suction device, in particular individual suction devices, to be relocated along the moving crane in the transverse direction of the treatment basin.

[0024] The turning devices can be arranged on the moving unit and moved with it in the transverse direction of the processing tank. In this or other embodiments, at least one of the following devices can be arranged on the moving unit and thus moved with it: turning device, aeration device, and dosing device. This generally allows for greater flexibility regarding the positioning of the respective device relative to the material bed in the processing tank. With the aid of the overhead crane and the moving unit, the respective device can be moved in both the x and y directions with respect to the surface of the material bed.

[0025] The exhaust air scrubber can be formed by a mobile unit, which can be moved along with the overhead crane and / or the moving unit. This allows the mobile scrubber to be positioned relative to the material bed in the processing tank, together with the overhead crane and / or the moving unit. Because the mobile scrubber is mounted on the overhead crane, the air duct from the extraction system to the scrubber can be kept as short as possible.

[0026] The exhaust air scrubber can be a stationary unit, positioned relative to the processing tank and connected to the extraction system via a flexible exhaust duct. This flexible duct allows for a continuous connection between the extraction system and the stationary scrubber even when the extraction system is moved on the overhead crane / travel unit above the material bed. The stationary scrubber can be positioned, for example, lengthwise along the processing tank in a central area to minimize the length of the flexible exhaust duct. Unlike a mobile scrubber mounted on an overhead crane / travel unit, the stationary design avoids placing an additional weight load on the crane.

[0027] A separation device is provided, designed to isolate at least a spatial area above and below the material bed from the surrounding environment on one or more sides, extending from the overhead crane. The extraction device is designed to extract the exhaust gases from this spatial area. The separation device can extend, for example, along the overhead crane in the transverse direction of the processing tank between opposing side walls of the processing tank (tank wall), either intermittently or continuously. The separation device can be configured along the front and / or rear of the overhead crane, i.e., on one or both sides.In the area adjacent to the opposite side walls of the treatment basin, the separation device can essentially connect to the respective basin wall, for example by allowing the separation device to slide on the surface of the basin wall when the overhead crane is moved, so that an essentially enclosed space can be formed which is separated from the surroundings by means of the separation device.

[0028] In one embodiment, the separating device is formed with rubber lamellae. In this or other embodiments, a separating device made of flexible material can extend downwards to the surface of the material bed such that the flexible separating device slides or glides on the material bed when the overhead crane is moved longitudinally along the processing basin.

[0029] On its upper or top side, the area can be substantially enclosed by a further covering or separating device arranged on the overhead crane and extending over its surface (in plan view). This further covering or separating device can be formed, at least partially, by the overhead crane itself and / or by components or parts arranged on the overhead crane, insofar as these are designed to define or cover the area. The further covering or separating device can also be arranged on the underside of the overhead crane.

[0030] The intake devices can only be located within the spatial area that is separated from the surroundings by the separation device. In its various configurations, the separation device facilitates any potential unwanted dispersion of exhaust gases.

[0031] The device may include a metering unit configured to dose a liquid material into the solid organic carrier material, at least in the area of ​​the turning devices and / or adjacent thereto. With the aid of the extraction device, any exhaust gases generated, particularly during the turning of the solid organic carrier material in the material bed and / or during the dosing of the liquid material, can be extracted, at least locally, in the area of ​​the processing basin.

[0032] It may be intended to activate the suction devices for suction when the turning device and / or the metering device are operating, i.e., when the solid organic carrier material is turned in the material bed and / or the liquid material is metered into the solid organic carrier material.

[0033] The preparation tank can be associated with a reservoir designed to hold a supply of the liquid material such that the liquid material can be pumped from the reservoir to the dosing unit via a feed line. The reservoir can be bounded on one or more sides by a wall of the preparation tank. The reservoir can be in fluid connection with the preparation tank such that any liquid that settles in the preparation tank collects at least partially in the reservoir for reuse during dosing. The reservoir can be configured to hold a daily ration of the liquid material to be dosed into the material bed, i.e., the amount of liquid material to be dosed into the material bed within a 24-hour period.

[0034] The liquid material may, for example, consist of organic liquids, in particular at least one from the group consisting of agricultural wastewater, industrial wastewater, fermentation products, manure and sewage sludge.

[0035] The ventilation device may be associated with a blower unit, which is configured to generate an airflow for ventilation and supply it to the ventilation device. The blower unit may, for example, be arranged on the overhead crane, in particular on the running unit. The ventilation device may have outlets or nozzles for discharging the ventilation flow, in particular at the turning devices and at least in a section that is immersed in the material bed when the solid organic carrier material is turned.

[0036] The turning devices can be formed with a stirring element which, at least during turning operation, immerses itself in the material bed below the overhead crane to locally turn the solid organic carrier material. A drive unit associated with the turning devices, for example for rotating stirring elements, can be arranged on the overhead crane, for example on the running unit. The drive unit can, for example, be a worm gear.

[0037] The previously described designs in connection with the device for producing humus material or compost may be provided accordingly in conjunction with the process. Description of exemplary implementations

[0038] Further examples of implementation are explained in more detail below with reference to figures in a drawing. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a device for producing humus material or compost; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an arrangement of functional facilities of the device for producing humus material or compost and Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a section of the device for producing humus material or compost from Fig. 1 from above with a traveling crane.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a device for producing humus or compost using an aerobic process. A material bed 4 consisting of solid organic carrier material, such as green waste, straw, manure, fresh compost, and / or the like, is formed in a processing basin 1, which is laterally bounded by basin walls 2a and 2b and, in the illustrated embodiment, has a bottom wall 3. The processing basin 1 can be open at the front and / or the back. Alternatively, a closed design with a front and a rear basin wall (not shown) can also be provided.

[0040] Above the material bed 4, a traveling crane 5 is arranged, which extends in the transverse direction (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) over the processing basin 1 and can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the processing basin 1, as shown in the schematic representation in Fig. 1 into and out of the plane of the drawing. The overhead crane 5 can be guided by a guide device, which can, for example, be formed on the basin walls 2a, 2b. A manual and / or mechanical drive can be provided for moving the overhead crane 5 longitudinally along the treatment basin 1.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, a running unit 6 is arranged on the overhead crane 5 such that the running unit 6 can be moved along the overhead crane 5 and thus in the transverse direction of the processing basin 1 between the basin walls 2a, 2b. Alternatively, the running unit 6, which may be formed with a carriage, can be omitted.

[0042] A turning device 7, which in the illustrated embodiment is arranged on the running unit 6, can in this way be moved into various displacement or working positions or positions relative to the material bed 4 in both the longitudinal and transverse directions of the processing basin 1. Turning devices 8 of the turning device 7, which according to Fig. The turning device 7, which at least in the working position shown is immersed in the material bed 4 and, for example, has a stirring element, is designed to locally turn the solid organic carrier material in the material bed 4. With the aid of the overhead crane 5 and the running unit 6, the turning device 7 can be moved to any position within the material bed 4 in order to locally turn or mix the solid organic carrier material. The turning devices 8 can be operated whether the overhead crane 5 and / or the running unit 6 are at rest or in motion.

[0043] If, in an alternative embodiment, the running unit 6 is not provided, but only the traveling crane 5, this is used to position the turning device 7 relative to the material bed 4. In this case, it may be provided that an arrangement of the turning devices 8 extends essentially over the entire width of the processing basin 1 between the opposing basin walls 2a, 2b, for example in the form of a single or multi-row arrangement of turning devices 8.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, further functional devices 9 of the device for producing the humus material are arranged on the running unit 6, so that these functional devices 9 can be moved together with the overhead crane 5 and the running unit 6. According to Fig. 1 This includes, for example, an extraction device 10, which is designed to extract or draw in exhaust gases or exhaust air, which arise particularly when turning or mixing the solid organic carrier material in the material bed 4.

[0045] The extracted exhaust air is fed to a mobile exhaust air scrubber 11 for cleaning, which in the illustrated embodiment according to Fig. 1 is arranged on the running unit 6. Alternatively, the mobile exhaust air scrubber 11 can be arranged on the traveling crane 5, so that the mobile exhaust air scrubber 11 is moved together with the traveling crane 5 and / or the running unit 6.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, a stationary exhaust air scrubber 12 can be provided, which is connected to the extraction unit 10 on the overhead crane 5 via a flexible exhaust air duct 13. The flexible exhaust air duct 13 makes it possible to maintain the connection between the stationary exhaust air scrubber 12 and the extraction unit 10 when the overhead crane 5 and / or the moving unit 6 are moved and the extraction unit 10 is moved as a result. The stationary exhaust air scrubber 12 can, for example, be arranged laterally adjacent to the treatment basin 1.

[0047] The device for producing humus or compost can be arranged in a hall or other building (not shown). To produce the humus or compost, a liquid material, in particular liquid residues from agriculture and industry, is introduced into the solid organic carrier material of the material bed 4. This liquid material can previously be contained in a reservoir 14, which in the illustrated embodiment is located in Fig. 1 is formed laterally to the pelvic wall 2a and is limited on one side by it.

[0048] For the introduction of liquid material into the material bed 4, this is usually pumpable. Depending on its composition, the liquid material has a dry matter content of, for example, a maximum of approximately 20%, and in some cases even up to approximately 25%. Furthermore, the liquid material should be free of substances that could have a biologically inhibitory effect, such as cleaning agents or pharmaceuticals. The liquid material can, for example, be a liquid selected from the following group: manure from animal husbandry, digestate from agricultural biogas plants, digestate from industrial biogas plants (food waste, organic waste), sewage sludge from municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, and industrial wastewater, for example, from food production.

[0049] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement with functional facilities 9 or components of the device for humus material or compost production.

[0050] Together with the turning of the solid organic carrier material in the material bed 4 by means of the turning devices 8 of the turning device 7 or separately from this, the liquid material is introduced into the solid organic carrier material of the material bed 4 by means of a metering device 20, wherein the liquid material is supplied to the metering device 20 by means of a pumping device 21, in particular from the reservoir 14.

[0051] The solid organic carrier material in the material bed 4 is also aerated by means of an aeration device 22, either simultaneously with the metering of the liquid material and / or the turning, or separately. A blower device 23 is associated with the aeration device 22, which generates an airflow for aeration. This airflow is received by the aeration device 22 and introduced into the solid organic carrier material via air outlet openings. These air outlet openings are formed, for example, on the turning devices 8, particularly in a section of the turning devices 8 that is immersed in the solid organic carrier material of the material bed 4 during turning or mixing. The metering device 20 and the aeration device 22 are part of the functional units 9, which are arranged on the overhead crane 5 and / or the traveling unit 6 and are thus movable with them.

[0052] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a section of the device. Fig. 1 with the overhead crane 5 and the running unit 6 above the material bed 4 from above.

[0053] According to the illustrated embodiment, the extraction device 10 is designed with suction devices 10a, 10b, which extend on opposite sides of the traveling crane 5 and along the traveling crane 5. The suction devices 10a, 10b can be configured with an arrangement of suction openings, each of which can be controlled for opening and closing by an associated valve device by means of a valve control 30. With the aid of the valve control 30, the suction openings of the suction devices 10a, 10b can be opened or closed, for example, depending on the transverse position of the traveling unit 6 with the reversing device 7 in the treatment basin 1, so that, for example, suction openings are always opened that are adjacent to the traveling unit 6 in the respective position.In this way, the extraction device 10 can be efficiently controlled to extract locally occurring exhaust gases or exhaust air.

[0054] As can be seen from Fig.As shown in Figure 1, a covering device 40 extending from the overhead crane 5 to the material bed 4 is provided on the overhead crane 5. This covering device 40 can be made, for example, of a flexible material, in particular rubber slats. The covering device 40 can be formed on opposite sides of the overhead crane 5, so that a space between the overhead crane 5 and the material bed 4 is separated from the surroundings. On its upper or top side, this space is substantially enclosed by a further covering 41, which is arranged on the overhead crane 5 and extends over its surface (in plan view). The further covering 41 can be formed, at least partially, by the overhead crane 5 itself and / or by components or parts arranged on the overhead crane 5, insofar as these are designed to define or cover the space.With the aid of the extraction device 10, in this embodiment the exhaust gases / exhaust air in this room area can in particular be extracted.

[0055] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims and the drawing can be important for the realization of the various embodiments, both individually and in any combination.

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