Compost maturation system and / or provision of compost and / or carbonaceous materials

Abstract

A device (1) for maturing compost and / or making available compost and / or carbonaceous materials, comprising a tank (2) configured to contain compost obtained from the composting of said biodegradable waste and / or carbonaceous materials, the tank (2) comprising an enclosure (4), an internal space, a tank opening (8) providing access to the internal space, and a lid (6) configured to close the tank opening. The lid (6) of the tank (2) comprises a plurality of panels (10, 10a, 10b) movable between a closed position in which the lid closes the tank opening, and an open position in which the panels leave the tank opening open, the panels in the open position cooperating to form a funnel (12) for the opening of the tank (2). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Compost maturation device and / or compost and / or carbonaceous material distribution device. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of waste management, and more specifically to the collection of biodegradable waste and local composting. Technological background

[0002] In order to valorize biodegradable waste, composting of this biodegradable waste is increasingly being used. Biodegradable waste, or biowaste, consists of biodegradable materials that can be broken down by organisms such as bacteria, invertebrates, fungi, or earthworms. Examples of such biodegradable materials include garden waste made up of plant matter (grass clippings, branch trimmings, leaves, wilted flowers, etc.) or kitchen waste (peelings, food scraps, etc.), and even other compostable organic materials (carbonaceous materials, wilted bouquets, paper, cardboard, other cellulose waste).

[0003] Biodegradable materials are then transformed into compost during the composting process. Composting is a natural aerobic biological process that is known to degrade and convert the organic matter contained in waste into a stabilized, sanitized product, rich in humic and mineral compounds, and traditionally used as a soil amendment called compost. The carbon and water losses resulting from the composting process allow, within 4 to 6 months, the production of usable compost volumes and masses of approximately 30% of the original fresh biowaste volumes and masses. Under optimal conditions, this can be achieved in less than 3 months.

[0004] Composting therefore requires carrying out operations to ensure good composting conditions. For example, regular turning provides the oxygen necessary for aerating the compost while homogenizing it. It is also advantageous to balance the composition of the organic matter to be transformed into compost by adding supplements, such as carbonaceous and dry materials that can compensate for excess water and nitrogen in kitchen waste. These operations help to avoid significant problems such as the appearance of odors, the proliferation of flying insects, leaching, and poor compost quality. Furthermore, the compost bin must be emptied regularly.

[0005] Maturation of biodegradable materials means an advancement in the process of degradation and reorganization by composting of the organic matter contained in biodegradable waste, resulting in a dark, odorless, lumpy and stable compost.

[0006] For obvious reasons of cost and energy efficiency, it is preferable for biodegradable waste to be composted near the households that generate it, rather than collecting and transporting it to a distant industrial facility. Therefore, it is necessary for users who generate biowaste to have a composter near their home where composting can take place.

[0007] The simplest type of individual composter is a small-volume box (typically less than 400L) with a removable lid, designed to limit leaching of the compost by rain while maintaining some moisture during dry periods. Such individual composters are generally placed on permeable soil, allowing for the infiltration of leachate and the upwelling of soil fauna into the biowaste pile. These composters require regular and time-consuming turning. The turning and collection of the compost, which must also be carried out by the users themselves, hinders their use and can even lead to the complete abandonment of these individual composters.Furthermore, these simple composters are bulky and can be a source of unpleasant odors or visual disturbances, which generally means they require a sufficiently large space away from dwellings, as they are often placed at the back of gardens. These individual composters are therefore not suitable for urban use.

[0008] More advanced composters include, for example, vermicomposters, in which the presence of earthworms during the composting process (sometimes referred to as vermicomposting) completes the composting and reduces the odor of decomposing waste by digesting it, mixing the waste through their constant movement, and providing the oxygen necessary for aerating the compost. Currently known individual vermicomposters consist of a vertical stack of trays with perforated bottoms. The top tray receives fresh waste, the intermediate trays store older waste being decomposed by the earthworms, and the bottom trays store mature compost and the decomposition liquid (also called vermicompost).The user of the worm composter must therefore regularly carry out the following manual operations himself: emptying the juice (worm activity), removing the compost contained in the lower tray and repositioning the emptied tray at the top of the pile to receive new waste. fresh. Earthworms attracted by these fresh products migrate to the upper trays through the holes drilled in the bottom of each tray.

[0009] Individual worm composters have a volume of less than 100 liters, which, when placed outdoors on balconies, does not allow for the maintenance of a temperature sufficient for the worms to survive in winter. Furthermore, their operation is compromised during periods when household members are away, as the worms, deprived of food for a few weeks, eventually perish. Finally, installing these worm composters inside homes causes drawbacks such as the emergence of odors and fruit flies, as well as problems with space and aesthetics. In addition, many households generate biodegradable waste but have no use for worms or vermicompost, due to the lack of a garden in which to use it.

[0010] Shared composters, sized for several households, have therefore been developed for placement in public spaces. These large-capacity composters (over 400L) offer several advantages. The variety of biowaste types and the increased frequency of additions result in better composting. Composter maintenance can also be shared.

[0011] However, the shared use of the composter and its provision in public space entails significant constraints.To meet these constraints, patent application FR3123353 describes a composter or container for supplying biodegradable materials to be composted, intended for local collection and composting, comprising a tank configured to receive biodegradable waste and contain compost, the tank being covered with a lid having at least one supply access allowing the introduction of biodegradable waste into the tank, the composter includes a reservoir storing a reserve of shredded material, a dispenser supplied with shredded material from the reservoir, an access controller controlling the accessibility of the supply access and movable by an action of the user from outside the composter to make the supply access accessible when introducing biodegradable waste into the tank, a mechanical actuator connected to the dispenser and operable by a user to cause the discharge of the shredded material ration from the dispenser.

[0012] However, it is necessary to regularly empty the contents of the composter so that users can continue to add their biodegradable waste, even though obtaining mature compost from biodegradable waste requires a fairly long period of time. Such emptying represents a significant operation for the composter.

[0013] Similarly, the supply of carbonaceous materials to composters located in urban areas also requires demanding handling and logistics. Presentation of the invention

[0014] The invention therefore aims both to free up the receiving capacity of a biodegradable material supply container by easily moving said biodegradable materials from the supply container to a second device in order to allow their maturation and to easily distribute carbonaceous materials to users of composters.

[0015] To this end, the invention relates to a device for maturing compost and / or making available compost and carbonaceous material, comprising a tank configured to contain compost from the composting of said biodegradable materials and / or carbonaceous materials, for example from sites where prunings and branches are shredded, the tank comprising an enclosure, an internal space, a tank opening giving access to the internal space, and a lid configured to close the tank opening,

[0016] characterized in that the tank cover comprises a plurality of movable panels between a closed position in which the cover closes the tank opening of the tank, and an open position in which the panels leave the tank opening open, the panels in the open position cooperating to form a funnel for the tank opening of the tank.

[0017] The invention is advantageously complemented by the following various features taken alone or according to their various possible combinations - the panels in the open position extend outside the tank beyond a vertical line of the tank walls;

[0018] - the device may include at least one lower opening hatch to allow the distribution of compost or carbon-based materials,

[0019] - the device may include a bottom hatch closing the bottom of the tank, and a gripping device protruding from the tank lid when the panels are in the closed position, the gripping device being configured to allow the tank to be lifted and the bottom hatch to be opened by the actuation of a control device;

[0020] - at least one panel includes a notch providing a passage for the gripping mechanism in the closed position;

[0021] - the funnel formed by the panels in the open position defines an opening funnel with a surface area at least 10% greater than the surface area of ​​the tank opening, and preferably at least 25% greater;

[0022] - the panels comprise main panels and secondary panels, each secondary panel resting on at least one main panel in the open position;

[0023] - a secondary panel is pivotable on a main panel;

[0024] - at least one panel at least partially covers another panel in position closing;

[0025] - at least one panel at least partially covers another panel in position opening;

[0026] - at least one access hatch in the upper part for checking proper ripening compost. Presentation of the figures

[0027] Other features, objectives and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings on which:

[0028] [Fig.1] shows an overview of a maturation and / or supply device with a lid in the closed position, according to one possible embodiment of the invention;

[0029] [Fig.2] shows an overview of a maturation and / or provisioning device with a lid in the open position, according to one possible embodiment of the invention;

[0030] [Fig.3] shows a cross-sectional view of a maturation and / or dispensing device with a lid in the open position, according to one possible embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 illustrate two other possible embodiments, one for the provision of carbonaceous materials, the other for the provision and maturation of compost. Detailed description

[0032] With reference to the accompanying figures, the device 1 shown is a compost maturation device resulting from the aerobic biological degradation of biodegradable waste. It provides compost and / or carbonaceous materials. It comprises a tank 2 configured to receive carbonaceous materials or a mixture of biodegradable materials consisting of fresh or pre-composted kitchen and table waste and carbonaceous materials for the purpose of transforming them into compost. Tank 2 has a storage capacity greater than 250 L, and preferably greater than 500 L, and even more preferably greater than 1000 L. Tank 2 includes an enclosure 4 made of a non-corrodible or non-putrescible material, such as, for example, fiberglass, concrete, plastic, metal, or treated wood. The enclosure 4 of tank 2 defines an internal space comprising the storage space configured to store biodegradable and carbonaceous materials.

[0033] Typically, as in the example shown, the enclosure 4 has the shape of a cube open at the top. Other shapes can be chosen, such as, for example, a cylinder open at the top. Preferably, vents are present on the enclosure 4 to allow aeration of the compost. In contrast, the bottom of the tank 2 is either watertight, so that the compost leachate does not escape from the tank 2 when the device 1 is positioned on an impermeable surface, or non-watertight, so that the compost leachate can infiltrate the soil when the device 1 is positioned on a permeable surface. A tank opening 8 provides access to the internal space, and a lid 6 configured to close the tank opening 8 covers the upper part of the tank 2, above the enclosure 4.

[0034] The enclosure 4 may include at least one access hatch 4a allowing access to the internal space from the outside. The access hatch 4a thus allows an operator to check the quality of the carbonaceous material or the progress of the compost's maturation, to determine the level or volume of carbonaceous material or compost in the device 1, or to perform an operation on the compost, such as turning the compost with a tool passing through the access hatch 4a, taking measurements such as pH measurements, or adding an input to the compost such as bioburden, nutrients, or earthworms. The access hatch 4a may, for example, be formed of removable side panels as in the illustrated example, or of any other type of opening allowing the aforementioned operations to be carried out.

[0035] The cover 6 of the tank 2 comprises a plurality of movable panels 10 between a closed position in which the cover 6 closes the tank opening 8 of the tank 2, and an open position in which the panels 10 leave the tank opening 8 open and extend outwards beyond a vertical of the enclosure 4 of the tank 2, the panels in the open position cooperating to form a funnel 12 for the tank opening 8.

[0036] Preferably, the funnel 12 formed by the panels 10 in the open position defines a funnel opening 14 with an area at least 10% greater than an area of ​​the tank opening 8, and preferably at least 25% greater than the area of ​​the tank opening 8. These areas correspond to areas in planes perpendicular to the vertical.

[0037] The tank 2 includes blockers configured to block at least some panels 10 in the open position, in a configuration where the panels form an angle with respect to the vertical in an upward direction. Preferably, this angle is between 25° and 65°, and preferably between 35° and 55°, and is, for example, 45°. towards the outside of tank 2. A stopper can be attached only to the enclosure 4 of tank 2, and a panel 10 comes into contact with the stopper in the open position to be held in place. For example, a stopper can be a protruding element acting as a stop, such as a screw. Alternatively, a stopper can be attached to both the enclosure 4 and the panel 10 that the stopper is configured to hold in the open position. For example, a stopper can be a cable connecting the enclosure 4 to the panel 10 and which is tensioned when the panel 10 is opened, or a cable connecting two panels 10. A stopper can also be a pin or simply be part of the enclosure 4. Several types of stoppers can be used, either in combination or separately.

[0038] Preferably, the panels 10 comprise main panels 10a and secondary panels 10b, each secondary panel 10b bearing on at least one main panel 10a in the open position. Typically, at least the main panels 10a are equipped with a locking device to prevent them from being held in the open position. Since the secondary panels 10b bear on the main panels 10a, the secondary panels 10b may not be held in position by locking devices.

[0039] Figure 2 shows an example of the arrangement of the panels 10 forming the lid 6. In this example, the enclosure 4 has a rectangular cross-section and therefore four sides. A main panel 10a is hinged to the top of each side. Each main panel 10a with a secondary panel 10b is adjacent to a main panel 10a without a secondary panel 10b. Two main panels 10a located on opposite sides each carry two hinged secondary panels 10b. These hinges extend along the edges of the main panel 10a and support a secondary panel 10b on the inner side of the main panel 10a that faces the internal space of the tank 4 in the closed position. In the open position, a secondary panel 10b extends from the main panel 10a that supports it to the adjacent main panel 10a against which said secondary panel rests.Thus, by traversing the funnel formed, we find an alternation of a main panel 10a followed by a secondary panel 10b.

[0040] Figure 3 shows another example of the arrangement of the panels 10 forming the lid 6, in which, although each secondary panel 10b is still supported by a main panel 10a, for example by a hinge, it now rests in the open position on another secondary panel 10b, which is typically locked in the open position. Thus, in the funnel formed, two secondary panels 10b are adjacent.

[0041] In all cases, in the open position, at least one panel 10 at least partially overlaps another panel 10, so as to improve the sealing of the funnel 12 during the pouring of a mixture of fresh or pre-composted biodegradable materials. Thus, when the lid 6 is opened, the main panels 10a are deployed into the open position, then the secondary panels 10b block the spaces between the main panels 10a to form the funnel 12.

[0042] In the closed position, as illustrated in [Fig.1], the panels 10 close the tank opening 8. At least one panel 10 at least partially covers another panel 10, so that the panels 10 in the closed position form a cover preventing rainwater from entering the tank 2. Typically, the secondary panels 10b are covered by the main panels 10a, so that only the outer face of the cover 6 of the tank 2 is then more than 80% formed by the main panels 10a.

[0043] The device 1 includes at least one bottom hatch 20 closing the bottom of the tank 2, typically in two parts supported by hinges on opposite sides of the enclosure 4, and a two-part bottom hatch 20 limiting the clearance required to open the bottom hatch 20. The device 1 includes a gripping member 22 configured to allow the tank 2 to be lifted and the bottom hatch 20 to be opened by actuating a control member, preferably located on this gripping member 22. The device 1 is thus also advantageous in that it can be handled in a manner similar to that found in public containers, such as glass recycling containers. Thus, when it is desired to empty the compost contained in tank 2, it is possible to grasp the gripping device 22 by means of the arm of a crane truck or a simple hoist.Device 1 can then be lifted and moved over a collection bin. The opening control mechanism is then activated, typically by the arm of the crane truck, causing the bottom hatch 20 to open.

[0044] Other variations are of course possible. In particular, it is possible to provide a single bottom hatch hinged on one side by hinges. The control element is mounted on the bottom hatch. The control element is hinged to the bottom hatch itself and can be operated by a simple hook.

[0045] In device 1, juice may seep from the compost. To prevent this juice from escaping from tank 2, the bottom hatch 20 may include a juice storage area covered by a perforated wall 24 connecting said juice storage area to the interior of tank 2. The perforated wall 24 allows the compost to drain into the juice storage area. The juice storage area may be equipped with a juice drainage channel, for example, a pumping port. This allows the operator of the composter 1 to periodically drain the juice. stored in the storage space, and in particular before emptying tank 2 as described above.

[0046] In another also possible variant, device 1 does not have such a double bottom.

[0047] The gripping member 22 protrudes from the lid 6 of the tank 2 when the panels 10 are in the closed position, as shown in [Fig. 1], from the internal space to the outside of the tank 2. In order to allow this gripping member 22 to protrude from the lid 6, at least one panel 10 of the lid 6 may include a notch 26 providing a passage for the gripping member 22 in the closed position. Typically, at least one main panel 10a is provided with such a notch 26, as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. It is also possible to shape the panels 10 so that, in the closed position, they leave a passage for the gripping member 22.

[0048] In use, the device 1 is placed on the ground with its bottom hatch 20 closed. When the lid 6 is closed, an internal space is defined. The panels 10 can be moved to the open position by any means, but are typically moved manually. An operator can grasp a panel 10, for example with a movable handle or by pulling on a cable, and rotate the panel 10 to the open position. Once all the panels 10 are in the open position, and the funnel 12 is formed, the tank opening 8 provides access to the internal space. It is then possible to bring a container of dry or fresh or pre-composted biodegradable material, which the operator wishes to mature, into the device 1 above the tank opening 8, and to empty it into the tank 2 through the tank opening 8.The presence of the funnel 12 greatly facilitates this handling, limiting the risk of spillage of dry or biodegradable materials outside of the tank 2. Thus, whether due to an imprecise positioning of the container of dry or biodegradable materials above the opening of the tank 8, or the inevitable dispersion of dry or biodegradable materials during their pouring, the funnel 12 makes it possible to bring back towards the opening of the tank 8 the dry or biodegradable materials whose trajectory would end beyond a vertical line of the walls of the tank 2. It is thus avoided both the loss of dry or biodegradable materials and the soiling of the surroundings of the device 1.

[0049] It may be desirable to take advantage of the transfer of biodegradable materials from one container to another to mix and aerate the pre-compost. The presence of the gripping device 22 through the tank opening 8 forms an obstacle to the flow of pre-compost, which introduces turbulence into this flow and allows for some mixing. Alternatively, or even more if more mixing is desired Importantly, deflectors can be installed in tank 2, opposite or at the level of tank 8. The deflectors are designed to cause flow deviations during the pouring of biodegradable materials, improving mixing.

[0050] Once the dry or biodegradable materials have been placed in the tank 2, the lid 6 is closed by rotating the panels 10 into their closed position. The biodegradable materials can then undergo maturation, transforming them into usable and distributable compost. As for the dry materials, they are then ready for distribution.

[0051] Advantageously, a device 1 as described can be combined with a container for biodegradable compostable materials. The device 1 and the container for biodegradable compostable materials can be placed in close proximity to each other, typically less than 10 meters apart, and preferably less than 5 meters apart. The container for biodegradable compostable materials receives biodegradable waste from users, and when it is sufficiently full, an operator can empty the device 1 from the bottom and, by a similar procedure, refill the device 1 from the top with the contents of the container for biodegradable compostable materials. Thus, thanks to the combination, composting can be completed, and users can continue to deposit biodegradable waste into the container for biodegradable compostable materials.

[0052] The opening hatch(es) provided on the bottom of the side faces also allow the easy distribution of mature compost or carbonaceous materials directly on the site where the device is installed.

[0053] Two embodiments in this sense are illustrated in figures 4 and 5. These devices each comprise tilting panels 10, which close the opening of the tank, and a gripping member 22.

[0054] The device in [Fig.4] can typically be used for making carbonaceous materials (dry materials) available in the city.

[0055] It includes, in its lower part, a hinged hatch 30 for distributing dry materials. This is connected to a bottom deflector 31 which directs the materials towards the hatch 30 to make them accessible when the latter is open.

[0056] A handle mounted on this hatch allows a user to easily manipulate its opening.

[0057] The gripping member allows the device to be hooked by means of a hook to move it from one place to another.

[0058] The device in [Fig. 5] ensures both the maturation and distribution of the compost. It includes a hatch 41 for the local distribution of the mature compost. This hatch 41 is hinged.

[0059] The device conforming to this embodiment also includes an access hatch 40a in the upper part of the device. This hatch is also hinged. It is located on the same side of the device as the lower access hatch 4L. It allows the operator to check the proper progress of the maturation of the compost in the upper part of the device.

[0060] A bottom hatch 20 allows the collection of compost; this bottom hatch is opened by actuating the gripping member 22 and an associated opening control mechanism. This gripping member 22 is also used to lift the device and to move the device from one place to another.

[0061] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying figures. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the constitution of the various technical features or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A device (1) for maturing compost and / or making available compost and / or carbonaceous materials, comprising a tank (2) configured to contain compost from the composting of said biodegradable waste and / or carbonaceous materials, the tank (2) comprising an enclosure (4), an internal space, a tank opening (8) giving access to the internal space, and a lid (6) configured to close the tank opening, characterized in that the lid (6) of the tank (2) comprises a plurality of panels (10, 10a, 10b) movable between a closed position in which the lid closes the tank opening, and an open position in which the panels leave the tank opening open, the panels in the open position cooperating to form a funnel (12) for the tank opening of the tank.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the panels (10) in the open position extend outside the tank (2) beyond a vertical line from the walls of the tank (2).

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one lower opening hatch to allow the distribution of compost or carbonaceous materials.

4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one bottom hatch (20) closing the bottom of the tank (2), and a gripping member (22) projecting from the cover (6) of the tank (2) when the panels (10) are in the closed position, the gripping member (22) being configured to allow the tank to be lifted and the bottom hatch to be opened by the actuation of a control member.

5. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one panel (10a) includes a notch providing a passage for the gripping member (22) in the closed position.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the funnel (12) formed by the panels in the open position defines a funnel opening with an area at least 10% greater than an area of ​​the tank opening, and preferably at least 25% greater.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panels (10) comprise main panels (10a) and secondary panels (10b), each secondary panel bearing against at least one main panel in the open position.

8. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein a secondary panel (10b) is pivotable on a main panel (10a).

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one panel at least partially covers another panel in the closed position and / or in the open position.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one access hatch in the upper part for checking the proper maturation of the compost.

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