Method and apparatus for composting organic matter

Abstract

A method and apparatus for composting organic matter, such as dead bodies, using a composting vessel is provided. [Solution] Before and / or during storage of the composting vessel (10) for a predetermined composting period, a predetermined amount of liquid and / or oxygen is filled into the composting vessel (10), and / or during storage, the composting vessel (10) is rotated at least once about a rotation axis (D) that is non-parallel to the effective direction of a weight force (G) acting on the composting vessel (10), and / or during storage, the contents of the composting vessel (10) are maintained within a predetermined temperature range for the predetermined composting period by at least one heating element.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The proposed solution relates to a method and apparatus for composting organic matter. [Background technology]

[0002] Organic matter is to be understood in particular as the remains of (animals) or of (humans). Traditionally, the dead body is usually cremated, for example by cremation, and buried in a tub. There is also the option of burial, where the body is lowered into a grave in the ground. Depending on the conditions in the ground, the decomposition process can take 20 to 30 years in a conventional burial, and up to 50 years in some areas with a rich loam content in the ground.

[0003] An alternative, environmentally friendly burial option is already known: the composting option is offered by P. OrganicAB, which offers a burial method called Promessa®, in which the body is immersed in liquid nitrogen and quickly processed by vibration into a coarse powder for additional post-processing steps before being buried in a compostable coffin.

[0004] Recompose (USA) also offers a method for composting organic matter. In this method, the corpse is placed together with the compostable substrate in a fixed honeycomb-shaped composting chamber. After the composting period, the compost is removed from the chamber and used as a humus mixture for plant cultivation. However, in this case, the method proposed by Recompose requires the corpse to be placed manually together with the substrate in the honeycomb-shaped composting chamber, which means that the placement of the corpse is relatively laborious during the burial process. Moreover, the implementation of Recompose seems to limit the scope for controlling and optimizing the composting process. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Against this background, the proposed solution aims to provide an improved method and an improved device for composting organic matter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In this case, the proposed method for composting organic matter includes at least the following steps: -The process of preparing a composting bin for organic matter to be composted; - introducing the organic matter to be composted and a predetermined amount of composting substrate containing plant remains into the composting vessel; - storing the composting vessel together with the organic matter to be composted and the composting substrate for a predetermined composting period; and - After the predetermined composting period, the contents of the composting vessel resulting from the organic matter and the composting substrate (i.e., the first composting mixture) are post-treated to produce a compostable mixture suitable for plant cultivation.

[0007] And, in the context of the proposed method, it is further proposed that: - a predetermined amount of liquid and / or oxygen is charged into the composting bin before and / or during said storage of the composting bin, respectively; and / or During said storage, the composting vessel is rotated at least once about an axis of rotation that is non-parallel to the effective direction of the gravitational force acting on the composting vessel.

[0008] The basic concept of the proposed solution is thus to provide a composting vessel, to store the composting substrate containing organic matter and plant remains in it for a defined composting period, and to cause the composting process (hereinafter also called primary decomposition) by filling the vessel with a certain amount of liquid and / or oxygen and / or by rotating the vessel as a whole around its axis. Each of these methods, and especially both, can have a beneficial effect on the composting result, especially in the case of organic matter, so that composting occurs over the full extent of the organic matter already in less than 40 days, making it possible to easily refine the contents that can be removed from the vessel without much mechanical post-treatment to produce a humus mixture suitable for plant cultivation.

[0009] Here, the introduction of organic matter and composting substrate can in principle be carried out successively, in particular stepwise. For example, the option is to introduce a partial amount (a part) of composting substrate into the composting vessel first, then place the organic matter to be composted (i.e. for example dead bodies, carcasses, etc.) on the partial amount of composting substrate previously introduced into the composting vessel, and then introduce a further partial amount of composting substrate into the composting vessel. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to introduce each component separately before or after the introduction of the organic matter to be composted into the composting vessel. That is, for example, it is possible to introduce only a type of plant waste or a mixture of plant waste into the composting vessel first, and then introduce organic matter and / or further components of the composting substrate into the composting vessel. In principle, the reason for adding a partial amount of composting substrate after the introduction of organic matter can be to at least partially or completely cover the organic matter previously introduced into the composting vessel with the composting substrate.

[0010] In principle, storage of the composting bin during the defined composting period can take place in such a way that no additional organic matter is added to the composting bin, so that the composting bin is closed during the defined composting period and cannot be accessed from the outside except in emergency cases (e.g. when the equipment provided for composting may be broken down). As a result, a particularly peaceful post-mortem period can be achieved.

[0011] The composting substrate used may contain, in addition to plant remains of a given composition, for example biochar and / or rock dust and / or powdered clay, where biochar may in particular play a role in odor binding.Further components of the composting substrate include those selected for their sufficiently high absorbency, which are relatively dry.

[0012] In addition to the addition of a certain amount of liquid and / or oxygen provided before and / or during storage of the composting vessel, which improves the progress of the composting process in terms of biological parameters, it has also proven advantageous in terms of the progress of the composting process to rotate the composting vessel about an axis of rotation non-parallel to the effective direction of the weight force, in particular in that it effectively prevents the settling of the organic matter and / or the aggregation of the organic matter or some of the organic matter. An axis of rotation non-parallel to the effective direction of the weight force can be understood here to mean, for example, an axis of rotation that does not run vertically but rather obliquely, i.e. inclined or obliquely to the vertical, in particular at an angle of 90° to the vertical, and therefore in the horizontal direction.

[0013] The liquid added prior to and / or during storage in the composting bin may, for example, contain water, in particular the liquid may consist mostly or entirely of water.

[0014] In either case, the amount of liquid provided prior to the composting process may be many times greater, by weight, than the weight of the organic matter to be composted. For example, the amount of liquid provided prior to the composting vessel being moved may be 2.5 to 3.5 times greater than the weight of the organic matter, or more. In contrast, the amount of liquid provided during the composting process may be less, by weight, than the weight of the organic matter initially charged to the composting vessel.

[0015] In one example of the proposed method aimed at automating the composting process, at least the amount of liquid and / or oxygen to be filled into the composting vessel during the storage can be filled into the composting vessel at at least one time point that can be predefined by electronic control means. In particular, the amount of liquid and / or oxygen to be filled into the composting vessel during the storage can be filled from at least one inlet connection of the composting vessel, in particular automatically (i.e. without the need for user intervention to fill) or by user action. In particular, at least one first inlet connection can be provided for the liquid and at least one second inlet connection can be provided for the oxygen.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the amount of liquid and / or oxygen to be filled and / or the amount of composting substrate to be introduced can be automatically predetermined by the control electronic means depending on the detected weight and / or size of the organic matter, whereby the detection of the weight and / or size of the organic matter can take place, for example, by measurement or via a user input, i.e. it is possible, for example, to weigh the organic matter or to measure its length, in particular its body length. The amount of liquid and / or oxygen to be filled and / or the amount of composting substrate to be introduced before and / or during storage of the composting vessel is then predetermined by the control electronic means from currently existing weight and / or size information, thus, for example, from the Body Mass Index (BMI for short).

[0017] The liquid and / or composting substrate may then be filled or added manually in amounts predetermined by the controlling electronic means, or the liquid and / or composting substrate may be filled automatically.

[0018] In one example, the amount of at least one component of the composting substrate to be loaded is predetermined, e.g., electronically, depending on the detected weight and / or size of the organic matter, i.e., the device used to compost the organic matter may algorithmically determine which component of a particular composting substrate and in what amount to load the composting vessel depending on the weight and / or size of the organic matter to be composted.

[0019] In one possible refinement, the device can automatically load predetermined amounts of one or more components of the composting substrate electronically, i.e. the device automatically loads the composting bin with corresponding amounts depending on the weight and / or size of the organic matter from the reservoir of the device.

[0020] The rotation of the composting vessel may be performed, for example, at an angle within the range of 340° to 380°. When the composting vessel is rotated once or at least approximately once around a given rotation axis in this way, undesirable settling and / or undesirable aggregation of organic matter during the composting process can be effectively eliminated. Alternatively or additionally, the composting vessel may be rotated at least once at each of at least two different points in time. It is also conceivable that the composting vessel is first rotated in one direction around the rotation axis, for example, and then (immediately) rotated in the opposite direction around the same rotation axis. The angle in this case may be, for example, within +170° and -170°.

[0021] The at least one rotation can in principle be performed by external power actuation, i.e. at least one drive motor of the (composting) device with the composting bin is provided for this purpose. The drive motor can then be entirely accommodated, for example, in the double floor of the composting bin. However, the drive motor can also be part of the composting bin carrier frame on the device side, in particular on the installation device, i.e. not strictly on the composting bin itself.

[0022] The time of said at least one rotation can be predetermined by the control electronic means of such a device. One or more times during the storage of the composting vessel can then be set deterministically, for example by performing the rotation according to a fixed stored schedule (i.e. an organic matter-independent schedule or a variably predefined schedule depending on the organic matter to be composted), with the corresponding schedule then being fixed, for example, at the start of the storage of the composting vessel. As a variant, the at least one rotation can also be performed at at least one time during the storage depending on at least one measured value detected, in particular depending on at least one measured value detected by a sensor during the storage.

[0023] In the latter case, the time of the at least one rotation is then predetermined, for example, depending on at least one measurement value obtained by a sensor, which is representative of the (current) state in the composting vessel, in particular the current composting state. For this purpose, the device comprising the composting vessel comprises at least one sensor in the composting vessel and / or sensor means interacting with the composting vessel, which detects (directly or indirectly) at least one measurement value, which allows a conclusion regarding the composting state, i.e. the at least one measurement value is a determining factor for whether and when a rotation of the composting vessel is performed. For example, the temperature and / or the moisture and / or the gas composition in the composting vessel can be detected and evaluated for this purpose.

[0024] Furthermore, it has been found to be advantageous in the composting process of organic matter to maintain the temperature in the composting vessel at a certain level. This, in particular in combination with a defined addition of liquid and / or oxygen and / or a defined rotation of the composting vessel, allows for a very effective composting. Thus, during storage, the contents of the composting vessel are kept within a defined temperature range, for example by at least one heating element, which may be provided in the composting vessel itself, in particular integrated therewith, and which may be electrically controllable, for example depending on at least one measurement value obtained by a sensor, which represents the current composting state in the composting vessel. The interior of the composting vessel is maintained within a defined temperature range, for example by at least one heating element, in the range of 55°C to 65°C, in particular 58°C to 62°C. If several composting vessels are stored at the same time, a separate heating element may be provided for each composting vessel.

[0025] Here, the provision of at least one heating element, in particular a heating element provided in the composting vessel itself, to maintain the temperature at a predetermined level is advantageous regardless of whether or not liquid is being filled and / or whether or not the composting vessel is being rotated.

[0026] In principle, the composting period (or even the composting duration) may be predetermined depending on at least one measurement value obtained by a sensor, which represents the conditions in the composting vessel, in particular the current composting state in the composting vessel, so that it is possible to control, for example based on gas chromatographic measurements, whether the organic matter currently to be composted has reached the composting period or not, and also whether, for example, an initially predetermined standard composting period should be shortened or extended.

[0027] The post-treatment of the contents of the composting vessel after the composting period may include, for example, sieving the contents and / or crushing bone fragments remaining in the contents of the composting vessel from the organic matter initially charged. Thus, for example, the bone fragments sieved during the sieving of the contents of the composting vessel (i.e. the first composting mixture resulting in the composting vessel after the composting period) may also be fed to a bone crusher. The resulting bone meal may be mixed with the sieved contents of the composting vessel to produce a humus mixture suitable for plant cultivation.

[0028] The composting vessel may, for example, be mounted and stored on a carrier frame of the (composting) apparatus. The composting vessel may, for example, be rotatably mounted via a corresponding carrier frame and / or connected with: (a) corresponding liquid connections; and / or (b) at least one power or signal line; and / or (c) sensor means for detecting measurements representative of conditions inside the composting vessel.

[0029] In one example scenario of the proposed method, after the composting period has elapsed, the composting vessel is removed from the carrier frame and fixed to a carrier of a post-treatment station, which is adjustably, in particular tiltably, mounted on the carrier to remove the contents of the composting vessel from the composting vessel, i.e. in a post-treatment station where the composting vessel is for example tilted so that the composted contents of the composting vessel fall and can be fed to further post-treatment steps, such as sieving and / or crushing.

[0030] A further aspect of the proposed solution relates to the provision of an apparatus for composting organic matter, the apparatus proposed here comprising at least: - a composting vessel with a predetermined amount of composting substrate containing the organic matter and plant remains to be composted; and - A timer that specifies a composting period, which is the period during which the composting vessel containing the organic matter to be composted and the composting substrate is stored (optionally while preventing the addition of additional organic matter to the composting vessel) before the first composting mixture in the composting vessel resulting from the organic matter and the composting substrate is post-treated to produce a composted mixture suitable for plant cultivation.

[0031] The proposed (composting) device is further characterized by: - the composting vessel is provided with at least one inlet allowing a predetermined amount of liquid and / or oxygen to be charged into the composting vessel before and / or during said storage of the composting vessel; and / or - the device comprises a carrier frame for the composting bin, the composting bin being mounted on the frame so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation that is non-parallel to the effective direction of the weight force acting on the composting bin; and / or the device comprises at least one heating element capable of maintaining the contents of the composting vessel within a predetermined temperature range during storage;

[0032] That is, the proposed apparatus is particularly suitable for carrying out the examples of the proposed (composting) methods, and therefore the features and advantages of the above and below mentioned examples of the proposed methods also apply to the respective examples of the proposed apparatus and vice versa.

[0033] Thus, an example of the proposed device may for example comprise control electronic means, said control electronic means being arranged to: - specifying (to said timer) at least one time during said storage to fill said composting bin with a certain amount of liquid and / or oxygen; and / or - controlling the filling of the composting vessel with the liquid and / or the oxygen during storage from at least one externally powerable inlet element of an inlet line of the device connected to said control electronic means; It is composed.

[0034] That is to say, part of the device are control electronic means, which can command, for example, how much liquid and / or oxygen to fill the composting vessel and when. Alternatively or additionally, the control electronic means can be such that the filling of liquid and / or oxygen is automatic, and for this purpose can actuate, for example, inlet elements, such as flow control valves, for introducing liquid and / or oxygen into the composting vessel at at least one specific time. Here, the inlet element for filling the composting vessel with oxygen can be, in particular, part of, an electronically controllable ventilation system of the device.

[0035] The composting vessel can be rotatable on the carrier frame of the device around the axis of rotation within an angle range of 340°-380° or around the axis of rotation within an angle of up to 170° in one direction and up to 170° in the opposite direction. For said rotation, the device comprises, for example, at least one drive motor, in particular a stepper motor, which can be actuated by an external force to rotate the composting vessel on the carrier frame. The time point of at least one rotation can be predetermined by control electronic means connected to the drive. As already mentioned above, the one or more times of said rotation can be deterministically set or variably specified, for example depending on the measured values ​​detected, in particular by a sensor during storage.

[0036] For example, the device comprises at least one sensor capable of detecting at least one measured value representative of the (current) state in the composting vessel, in particular the current composting state, i.e. the control electronic means of the device are able to use at least one or more measured values ​​of the at least one sensor to: - charging said liquid and / or said oxygen into said composting vessel; and / or - Rotating the composting vessel on the carrier frame; and / or - said at least one heating element and / or said temperature range of said heating element; and / or - the composting period predetermined by the timer; (based on the at least one detected measurement).

[0037] For example, in this case, the control electronic means may, based on the machine learned control parameters: - charging said liquid and / or said oxygen into said composting vessel; and / or - Rotating the composting vessel on the carrier frame; and / or - said at least one heating element and / or said temperature range of said heating element; and / or - the composting period predetermined by the timer; The device is configured to control

[0038] That is, for example, from a large number of composting processes that have been carried out and the sensor data detected therein, the machine can learn which time of filling with liquid and / or oxygen and / or which rotation of the composting vessel and / or which increase or decrease in temperature in the composting vessel and / or which shortening or lengthening of the composting period are decisive factors in achieving a certain composting result. In this case, measurement data from temperature and / or humidity sensors and / or gas chromatographs in the large number of composting processes that have been carried out with the composting vessel can be used and / or can be included in the measurement data regarding the composting processes that have been carried out with the large number of composting vessels.

[0039] In one example, the device comprises a housing for the carrier frame, which defines a receiving space surrounding the periphery of the composting bin, which is rotatably mounted on the carrier frame, where the composting bin, which may hereinafter also be called a "cocoon", is individually housed, for example in an aesthetically pleasing housing in which the carrier frame is mounted, in which the composting bin can rotate and is protected from view from the outside.

[0040] The housing may comprise at least one closure element which is mounted so as to be adjustable between an open position and a closed position, in particular so as to be pivotally mounted. In its open position, the closure element opens an access opening in the housing which allows the composting vessel to be adjusted in the receiving space and to be rotatably attached to the carrier frame. In the closed position of the closure element, the access opening is closed, in particular so as to be opaquely closed. After the composting period, the composting vessel can be optionally removed from the receiving space via the access opening which has become accessible by opening the closure element. As a variant, an additional removal opening may be provided elsewhere in the housing.

[0041] In an alternative refinement, the device comprises a bearing unit with a plurality of (at least two) bearing points, each bearing point comprising a carrier frame on which a composting bin is rotatably mounted. As a result, the bearing unit can accommodate a plurality of composting bins, whereas the above-mentioned housing is provided, for example, configured to accommodate only one composting bin. Here, the bearing points can in particular be honeycomb-shaped. In the front of the bearing unit, access openings can be provided through which the individual bearing points can be accessed in order to accommodate the composting bins. Naturally, the bearing unit can also have an aesthetically pleasing housing that protects the bearing points of the composting bin. Such a housing can consist, for example, of a wood panel.

[0042] In one example, regardless of the mounting style of the composting bin during storage, it has a space in a wall or in a floor element below the composting bin in which at least one electronic component and / or said at least one heating element can be housed, i.e. the composting bin incorporates at least part of the sensor system and / or control electronics within said space.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, a part of the control electronic means, in particular a major part of the control electronic means for (a) controlling the filling of the composting bin with liquid, and / or (b) rotating the composting bin, and / or (c) heating the composting bin, and / or (d) ventilating or aerating the composting bin, may be provided outside the composting bin. In particular, for this purpose, the composting bin may have at least one port for electrical connection with a higher-level electronic control means of the device. Then, for example, the transmission of control signals and / or the connection to a power supply may take place via corresponding electrical connections. For example, such a port may be plug-connected to a bearing point of the carrier frame and / or the bearing unit.

[0044] Further devices of the proposed invention include: - a composting vessel with a predetermined amount of composting substrate containing organic matter and plant remains to be composted; and a timer that specifies a composting period, which is a period of time during which the composting vessel containing the organic matter to be composted and the composting substrate is stored before the first composting mixture in the composting vessel resulting from the organic matter and the composting substrate is post-treated to produce a compostable mixture suitable for plant cultivation; and, in addition: - the composting vessel is provided with at least one inlet allowing a predetermined amount of liquid and / or oxygen to be charged into the composting vessel before and / or during said storage of the composting vessel; and / or - the device comprises a carrier frame for the composting bin, the composting bin being capable of being attached to said frame; and / or the device comprises at least one heating element capable of maintaining the contents of the composting vessel within a predetermined temperature range during storage; It is characterized by:

[0045] For example, in one embodiment of the proposed device, the composting vessel is mounted on the carrier frame so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation that is not parallel to the effective direction of the weight force acting on the composting vessel, the carrier frame being provided with bearing rollers on which the composting vessel is mounted. In this connection, the composting vessel can have, at least in a portion along the axis of rotation, a circular outer peripheral area on the outside, which area interacts with the bearing rollers. That is to say, the at least one circular outer peripheral area allows the composting vessel to rotate about its axis of rotation on the bearing rollers of the carrier frame. In this case, the at least one circular outer peripheral area can be formed by a portion of the outer surface of the composting vessel itself. Alternatively, the at least one circular outer peripheral area can consist of an annular or ring-shaped (bearing) element that extends circumferentially around the composting vessel and whose center point and axis of rotation coincide with the axis of rotation of the composting vessel. The annular or ring-shaped element may be configured as a separate element fastened at least non-rotatably to the composting vessel.

[0046] Alternatively, the composting bin may be non-rotatably mounted on the carrier frame.

[0047] Regardless of whether the composting vessel is rotatably or non-rotatably mounted on the carrier frame, the device may comprise a drive device which is actuated by an external force to rotate the composting vessel. The drive device may for example consist of at least one drive motor, in particular a stepper motor, which can be actuated by an external force to rotate the composting vessel. The time point of the at least one rotation may be predetermined by control electronic means connected to the drive device. As already mentioned above, the time point or times of the rotation may be deterministically set or variably specified, for example depending on detected measured values, in particular measured values ​​detected by a sensor during storage, which are representative of the state of the contents of the composting vessel.

[0048] In the case of a rotatably mounted composting vessel on the carrier frame, it is conceivable that the drive drives the composting vessel rotatably mounted on the carrier frame's bearing rollers. The drive can, for example, be located on the carrier frame and drivingly connected to the composting vessel rotatably mounted on the carrier frame. It is also possible for the drive to be mobile and to be (automatically) brought close to the composting vessel when the composting vessel is rotated, so that the drive is drivingly connected to the composting vessel and rotates the composting vessel. In this case, the composting vessel can be rotatably mounted on the carrier frame while being drivingly connected to the drive. For example, this driving connection can consist of a magnetic connection. In the case of a non-rotatably mounted composting vessel on the carrier frame, it is conceivable that the drive drives the composting vessel when it is not mounted on the carrier frame. In this example, the device may further comprise a transport means arranged to move the composting bin relative to the carrier frame between a first position, in which the composting bin is intentionally attached to the carrier frame, and a second position, in which the composting bin is not attached to the carrier frame. The transport means may comprise said drive and suitable bearing elements for intentionally rotating the composting bin in its second position. The transport means may for example be configured as a stapler.

[0049] The composting bin mounted on the carrier frame (in a first position) may be rotatable around the axis of rotation within a range of 340° to 380°, or around the axis of rotation within a range of 170° in one direction and within a range of 170° in the opposite direction. The composting bin mounted on the transport means (in a second position) may be rotatable around the axis of rotation within a range of 340° to 380°, or around the axis of rotation within a range of 170° in one direction and within a range of 170° in the opposite direction. Rotation is generated by a drive.

[0050] For example, the device comprises at least one sensor capable of detecting at least one measurement value representative of the (current) condition in the composting bin, and the control electronic means of the device are adapted to use the at least one measurement value of the at least one sensor to: - charging said liquid and / or said oxygen into said composting vessel; - rotation of the composting vessel, in particular on the carrier frame; - the at least one heating element and / or the temperature range of the heating element; and - the composting period predetermined by the timer; may be configured to control at least one characteristic based on the at least one detected measurement.

[0051] For example, here the control electronic means is configured to control each feature based on machine learned control parameters.

[0052] In one example, the device comprises a housing for the carrier frame, which forms a receiving space surrounding the outer periphery of the composting bins attached to the carrier frame. That is, the carrier frame is placed in a (beautiful looking) housing, in which the composting bins can be individually housed. The composting bins can then be rotated within the housing. The housing can be made of an opaque material, protecting the composting bins from view from the outside.

[0053] The housing may comprise at least one closure element mounted so as to be adjustable between an open position and a closed position. The closure element may in particular be pivotally mounted. In its open position, the closure element opens an access opening in the housing allowing the composting vessel to be adjusted in the receiving space and attached to the carrier frame. In its closed position, the access opening is closed. The closure element may also be opaque, in which case the access opening is opaquely closed. After the composting period, the composting vessel can be optionally removed from the receiving space via the access opening that is made accessible by opening the closure element. As a variant, an additional removal opening may be provided elsewhere in the housing.

[0054] In one refinement, the device comprises a bearing unit with a plurality of bearing points (at least two), each bearing point comprising a carrier frame on which the composting bins are mounted. The bearing unit can accommodate a plurality of composting bins. The bearing points may be adjacent to one another. For example, the bearing points may be arranged in a pattern such that the bearing unit is as compact as possible. The bearing points may in particular be honeycomb-shaped. The front of the bearing unit may be provided with access openings through which the individual bearing points can be accessed for storing and optionally removing the composting bins. The bearing unit may also have an aesthetically pleasing housing that protects the bearing points of the composting bins. In this way, the housing can accommodate a plurality of composting bins. Such a housing may consist, for example, of a wood panel. One access opening may be provided for each bearing point or composting bin. The access openings may be opened by respective closure elements at the respective opening locations of the housing.

[0055] Regardless of the housing of the carrier frame, the device may comprise a decorative covering surrounding the treatment tank of the composting bin, where the decorative covering is provided to surround each treatment tank individually (without the carrier frame). The use of the decorative covering may be temporary. For this reason, the decorative covering may be capable of being removably connected to the treatment tank, i.e., it may be attached to the treatment tank, for example during a funeral, in particular before storage of the treatment tank, to give the treatment tank a beautiful appearance. When the treatment tank is to be stored, the removably connection may be released and the decorative covering may be removed.

[0056] In addition to or instead of a heating element, the device may comprise a conditioning unit configured to direct a temperature-controlled gas or gas mixture to the composting vessel, so that the contents of the composting vessel can be kept within a predefined temperature range during storage. (For pressure equalization, the composting vessel has a corresponding gas exhaust device). For temperature control in the composting vessel, the control electronic means may control the temperature of the gas or gas mixture introduced into the composting vessel and / or the amount of the gas or gas mixture introduced into the composting vessel, said control electronic means operating on the basis of the temperature measurement data of the sensor device. If several composting vessels are stored simultaneously, the conditioning unit may be provided as a central conditioning unit for all composting vessels (or for some of them). In particular, the amount of gas or gas mixture introduced may be controlled so that the temperature control by the conditioning unit can be designed individually for each composting vessel.

[0057] It may be envisaged that the gas introduced into the composting vessel by the conditioning device is oxygen. The mixed gas may contain oxygen or both oxygen and nitrogen, in particular air. Thus, during said storage, the amount of oxygen in the composting vessel may be maintained within a predefined range by the conditioning unit. To control the amount of oxygen in the composting vessel, the control electronic means may control the amount of gas or mixed gas introduced into the composting vessel and / or the oxygen content of the mixed gas introduced into the composting vessel, said control electronic means operating on the basis of temperature measurement data of the sensor device to determine the amount of oxygen in the composting vessel.

[0058] In the following, possible examples of the proposed solution are explained in detail together with the drawings, in particular with reference to possible example usage scenarios. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0059] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the actions at the start of the burial process. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing actions at the end of the burial process. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing one of the steps in the preparation for the main decomposition process and in the storage of a composting vessel used in the method for composting organic matter. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another step of the organic matter composting method in preparation for the main decomposition process and in storage of the composting vessel used in the method. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing yet another step in the preparation of the main decomposition process and in the storage of a composting vessel used in the method for composting organic matter. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing yet another step in the preparation of the main decomposition process and in the storage of a composting vessel used in the method for composting organic matter. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing yet another step in the preparation of the main decomposition process and in the storage of a composting vessel used in the method for composting organic matter. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the procedure of the main decomposition process. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing one of the steps of the process for composting organic matter, in which the first composting mixture resulting from the main decomposition process is treated. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another step of treating the first composting mixture produced in the main decomposition process in the method for composting organic matter. [Figure 11a] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing yet another step of treating the first composting mixture produced in the main decomposition process in the method for composting organic matter. [Figure 11b] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing yet another step of treating the first composting mixture produced in the main decomposition process in the method for composting organic matter. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing yet another step of treating the first composting mixture produced in the main decomposition process in the method for composting organic matter. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a composting bin according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a top view of the composting bin of FIG. 13 in an open position with the closure removed. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the composting vessel of FIG. 13 taken across its axis of rotation. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a composting bin according to a further embodiment, rotatably mounted on a carrier frame. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a detailed view of the composting bin and carrier frame of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the composting bin of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 shows an organic matter composting device with a housing, the closure element of the housing being in a closed position. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the organic matter composting apparatus of FIG. 19 with the closure element of the housing in the open position. [Figure 21] FIG. 20 shows the organic matter composting device of FIG. 19 with the closure element of the housing in the open position. [Figure 22] FIG. 20 is another view of the organic matter composting device of FIG. 19 with the closure element of the housing in the open position. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is a detailed view of the upper end of the closure element of FIGS. 20 to 22. [Figure 24] 23A to 23C are detailed views of the lower end of the closure element of FIGS. 20 to 22, each of which is provided with a shaft according to one embodiment. [Diagram 25] 23A-23C are further detailed views of the lower end of the closure element of FIGS. 20 to 22, each of which is provided with a shaft according to one embodiment. [Figure 26]23A-23C are further detailed views of the lower end of the closure element of FIGS. 20 to 22, each of which is provided with a shaft according to one embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 20 is a detailed view of the upper end of the closure element of FIG. 19. [Figure 28] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an organic matter composting apparatus with multiple composting bins according to one embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a diagram of an organic matter composting device with multiple composting bins according to a further embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a composting bin according to a further embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a treatment vessel according to an embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a treatment tank according to an embodiment. [Diagram 33] FIG. 4 is another view of the treatment tank according to the embodiment. [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the treatment tank of FIGS. 31 to 33. [Diagram 35] FIG. 34 is a diagram of the treatment tank of FIGS. 31 to 33. [Diagram 36] FIG. 34 is another view of the treatment tank of FIGS. 31 to 33. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the treatment tank of FIGS. 31 to 36 rotatably mounted on a carrier frame. [Figure 38] 38 is a perspective view of a support unit having a plurality of treatment tanks and carrier frames of FIG. 37. FIG. [Figure 39] FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram showing the procedure for preparing the treatment tanks of FIGS. 31 to 38 for the storage step of the present method. [Diagram 40] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a facility for carrying out the organic matter composting method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0060] The following examples of the proposed method and the respective examples of the proposed device implementing them allow the decomposition process of the human body to be shortened to less than 40 days. Here, after the funeral, the corpse is placed in a special composting container (a special type of coffin) and covered with a composting substrate (hereinafter substrate for short). The interaction between the coffin-shaped device, the sensors, the biological substrate and the active control and regulation (control electronic means) makes it possible to provide optimal conditions (oxygen-temperature-humidity ratio) for the microorganisms that decompose the organic matter (human corpse). The addition of substrate (in particular plant remains from green waste, straw, etc.) allows the appropriate carbon / nitrogen ratio to be achieved. The control and regulation system then allows the adjustment of the entire process without ignoring the requirements of the funeral home during the process.

[0061] The present method for composting organic matter may be part of a burial process, which begins when the death is recorded. In the present method for composting organic matter, the (human) corpse constituting the organic matter is then collected by the undertaker, cleaned, dressed, coffined and, optionally, prepared for burial. This is followed by a funeral, which is usually held, for example, in the undertaker's funeral parlor, a chapel, a church, etc. After the funeral, the undertaker transfers the corpse L in the coffin to an apparatus in which the present method for composting organic matter is carried out (FIG. 1). This apparatus may, for example, be located in or near a cemetery. The present method for composting organic matter first prepares a first composting mixture. This first composting mixture may be filled into a tank with a ventilation option for post-decomposition, which may take up to two weeks. The humus mixture H obtained after the post-decomposition can be mixed with soil and introduced into the ground of the cemetery to a depth of about 30 cm and covered with a layer of soil (Figure 2). Plants (e.g. trees, etc.) can be planted in the humus mixture H as appropriate. However, the post-decomposition can also be carried out in the ground of the cemetery instead of in a tank, and plants can be grown in the composted mixture contained in the post-decomposition product.

[0062] This composting method uses a composting vessel 10, which will be described in detail later. In this method, first, organic matter (corpse) 5 to be composted and a base material 2 are loaded into the composting vessel 10 (FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0063] The substrate 2 consists of plant tissues including at least two different types of plant remains. For example, the substrate 2 contains at least one cereal grain with a mass fraction in the range of 18% to 25%, (further) plant remains with a mass fraction in the range of 18% to 25%, and additional biomass with a mass fraction in the range of 3% to 8%. Preferably, the components of the substrate 2 have a high energy content so as to generate maximum heat energy during the method, in particular during the storage step. This allows to achieve the desired temperature for storage of 60-70°C while minimizing the use of external energy sources. The components of the substrate 2 are dry and highly absorbent. For odor absorption purposes, the substrate 2 may contain biochar.

[0064] The volume or weight of each matrix component is determined (by the software) according to the weight or body mass index of the (organic) carcass 5 .

[0065] For an organic matter 5 weighing approximately 75 kg, 120-200 kg of substrate 2 is used, depending on the type and mix of plant tissue. Additionally, 100-180 kg of water is added to substrate 2 prior to the storage step (described below). Typically, water is not added until immediately prior to filling of composting vessel 10 to prevent premature odor development (outside of the closed composting vessel 10). Re-addition of water to the composting vessel during storage may be necessary.

[0066] Records are made of all the parameters given or selected during the pre-storage phase: weight of substrate 2; composition of substrate 2; weight of organic matter 5; amount of water; total weight. These parameters may affect the storage period.

[0067] The components of the substrate 2 are mixed (e.g., by a forced kneading mixer or a feed mixer) and filled into a (mobile) filling device 3 (FIG. 3). From the filling device 3, about 50% of the prepared substrate 2 is filled into the composting vessel 10. At this time, the filling device 3 can be height-adjustable so that it is above the composting vessel 10 for the filling process. This allows the substrate 2 to fall from the filling device 3 into the composting vessel 1 (FIG. 4). The composting vessel 10 can be placed on a lifting means 4 (e.g., a lift cart, a lift platform, etc.) before and during the filling process. This allows the composting vessel 10 to be height-adjusted according to the situation. As shown in FIG. 5, the organic matter 5 (corpses) is transferred, for example, by a scoop stretcher, into the composting vessel 10, which is filled with half the amount of the substrate. Finally, the remaining substrate 2 is filled into the composting vessel 10 from above the organic matter 5, so that the organic matter 5 is completely covered by the substrate 2 (FIG. 6).

[0068] As shown in FIG. 7, the composting vessel 10 is finally (rotatably) mounted on a carrier frame 11 of the device 1. By way of example, in FIG. 7 the carrier frame 11 is surrounded by a housing 12. The housing 12 defines a receiving space 121 serving to receive the carrier frame 11 and the composting vessel 10. The housing 12 comprises a closure element 122 mounted so as to be adjustable between an open position, in which an access opening 123 of the housing 12 is open, and a closed position, in which the access opening 123 is closed. Through the access opening 123, the composting vessel 10 is adjusted in the receiving space 121 and mounted on the carrier frame 11. For this purpose, the composting vessel 10 may have to be lifted, for example by means of lifting means 4. The lifting height of the composting vessel 10 may be between 55 and 75 cm, for example about 62.5 cm. Once the composting bin 10 has been mounted as intended on the carrier frame 11, the lifting means are removed and connections are established to the control and regulating devices, sensor devices, as well as water and gas lines (described in more detail below).

[0069] Next, a storage step of the composting container 10 is performed. During storage, a main decomposition process of the organic matter 5 is performed. For example, a sensor may be provided for detecting the composting container 10. The sensor may be, for example, a weighing cell. When the sensor detects that the composting container 10 is attached to the carrier frame as intended, the main decomposition process is started.

[0070] In the primary decomposition process, organic matter 5 decomposes and produces the first composting mixture (Figure 8). The primary decomposition process lasts on average within 40 days, but usually takes approximately 4 weeks.

[0071] During the main decomposition process, the composting vessel 10 is kept closed for the sake of security, so as not to violate the statutory provisions regarding posthumous tranquility. For example, the composting vessel is kept closed for 40 days, i.e. the composting vessel 10 is not opened for monitoring the main decomposition process. The monitoring is therefore carried out by a sensor device which monitors the parameters relevant for the main decomposition process during storage (temperature, humidity, pH, amount of gases (oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia)). Optionally, these parameters are regulated by a control and regulation device. If the measured values ​​of the parameters deviate from the predefined limits, an error message can be generated and presented to the user (visually and acoustically). The amount of gas can be monitored by a gas chromatography device. The data of the gas chromatography device provide information on the progress of the main decomposition process and can in particular also indicate the end of the main decomposition process. This allows the storage period to be optimally adjusted to the duration of the main decomposition process.

[0072] During storage, the composting vessel 10 is rotated from time to time around its axis of rotation D. This rotation prevents settling of the organic matter 5 and / or agglomeration of the contents of the entire composting vessel 10. The time point for carrying out the rotation process is determined based on the measurement data of the sensor device, which represents the conditions in the composting vessel 10 and the progress of the main decomposition process. The rotation process is then triggered by the control and regulation device. The rotation process may, for example, consist of two or three successive rotations of the composting vessel 10 through about 360°. During the rotation, the composting vessel 10 may be mounted on the carrier frame 11. During storage, the contents of the composting vessel 10 may be ventilated and watered as appropriate. The time points and amounts are determined based on the measurement data of the sensor device, which represents the conditions in the composting vessel 10 and the progress of the main decomposition process. Preferably, the main decomposition process is carried out at a temperature of 60-70°C.

[0073] Once the main decomposition process is finished, the composting bin 10 is removed from the carrier frame 11 and, optionally, moved to another location by means of the lifting means 4 for emptying the bin (Figure 9). The composting bin 10 is then rotatably mounted on the handling frame 13 and tilted, thereby emptying the composting bin 10 (Figure 10). Alternatively, the composting bin 10 may be emptied while still mounted on the carrier frame 11.

[0074] During emptying, the contents of the composting vessel 10 are forced through a sieve 6 (FIG. 11a) in order to separate the non-composted / non-compostable parts of the organic matter (bones, prostheses, metal fillings, pacemakers) from the composting mixture. The sieve 6 can be a vibrating sieve and can have a channel 61 (for example, 20-30 L capacity). The substrate 2 and the composted organic matter fall through the sieve 6 and are collected in the post-decomposition tank. The remaining components are collected in the channel 61. The non-composted and non-compostable parts can be separated into organic and inorganic parts by inspection using image analysis techniques. The sieve 6 can be magnetic or equipped with magnetic rollers to separate the metal elements. The prostheses, metal fillings and pacemakers are reused if possible.

[0075] In a variant, the contents of the composting vessel 10 are transferred to a transfer vessel 8 (Fig. 11b). The contents are then transferred to a mixing device where they are thoroughly mixed. The thoroughly mixed first composting mixture is removed from the mixer (via the discharge slide) and passed through a sieve 6 as described above. The substrate 2 and the composted organic matter are collected in a post-digestion vessel. Non-composted / non-compostable parts of the organic matter are removed.

[0076] Following the two scenarios (Figures 11a, 11b), the bones are crushed in a crusher (impact crusher, bone crusher, oat crusher, flour mill, grape press) (Figure 12) and mixed in crushed form with the substrate and the composted organic matter. The crusher 7 can be configured as an attachment to the mixer.

[0077] The composted mixture thus obtained is subjected to a post-decomposition process, which can take up to two weeks. In the post-decomposition process, rock dust and / or powdered clay can be added to the composted mixture. This results in a humus mixture. The rock dust and / or powdered clay accelerate the post-decomposition process and reduce the activity of the composted mixture. The rock dust and / or powdered clay and also water can be mixed with the composted mixture in a mixer or manually. During the post-decomposition process, environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, air supply, etc. are monitored. The post-decomposition process can take place over a period of 0.5 to 1 m. 3 The decomposition may take place in a post-decomposition tank filled with soil of about 10 ...

[0078] The emptied composting vessel 10 and carrier frame 11 can be cleaned (fully automatically by machine) and reused in the present composting method for organic matter.

[0079] The described method steps can be carried out fully automatically.

[0080] Examples of the organic matter composting apparatus 1 will be described below with reference to Figs. 13 to 38. The apparatus 1 comprises a composting vessel 10, which has already been described in connection with the present method, and a carrier frame 11 on which the composting vessel 10 is mounted. Fig. 13 shows an example of the composting vessel 10 in a closed state. The internal volume of the composting vessel 10 in a closed state is 1 m 3 Ultra, especially, 1.1m 3 The internal volume is about 0.1 m 3 Organic matter 5 (corpse) and about 1m 3 of substrate, resulting in approximately 500 L of the first composting mixture.

[0081] The composting vessel 10 comprises a storage element 101 for storing the substrate 2 and the organic matter 5 to be composted, and a closure 102 for closing the storage element 101. The storage element 101 is provided with handrails 103 on both longitudinal sides. The storage element 101 comprises a base (base element) 1012 and a casing (casing element) 1013. An access opening 1011 for the storage element 101 is formed on the side of the casing 1013 opposite the base 1012.

[0082] The closure 102 is pivotally fastened (e.g. by a hinge) to the containment element 101, so that the closure 102 can be pivoted relative to the containment element 101 between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the closure 102 completely closes the containment element 101. When the closure 102 is in the first position, the closure 102 can be fastened to the containment element 101 by a suitable closing device 109 so that it cannot move relative to the containment element 101. In the method step of storage already described, the closure 102 is in the first position. In the second position, the closure 102 opens the access opening 1011 of the containment element 101. The substrate 2 and the organic matter 5 can be introduced into the containment element 101 through the access opening 1011 (at a stage prior to storage).

[0083] Alternatively, the closure 102 may be completely detached from the containment element 101 to open the access opening 1011 of the containment element 101. Figure 14 shows a top view of the containment element 101 and its access opening 1011 with the closure removed from the containment element 101.

[0084] A membrane or biofilter may be placed inside the closure 102 to bind odors. An opening may be provided in the base 1012 of the containment element 101 to accommodate a biofilter that serves to prevent the escape of exudates, odors, and dust.

[0085] To carry out the main decomposition process, the temperature, the amount of oxygen and the humidity in the composting vessel 10 must be maintained within certain limits and the composting vessel 10 must be rotated periodically. It may also be expedient to monitor the weight of the filled composting vessel 10 during the main decomposition process. The composting vessel 10 is therefore equipped with a drain valve (optionally with a drain line) as well as at least one connection with a water supply line to drain excess water. The connection with the water supply line is in particular made in the closure 102 of the composting vessel 10. The water supply line may consist, for example, of a drip hose, a pearl hose, etc. For ventilation of the composting vessel 10 (supply of air or pure oxygen), a fan is for example installed in the closure 102 or in the casing 1013 of the containment element 101. The fan may supply air from the surroundings or pure oxygen provided via a corresponding gas line. The composting vessel 10 is suitably heated by a heating element. A drive motor 14 is provided, for example on the carrier frame 11, for externally powered rotation of the composting bin 10. To monitor weight, for example, a weigh cell 16 may be provided, located between the carrier frame 11 and the composting bin 10, or a pallet scale or weigh platform may be provided that is pushed under the composting bin to determine the weight (manually or automatically).

[0086] The connection with the water supply line, the discharge valve, the fan, the heating element and the drive motor 14 are in particular configured to be controllable in interaction with a control and regulation device (sensor electronic means) which then operates on the basis of measurement data obtained from the sensor device. The sensor device obtains parameters which allow conclusions to be drawn regarding the temperature, humidity, pH and the amount of various gases (e.g. oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, etc.) in the composting vessel 10. The measurement data of the sensor device make it possible to draw conclusions regarding the progress of the main decomposition process. The sensor device is arranged on or in the composting vessel.

[0087] Each of the above mentioned components is supplied with power through electric lines, which correspond or should correspond to the occasional rotation of the composting bin 10. To this end, the electric lines can be configured as coiled cables (with or without drums) and laid through a shaft designed as a hollow shaft of the bearing device 111 described below. The use of slip rings can also be considered. Similarly, the water supply line, the discharge line and the gas line can be configured as helical hoses and laid through hollow shafts.

[0088] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the composting bin 10 of figure 13. The composting bin 10 has a receptacle 104 below the base 1012 of the receiving element 101, which serves to receive the components of the control and / or regulation device and / or the sensor device and / or the water lines and / or the gas lines and / or the heating device and / or the drive device. The height of the receptacle 104 can be 180-200 mm.

[0089] The base 1012 and the casing 1013 have (thermal) insulating layers (thermal insulation layers) 10121, 10131. The thickness of the thermal insulation layers 10121, 10131 may be 80-100 mm. The thickness of the thermal insulation layers 10121, 10131 may be locally thinned, for example at the leading and trailing ends (extending between the longitudinal sides) of the casing 1013, so as not to exceed the upper limit length of the containment element 101. There, the thickness of the thermal insulation layer 10131 may be about 50 mm. Preferably, the length of the containment element 101, i.e. the length of the composting vessel 10, is not more than 2100 mm. The width and height of the composting vessel 10 are, for example, 700 mm, respectively.

[0090] In the embodiment of FIG. 16, the composting vessel 10 is mounted on the carrier frame 11 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis D. The rotation axis D runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the composting vessel 10. The carrier frame 11 is provided with a bearing device 111 for mounting the composting vessel 10. The bearing device 111 may be a two-unit structure which interacts with the leading and trailing ends of the composting vessel 10 at bearing points 105, respectively, for mounting purposes. The bearing device 111 may consist of a shaft. The bearing device 111 is arranged at a height such that the composting vessel 10 is mounted in an erected state on the carrier frame 11. In this case, the lower edge of the composting vessel 10 is spaced, for example, 600-700 mm, in particular 625 mm, from the lower end of the carrier frame 11 or from the installation surface on which the carrier frame 11 is installed. With this height, the composting vessel 10 can be mounted on the carrier frame 11 using a lifting and transporting means that is common in funerals.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 17, the carrier frame 11 is provided with a drive motor 14 arranged to rotate the composting vessel 10 about a rotation axis D. Here, the rotation speed is less than 3 revolutions per minute, for example 1 or 2 revolutions per minute. The drive motor 14 can be configured as a stepper motor or as a motor with a frequency inverter. The embodiment as a motor with a frequency inverter has the advantage that the rotation speed can be adjusted by simple means. The rotational movement generated by the drive motor 14 can be transmitted to the composting vessel 10 via a V-belt or a gear and chain.

[0092] Alternatively, the drive motor 14 may be located within the receptacle 104. This drive motor 14 may be connected to a power supply via a coiled cable since the receptacle 104 is a rotatable part of the composting bin 10.

[0093] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the composting bin 10 without the carrier frame. At the leading and trailing ends of the storage element 101, bearing points 105 can be seen, for engaging bearing devices 111 for mounting the composting bin 10. At the leading and trailing ends and on the underside of the composting bin 10, locking elements 106 are provided to prevent the composting bin 10 from rotating and to lock the composting bin 10 in a defined position. The number and position of the locking elements 106 in Figure 18 are merely exemplary. The locking elements 106 can be locked in an extended position in contact with the carrier frame 11 or with the installation surface.

[0094] The carrier frame 11 also serves to hold the housing 12. The housing 12 may be decoratively constructed and may consist of a natural material, e.g. wood, in order to conceal the technical features of the device 1. An example of a housing 12 is shown in figures 19 and 20. The housing 12 comprises a two-part closure element 122, which is depicted in the closed position in figure 19 and in the open position in figure 20. Figures 21 and 22 are front and top views showing the open position.

[0095] The closure element 122 consists of two rotatably mounted doors 1221 which in the open position open an access opening 123 to the receiving space 121 covered by the housing 12. Through the access opening 123, the composting container 10 can be adjusted in the receiving space 121 and rotatably mounted on the carrier frame 11. Each door 1221 is mounted on a vertically extending shaft 124 which is rotatably mounted on the carrier frame 11 (FIGS. 23 to 26). In FIG. 23, the upper end of the shaft 124 is shown leading through a receiving part of the carrier frame 11. In FIGS. 24 to 26, various options for the lower termination of the shaft 124 are shown. In FIG. 24, the lower end of the shaft 124 is free. In FIGS. 25 and 26, the lower end of the shaft 124 is mounted on a bearing block 125 which is fastened to the carrier frame 11 or to the doors 1221 of the closure element 122. In the closed position of the housing 12, the closure element 122 forms a uniform surface with the rest of the housing 12 (FIG. 27). The door 1221 can be closed with a clasp that can be opened by a key.

[0096] As mentioned above, the device 1 comprises a series of sensor devices and control and regulation devices to monitor and optionally influence the progress of the main decomposition process. Said sensor devices and control and regulation devices can be arranged in the composting bin 10 and / or in the carrier frame 11. In the embodiment of Figures 13 to 27, these devices can be arranged half in the composting bin 10 and half in the carrier frame 11. To make the composting bin 10 lighter for handling purposes, most of these devices can be transferred to the carrier frame 11.

[0097] The examples of the device 1 described so far relate to an arrangement in which each individual composting bin 10 is mounted on a carrier frame 11 and may be covered with a respective housing 12 .

[0098] FIG. 28 shows an embodiment in which several composting vessels 10 are assembled in the same bearing unit LE. The bearing unit LE has several bearing points, each bearing point with a carrier frame 11 for rotatably mounting a composting vessel 10. In FIG. 28, the bearing unit LE has, for example, four or eight bearing points. However, the number of bearing points per bearing unit can also be significantly higher, for example 20 to 50. The carrier frames 11, each with a bearing device 111 for rotatably mounting a composting vessel 10, can be connected to each other. In FIG. 28, for example, four or eight carrier frames 11 are interconnected to form each bearing unit LE. However, the carrier frames 11 of the bearing unit LE do not have to be interconnected. To simplify the monitoring of the composting vessels 10 of the bearing unit LE, the sensor devices and the control and regulating devices necessary for monitoring each composting vessel 10 can be combined or integrated in one place. In the embodiment of FIG. 28, approximately 30% of the sensor devices and control regulators are located in the composting bin 10 and 70% are located in the carrier frame 11.

[0099] The composting bins 10 are spatially close to each other in the support unit. As a result, the waste heat of one composting bin 10 can be used to heat the surrounding composting bins 10. Each support unit LE has its own housing 12. The housing 12 may comprise one closure element 122 per composting bin 10. The composting bins 10 are all arranged at the same height. A hall is provided to accommodate the support units LE. The hall may only accommodate one support unit LE, depending on the size of the support units LE.

[0100] Like the examples of Figs. 13 to 27 for the configuration containing a single composting vessel 10, the device 1 of Fig. 28 is also suitable for carrying out the composting method already described. The main decomposition process is carried out for each composting vessel 10 independently of the remaining composting vessels 10 of the bearing unit LE. The sensor devices and the control and regulating devices can then measure and adjust the parameters for each main decomposition process individually. A periodic rotation of the composting vessels 10 can also be effected individually. Once the main decomposition process in one composting vessel 10 has been completed, it is removed from the carrier frame 11 by the lifting means 4 (without disturbing the other composting vessels 10 and the main decomposition processes taking place therein) and attached to the operating frame 13 for the treatment of the first composting mixture.

[0101] FIG. 29 shows a further embodiment in which several composting vessels 10 are integrated in one bearing unit LE. In this embodiment, the carrier frame 11 is configured in such a way that the composting vessels 10 can also be arranged in a stacked manner, i.e. the composting vessels 10 are not only arranged at one height, but can be arranged side by side or one on top of the other. This allows efficient use of the available area, so that up to 200 composting vessels 10 can be arranged on one bearing unit 50. Such a bearing unit LE (or several bearing units LE) can be accommodated in a hall. In the embodiment of FIG. 29, about 15% of the sensor devices and the control and regulating devices are arranged on the composting vessel 10 and 85% on the carrier frame 11. To attach the composting vessels 10 to the respective bearing devices 111 in the intended manner, a robot (vertically and horizontally controllable) can be provided for such arrangement of the composting vessels 10. The robot may further serve the role of removing the composting container 10 from the carrier frame 11 once the main decomposition process is completed, moving it, for example, to a processing chamber, and subjecting the contents of the composting container 10 to processing for subsequent decomposition as described above.

[0102] In the embodiment of Fig. 29, the composting bin 10 is mounted on a corresponding carrier frame 11 together with a number of other composting bins 10 during the main decomposition process. Moreover, the composting bin 10 is not necessarily located near the installation surface. Therefore, it is not desirable to hold a funeral with attendees in the immediate vicinity of the composting bin 10 during the main decomposition process. For example, a funeral can be held before the main decomposition process (near the composting bin or near the corpse in a coffin in a different location) and during the main decomposition process in a separate room without the composting bin.

[0103] In Fig. 30, the composting vessel 10 according to a further embodiment is shown without the closure. The composting vessel 10 consists of a treatment vessel 107 and a decorative covering 108. The treatment vessel 107 is used in the storage step of the method. The main decomposition process takes place there. The decorative covering 108 serves in particular to cover the treatment vessel 107 during the funeral. The decorative covering 108 can be removably fastened to the treatment vessel 107. When storing the composting vessel 10, the decorative covering 108 is removed from the treatment vessel 107. The decorative covering can be formed as a single piece and can cover the containment element 101 together with the closure 102, which is arranged in the first position and completely closes the access opening 1011 of the containment element 101. As a variant, the decorative covering 108 can be made of at least two parts, covering the containment element 101 and the closure 102 separately. The latter variation provides the option of selectively using the composting bin 10 in an open or closed position during a funeral.

[0104] The configuration of dividing the composting vessel 10 into a treatment tank 107 and a decorative covering 108 as described with respect to the embodiment of Figure 30 can also be applied to the previously described embodiments of the organic matter composting apparatus (Figures 13 to 29).

[0105] 31-33 are various perspective views of the composting bin 10 of FIG. 30. The decorative covering has been omitted, but the closure 102 is not. The closure 102 is located in a first position on the containment element 101, completely closing the access opening 1011 of the containment element 101. The closure 102 is firmly held on the containment element 101 by the closing device 109, so that the closure 102 cannot come off the containment element 101, especially when the treatment tank 107 rotates during the main decomposition process.

[0106] Two annular bearing elements 15 are arranged on (outside) the treatment vessel 107. Here, the annular bearing elements 15 have the same radius and their center points are located on the axis of rotation D of the treatment vessel 107. The two annular bearing elements 15 are offset along the axis of rotation D. Here, the annular bearing elements 15 are located on either side of a plane extending perpendicularly to the axis of rotation D and located at 1 / 2 the height of the treatment vessel 107. The number of annular bearing elements 15 in this embodiment is merely exemplary. In principle, there can be two, three or more annular bearing elements 15. The radius of the annular bearing elements 15 is selected according to the outer contour of the treatment vessel 107 so that the distance between the treatment vessel 107 and the annular bearing elements 15 is as small as possible (FIG. 33). Each annular bearing element 15 consists of four wheels 151 that are offset along the axis of rotation D and can be connected to one another. In this case, the distance between two adjacent wheels 151 of the annular bearing element 15 is significantly smaller than the distance between two annular bearing elements 15 (FIG. 34). The number of wheels per annular bearing element 15 may be other than four. The annular bearing element 15 is non-rotatably connected to the treatment tank 107. At least one of the wheels 151 per treatment tank 107 is configured as a gear. The gear can interact with a drive device 14 (with a corresponding part of a drive motor) to rotate the treatment tank 107 about its rotation axis D. The drive device 14 is provided, for example, on the carrier frame 11, as shown in FIG. 35. The treatment tank 107 is rotatably mounted on the carrier frame 11 (FIG. 37). For this purpose, the carrier frame 11 is provided with bearing rollers 1111. The bearing rollers 1111 are part of the bearing device 111 of the carrier frame 11. The bearing rollers 1111 interact with the annular bearing element 15.

[0107] FIG. 38 shows a plurality of carrier frames 11 of FIG. 37 each equipped with a treatment tank 107. Here, the carrier frames 11 are arranged side by side and stacked to form a support unit LE. The arrangement of the carrier frames 11 is merely exemplary. FIG. 38 also shows two lifting means 4 each having a treatment tank 107. The lifting means 4 is used to place the treatment tank 107 to be subjected to the main decomposition treatment at the corresponding support location of the support unit LE, and to remove the treatment tank 107 from the support location after the main decomposition treatment is completed. In addition, the lifting means 4 may be provided with a drive device that is provided to rotate the treatment tank 107 about its rotation axis D while the treatment tank 107 is rotatably attached to the carrier frame 11. This eliminates the need to provide a drive device to each carrier frame 11, and therefore eliminates the need to provide an individual drive device for each treatment tank 107.

[0108] In one embodiment, the treatment vessel 107 is non-rotatably mounted on the carrier frame 11. In this case, the drive device of the lifting means 4 serves to rotate the treatment vessel 107 rotatably mounted on the lifting means 4, etc.

[0109] The driving device is not the only unit provided centrally for the treatment tanks 107. A centralized (air) conditioning unit may serve to supply air or pure oxygen to the treatment tanks or to all the treatment tanks. That is, the air conditioning unit may replace the individual fans of each treatment tank 107. The (air) conditioning unit may also be configured to control the temperature of the supplied air / oxygen. This allows the omission of dedicated heating elements for each treatment tank.

[0110] The control processes carried out by the control and regulation device can be divided into main control and transfer control, where the main control is related to all parameters related to the normal progress of the main decomposition process (temperature, humidity, amount of various gases (e.g. oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen sulfide, etc.) in the treatment tank 107). The transfer control controls the operation of the lifting means, in particular its place and time of use.

[0111] In image a) of FIG. 39, the storage element 101 of the treatment tank 107 is shown empty. The treatment tank 107 is provided with a decorative covering 108 and filled with substrates 2 and organic matter 5 (image b). In image c), the closure 102 is placed on the storage element 101 together with the decorative covering 108, for example for the funeral. In image d), the final treatment tank 107 (storage element 101 and closure 102) (after the funeral) is shown without the decorative covering. In image e), the storage element 101 and the closure 102 are rigidly interconnected by a closing device 109 so that they cannot come off or slide over each other when the treatment tank 107 is rotated. Finally, in image f), the annular support element 15 is shown as intended in the treatment tank 107. The treatment tank is now as intended ready for the storage process and can be attached to a carrier frame (individually or in the support unit LE) by means of a lifting means.

[0112] Figure 40 shows a schematic diagram of a facility 200 for carrying out the method for composting organic matter 5, purely by way of example. Firstly, what is known as a reburial chamber 201 is provided. Here, purely by way of example, individual composting vessels 10 (with housing 12) are installed at least for the purpose of the main decomposition process. Sufficient space (0.5 m) is provided around the composting vessels to allow good air circulation. In this connection, the height of the reburial chamber is preferably at least 3.5 m. Furthermore, a space of at least 3 m is preferably provided for operation (fastening of the composting vessels to the carrier frame, rotation of the composting vessels). This allows funerals to be held in the reburial chamber 201 as well. Thus, a seat 2011 and a platform 2012 are also placed there.

[0113] In addition, a treatment chamber 202 is provided in which the treatment of the first composting mixture obtained after the main decomposition process takes place. The preparation of the substrate 2 and the filling of the composting vessel can also take place in the treatment chamber 202. The treatment chamber 202 contains all the equipment for pre-treatment and follow-up (sieve 6, crusher 7, lifting means 4, post-decomposition vessel N, operating frame 13, forced kneading mixer Z, filling device 3). Preferably, the treatment chamber has a size of 25 m 2 or greater with a ceiling height of 4m or greater. The processing room should preferably have sufficient space and equipment for cleaning and sanitation of the composting bin. The processing room 202 may be directly adjacent to the reburial room 201.

[0114] In the embodiments of the device 1 as shown in Figures 28, 29 and 38, it is conceivable that the funeral does not necessarily take place in the reinterment chamber 201, but in a separate funeral or funeral room suited to the situation (e.g. in the style of a cemetery chapel, etc.), in which case only staff will have access to the reinterment chamber 201.

[0115] Also, a post-decomposition room may be provided for carrying out post-decomposition processing when it is not carried out directly on the ground of the cemetery. As a variant, the post-decomposition processing may be carried out in the processing room 202. The post-decomposition containers N prepared in the processing room 202 are stored in the post-decomposition room. The ventilation, humidity and temperature of the post-decomposition room are preferably appropriate for the conditions of the post-decomposition processing, and are preferably adjustable as desired.

Claims

1. A method for composting organic matter (5), comprising the steps of: - preparing a composting vessel (10) for the organic matter (5) to be composted; - putting the organic matter to be composted (5) and a given amount of composting substrate (2) containing plant remains into the composting vessel (10); - storing the composting vessel (10) containing the organic matter to be composted (5) and the composting substrate (2) for a predetermined composting period; - after the predetermined composting period, the contents of the composting vessel resulting from the organic matter (5) and the composting substrate (2) are processed to produce a composted mixture (H) suitable for plant cultivation; The method comprises at least - during said storage, said composting vessel (10) is rotated at least once about an axis of rotation (D) that is non-parallel to the effective direction of the gravitational force (G) acting on said composting vessel, and / or - before and / or during said storage of said composting vessel (10), respectively, a predetermined amount of liquid and / or oxygen is filled into said composting vessel; A method comprising:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid comprises water.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least the amount of liquid and / or oxygen to be filled into the composting vessel (10) during the storage is filled into the composting vessel (10) at at least one time point that can be predefined by electronic control means.

4. 4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the amount of liquid and / or oxygen to be filled into the composting vessel (10) during the storage is filled through at least one inlet connection of the composting vessel (10).

5. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the amount of liquid and / or oxygen to be filled and / or the amount of composting substrate (2) to be introduced are automatically predetermined by control electronic means depending on the detected weight and / or size of the organic matter (5).

6. 6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the amount of liquid and / or oxygen and / or composting substrate (2) to be filled is automatically filled into the composting vessel (10).

7. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the amount of at least one component of the composting substrate (2) used is predetermined depending on the detected weight and / or the detected size of the organic matter (5).

8. 8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the amount of at least one component of the composting substrate (2) used is automatically charged into the composting vessel (10).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least one rotation of the composting vessel (10) is performed through an angle in the range of 340° to 380° about the axis of rotation (D) or through an angle of up to 170° in one direction and up to 170° in the opposite direction about the axis of rotation.

10. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at each of at least two different times during said storage, said composting vessel (10) is rotated at least once.

11. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the at least one rotation of the composting vessel (10) is performed by external power actuation and / or the time point of the at least one rotation is predetermined by control electronic means.

12. 12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the time point of the at least one rotation is predetermined depending on at least one measurement obtained by a sensor representative of conditions inside the composting container (10).

13. A method for composting organic matter (5), in particular a method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of: - preparing a composting vessel (10) for the organic matter (5) to be composted; - putting the organic matter to be composted (5) and a given amount of composting substrate (2) containing plant remains into the composting vessel (10); - storing the composting vessel (10) containing the organic matter to be composted (5) and the composting substrate (2) for a predetermined composting period; - after the predetermined composting period, post-processing the contents of the container (10) resulting from the organic matter (5) and the composting substrate (2) to produce a composted mixture (H) suitable for plant cultivation; The method comprises at least A method according to claim 1, characterized in that during storage, the contents of the composting bin (10) are maintained within a predetermined temperature range by at least one heating element or conditioning unit.

14. 14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that during storage, the contents of the composting container (10) are kept within a predetermined temperature range by the at least one heating element or the conditioning unit, electronically controlled, in particular depending on at least one measurement value detected by a sensor, representative of the conditions inside the composting container (10).

15. 15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the composting period is predetermined depending on at least one measurement value obtained by a sensor representative of conditions in the composting vessel (10).

16. 16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the post-treatment of the contents of the composting bin (10) comprises sieving the contents and / or crushing bone chips remaining in the contents of the composting bin from the initially charged organic matter (5).

17. 17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the composting vessel (10) is stored mounted on a carrier frame (11) of a composting device (1).

18. 18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that after the composting period, the composting bin (10) is removed from the carrier frame (11) and fixed to a carrier (13) of a post-treatment station, the composting bin (10) being adjustably attached to the carrier (13) for removing the contents of the composting bin (10) from the composting bin (10).

19. An apparatus (1) for composting organic matter (5), in particular for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising: a composting vessel (10) for the organic matter to be composted (5) and a given amount of composting substrate (2) containing plant remains; a timer for setting a composting period, which is the period during which the composting vessel (10) containing the organic matter (5) to be composted and the composting substrate (2) is stored before the first composting mixture in the composting vessel (10) resulting from the organic matter (5) and the composting substrate (2) is post-treated to produce a composted mixture (H) suitable for plant cultivation; An apparatus (1) comprising: the device (1) comprises a carrier frame (11) for the composting vessel (10), the composting vessel (10) being mounted on said frame so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (D) which is non-parallel to the effective direction of the weight force (G) acting on the composting vessel (10), and / or said composting vessel (10) is provided with at least one inlet allowing a predetermined amount of liquid and / or oxygen to be filled into said composting vessel (10) before and / or during said storage of said composting vessel (10); and / or - the device (1) comprises at least one heating element capable of maintaining the contents of the composting vessel (10) within a predetermined temperature range during storage; 1. An apparatus (1).

20. 20. The device (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that it comprises control electronic means arranged to specify at least one time during the storage for filling the composting vessel (10) with a certain amount of liquid and / or oxygen and / or to control the filling of the composting vessel (10) with said liquid and / or oxygen during the storage from at least one inlet element of the inlet system of the device (1) connected to the control electronic means and operable by external power.

21. 21. The device (1) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the composting vessel (10) can be rotated on the carrier frame (11) around the axis of rotation (D) within an angle ranging from 340° to 380° or around the axis of rotation within an angle of 170° in one direction and within 170° in the opposite direction.

22. The device (1) according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the device (1) comprises at least one drive motor (14) which is actuated by an external power source to rotate the composting container (10) on the carrier frame (11).

23. The device (1) according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that the device (1) comprises at least one sensor capable of detecting at least one measured value representative of a condition in the composting container (10).

24. 24. The device (1) according to claim 23, characterized in that the control electronic means of said device determine, on the basis of said at least one detected measured value, - filling the composting vessel (10) with said liquid and / or said oxygen, and / or - rotating the composting vessel (10) on the carrier frame (11), and / or the at least one heating element and / or the temperature range of the heating element, and / or - the composting period is predetermined by the timer, An apparatus (1) configured to control

25. 25. The device (1) according to claim 24, wherein the control electronic means performs the following steps based on the machine learning control parameters: - filling the composting vessel (10) with said liquid and / or said oxygen, and / or - rotating the composting vessel (10) on the carrier frame (11), and / or the at least one heating element and / or the temperature range of the heating element, and / or - the composting period is predetermined by the timer, An apparatus (1) configured to control

26. The device (1) according to any one of claims 19 to 25, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a housing (12) of the carrier frame (11), the housing (12) forming a receiving space (121) surrounding the outer periphery of the composting container (10) rotatably mounted on the carrier frame (11).

27. 27. The device (1) according to claim 26, wherein the housing (12) comprises at least one closure element (122) mounted so as to be adjustable between an open position and a closed position, which in its open position opens an access opening (123) in the housing (12) allowing adjustment of the composting container (10) in the receiving space (121) and allowing its rotatable attachment to the carrier frame (11), and which in its closed position closes said access opening (123).

28. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 19 to 25, characterized in that the apparatus (1) comprises a support unit (LE) having a plurality of support points, each support point comprising a carrier frame (11) on which a composting container (10) is rotatably mounted.

29. 29. The device (1) according to claim 28, characterized in that the bearing locations are arranged in a honeycomb pattern and are accessible at the front side of the bearing unit (LE).

30. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 19 to 29, characterized in that the composting bin (10) has a space (101) in a wall or in a floor element (1012) provided under the composting bin (10), in which space (101) at least one electronic component and / or said at least one heating element are accommodated.

31. The device (1) according to any one of claims 19 to 30, characterized in that the composting bin (10) has at least one port for electrical connection with a higher-level electronic control means of the device (1).

32. An apparatus (1) for composting organic matter (5), in particular for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising: a composting vessel (10) for the organic matter to be composted (5) and a given amount of composting substrate (2) containing plant remains; a timer for setting a composting period, which is the period during which the composting vessel (10) containing the organic matter (5) to be composted and the composting substrate (2) is stored before the first composting mixture in the composting vessel (10) resulting from the organic matter (5) and the composting substrate (2) is post-treated to produce a composted mixture (H) suitable for plant cultivation; An apparatus (1) comprising: said composting vessel (10) is provided with at least one inlet allowing a predetermined amount of liquid and / or oxygen to be filled into said composting vessel (10) before and / or during said storage of said composting vessel (10); and / or the device (1) comprises a carrier frame (11) for the composting vessel (10), the composting vessel (10) being capable of being attached to said frame, and / or - the device (1) comprises at least one heating element capable of maintaining the contents of the composting vessel (10) within a predetermined temperature range during storage; 1. An apparatus (1).

33. The apparatus (1) according to claim 32, characterized in that the composting container (10) is mounted on the carrier frame (11) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (D) non-parallel to the effective direction of a weight force (G) acting on the composting container (10), and the carrier frame (11) comprises bearing rollers (1111) for mounting the composting container (10).

34. The device (1) according to claim 33, characterized in that the composting container (10) has, at least in a portion along the axis of rotation (D), a circular outer peripheral area on the outside, which interacts with the bearing rollers (1111).

35. The device (1) according to any one of claims 32 to 34, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a drive device (14) for rotating the composting container (10) by means of an external power source, the composting container (10) being in particular mounted on the carrier frame (11) during said rotation.

36. The device (1) according to any one of claims 32 to 35, characterized in that the device (1) comprises control electronic means arranged to specify at least one time during the storage for filling the composting vessel (10) with a certain amount of liquid and / or oxygen and / or to control the filling of the composting vessel (10) with the liquid and / or oxygen during the storage from at least one inlet element of the inlet system of the device (1) connected to the control electronic means and operable by external power.

37. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 33 to 36, characterized in that the composting vessel (10) can be rotated on the carrier frame (11) around the axis of rotation (D) within an angle ranging from 340° to 380° or around the axis of rotation within an angle of 170° in one direction and within 170° in the opposite direction.

38. The device (1) according to any one of claims 32 to 37, characterized in that the device (1) comprises at least one sensor capable of detecting at least one measured value representative of a condition in the composting bin (10).

39. 39. The device (1) according to claim 38, characterized in that the control electronic means of said device (1) determine, on the basis of said at least one detected measured value, - filling the composting vessel (10) with said liquid and / or said oxygen, and / or - rotation of the composting vessel (10), in particular on the carrier frame (11), and / or the at least one heating element and / or the temperature range of the heating element, and / or - the composting period is predetermined by the timer, An apparatus (1) configured to control

40. 40. The device (1) according to claim 39, wherein the control electronic means performs the following steps based on the machine learning control parameters: - filling the composting vessel (10) with said liquid and / or said oxygen, and / or - rotation of the composting vessel (11), in particular on the carrier frame (11), and / or the at least one heating element and / or the temperature range of the heating element, and / or - the composting period is predetermined by the timer, An apparatus (1) configured to control

41. The device (1) according to any one of claims 32 to 40, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a housing (12) of the carrier frame (11), the housing (12) forming a receiving space (121) surrounding the outer periphery of the composting container (10) mounted on the carrier frame (11).

42. 42. The device (1) according to claim 41, wherein the housing (12) comprises at least one closure element (122) mounted so as to be adjustable between an open position and a closed position, which in its open position opens an access opening (123) in the housing (12) allowing adjustment of the composting container (10) in the receiving space (121) and allowing its attachment to the carrier frame (11), and which in its closed position closes said access opening (123).

43. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 32 to 42, characterized in that the apparatus (1) comprises a support unit (LE) having a plurality of support points, each support point comprising a carrier frame (11) for mounting a composting container (10).

44. 44. The device (1) according to claim 43, characterized in that the bearing locations are arranged in a honeycomb pattern and are accessible at the front side of the bearing unit (LE).

45. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 32 to 44, characterized in that the composting bin (10) has a space (104) in a wall or in a floor element (1012) provided under the composting bin (10), in which space (104) at least one electronic component and / or said at least one heating element are accommodated.

46. The device (1) according to any one of claims 32 to 45, characterized in that the composting bin (10) has at least one port for electrical connection with a higher-level electronic control means of the device (1).

47. The device (1) according to any one of claims 19 to 46, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a decorative covering (108) surrounding the treatment tank (107) of the composting bin (10), the decorative covering (108) being capable of being detachably connected to the treatment tank (107).

48. The device (1) according to any one of claims 19 to 47, characterized in that it comprises a conditioning unit configured to direct a temperature-controlled gas or gas mixture into the composting bin (10) to maintain the contents of the composting bin (10) within a predetermined temperature range during storage.

49. 49. The apparatus (1) according to claim 48, characterized in that the gas is oxygen, the mixed gas contains oxygen, and the conditioning unit is capable of maintaining the amount of oxygen in the composting vessel within a predetermined range during the storage.

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