Manure processing device and method therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a manure processing device. The manure processing device comprises: a filter device, comprising: o a reservoir which is provided with an air feed opening and an air discharge opening; o a dividing element arranged in the reservoir, wherein the dividing element divides the reservoir into a manure part positioned on a first side of the dividing element and configured to receive thin manure fraction and a spray part positioned on a second side of the dividing element, and wherein the reservoir is preferably configured to receive a carrier material placeable thereon; and o a spray device positioned in the spray part and configured to distribute the thin manure fraction over the dividing element, and an air device which is connected to the filter device and is connected to the air feed opening and the air discharge opening, and which is configured to carry air from the air feed opening to the air discharge opening.

Description

[0001] MANURE PROCESSING DEVICE AND METHOD THEREFOR

[0002] The present invention relates to a manure processing device. The invention further relates to an assembly of a manure processing device and a separating device and a method for processing animal manure.

[0003] (Intensive) livestock farming produces a large amount of manure from the animals which are usually kept in stalls for at least part of the year. This manure is traditionally stored in a manure pit, especially in the winter months. The amount of manure produced in a business by the animals kept is generally greater than the amount of manure that the business is allowed to spread on the land owned by the business. In light of recent developments, at least in the Netherlands, in respect of the nitrogen surplus and the deteriorated water quality, the trend is that increasingly less manure is allowed to be spread on the land. This makes it likely that the amount of manure having to be stored in the manure pit will increase. The above stated problems apply to both intensive and non- intensive livestock farming.

[0004] The urine usually mixes with the solid manure in the manure pit or animal accommodation floor. This results in ammonia compounds being formed. These ammonia compounds can spread through the air and result in nitrogen contamination in the (immediate) surroundings of the manure pit. Additionally, methane can escape from the manure pit or accommodation floor.

[0005] Solutions known in practice for reducing the produced ammonia compounds are low- emission animal accommodation floors. Low-emission accommodation floors can comprise a number of different measures, for instance accelerated discharge of thin manure by means of a specific floor embodiment, limiting air exchange between the animal accommodation and the pit and / or limiting manure and urine on the floor by regularly scraping the floor clean with a manure scraper. A drawback of the known solutions is that, although a reduction in ammonia may be achieved, there is still a large volume of manure to be stored. A further drawback is that the manure can supply a limited amount of nutrients to agricultural land.

[0006] The present invention has for its object to obviate or at least reduce the above stated problem. It can be a particular object of the invention to reduce the volume of the stored manure.

[0007] This object is achieved with a manure processing device, comprising: a filter device, comprising: o a reservoir which is provided with an air feed opening and an air discharge opening; o a dividing element arranged in the reservoir, wherein the dividing element divides the reservoir into a manure part positioned on a first side of the dividing element and configured to receive thin manure fraction and a spray part positioned on a second side of the dividing element, and wherein the reservoir is preferably configured to receive a carrier material placeable thereon; and o a spray device positioned in the spray part and configured to distribute the thin manure fraction over the dividing element, and an air device which is connected to the filter device and is connected to the air feed opening and the air discharge opening, and which is configured to carry air from the air feed opening to the air discharge opening.

[0008] An advantage of the manure processing device is that, owing to the air device which carries air to the filter device during distribution of the thin manure fraction by the spray device, a large quantity of moisture present in the thin manure fraction is absorbed by the air. Absorbing the moisture from the thin manure fraction greatly reduces the volume and / or the weight of the thin manure fraction. Experiments have shown that a volume reduction of up to as much as 85% can be realized. This greatly reduces the space required for storing the manure.

[0009] The possible ammonia emission of the manure is discharged by the air device. This ammonia-containing air can be used in a further device for being processed into a usable fertilizer for fertilizing (agricultural) land. A further advantage of processing the thin manure fraction into a usable fertilizer is that CO2 is saved, since production of artificial fertilizer, wherein a lot of CO2 is released, is prevented or reduced. This is because the artificial fertilizer can be replaced by the thin manure fraction processed into usable fertilizer. The operating principle of the invention is air drying. This is preferably done without application of additional heat, and the process accelerates by continually refreshing the air via convection.

[0010] The nitrogen content in the manure is additionally or also reduced and / or separated from the manure. This makes the manure low-emission. The low-emission manure comprises a greatly reduced mineral nitrogen (ammonium) content and has a reduced proportion of carbon-nitrogen (C:N).

[0011] The air device can introduce air from the animal accommodation into the manure processing device. The air from the animal accommodation hereby undergoes additional cleaning and is rid of ammonia compounds. A further advantage is that the air from the animal accommodation has already been heated by the animals in the accommodation, enabling the air to absorb additional moisture from the thin manure fraction. The air device can optionally condition, such as heat, the introduced air, this stimulating bacterial growth.

[0012] A further advantage is that nitrification occurs due to the circulation of the thin manure fraction through the device in combination with the air being carried therealong. This reduces the chances of emission of nitrogen (compounds).

[0013] Yet another advantage is that an optimal environment for the bacteria present in the thin manure fraction is created by the airflow. The airflow specifically realizes supply of oxygen, whereby an environment high in oxygen is realized. Bacterial growth, also referred to as biomass formation, thereby takes place at the surface. The supply of oxygen makes the bacterial growth optimal. Owing to this bacterial growth, the mineral nitrogen, i.e. the nitrogen present in the ammonia compounds, present in the thin manure fraction can be converted into organic nitrogen. This organic nitrogen has a positive effect on soil life, which feeds the crop growing on the soil in a balanced manner as a result thereof. Organic nitrogen is as it were a slow-release fertilizer.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, a desired pH increase also takes place in the process due to degradation of fatty acids into CO2, from urea into ammonia and CO2 and by stripping of dissolved CO2. A high pH results in better evaporation of ammonia without any addition, such as external heat and / or chemicals such as lye, being required for this purpose. This is distinctive from the known systems.

[0015] Yet another advantage is that the remaining, concentrated manure flow obtained from the thin manure fraction is still pumpable and remains an animal manure product. Advantages of the remaining flow are that it is concentrated and an additional advantage is that this flow is low- emission. This entails possible advantages in respect of the manner of application, for instance by injection via a slurry injector, this entailing advantages in respect of the soil structure, such as less compaction owing to less heavy equipment and smaller amounts of manure and less mechanical failure and / or soil disturbance. This provides advantages for the topsoil, including less desiccation and / or hardening.

[0016] The manure processing device according to the invention can be seen as a liquid composting. An advantage of the composting process is that the slurry is stabilized and ensures that (useful) bacterial biomass forms.

[0017] A further advantage is that the energy consumption of the manure processing device is low relative to common air device systems. Only a drive for the spray device and a drive for the air device consume energy. This increases the sustainability of the invention. The present invention is distinguished relative to mono-digestion of manure in that the device has no moving parts, in contrast to mixers in digestion. The device is further much more compact owing to the short residence time relative to manure digestion. A further advantage is that no infrastructure is needed for generation of biogas and injection of green gas. This makes the invention eminently suitable for small to medium-sized companies.

[0018] Yet another advantage is that the manure processing device can be connected to any existing or new animal accommodation. The manure processing device according to the invention can hereby be placed at various locations, this increasing the applicability of the invention. When applied in an extensive business, the surplus of the processed manure can for instance be discharged to and be utilized in an arable farm in the surrounding area in simple manner. During the process, the pH of the thin manure fraction rises automatically, this contributing to the removal of the ammonium N from the product. In the prior art ammonium N is removed in a stripper, with the addition of chemicals and / or heat. In the current invention the pH rise is realized without addition of chemicals or external heat.

[0019] Depending on the wishes of the user, the apparatus can be set such that a low-emission product in combination with maximum concentration, or a low-emission final product in combination with the lowest possible energy consumption, is aimed for. The stage of making the thin fraction low-emission is normally achieved before the product has become concentrated to maximum extent. The energy consumption can be reduced considerably by not aiming for maximum concentration.

[0020] In use, thin manure fraction is introduced into the reservoir. The thin manure fraction is distributed onto the dividing element, on which carrier material is preferably arranged, by the spray device. In the case that carrier material is arranged on the dividing element, the spray device is configured to distribute the thin manure fraction over the carrier material. While spraying the thin manure fraction over the dividing element and / or the carrier material, and while the thin manure fraction seeps downward over the carrier material, air is carried along the thin manure fraction. This air entrains moisture from the thin manure fraction. The thin manure fraction is thereby concentrated. The air further also entrains ammonia compounds present in the thin manure fraction.

[0021] The carrier material is optionally arranged in the reservoir in order to increase the surface area onto which the thin manure fraction is sprayed. The carrier material can be made of any suitable material, preferably a hard material, such as polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride. In an embodiment the carrier material is made of a material to which sludge does not adhere, or does so to lesser extent, such as for instance stainless steel or nickel-plated steel. An advantage thereof is that the sludge will not adhere to the stainless steel. Cleaning of the carrier material is thereby not necessary, or at least to lesser extent.

[0022] The spray device can take different forms which are suitable for distributing the thin manure fraction over the cross-section of the reservoir. The spray part of the spray device can be a drip plate or a distributing nozzle, or comprise fixed sprinklers. The spray part can alternatively or additionally comprise a spray arm provided with a slit. If the spray part is a spray arm, the spray arm can perform a rotating movement or oscillating movement, or move reciprocally above the dividing element. The spray device can comprise a throughfeed element, for instance a pipe, conduit or hose, which is configured to carry the thin manure fraction from the manure part to the spray part.

[0023] The spray device can comprise a pump for pumping the thin manure fraction to the spray element of the spray device. The pump can comprise a precutting device for cutting up the thick parts present in the manure fraction. This reduces the chances of blockages in the spray device. A fdter is alternatively or additionally placed upstream of the pump in order to prevent blockage.

[0024] The reservoir can have any suitable geometric form, for instance cylindrical or beamshaped. The dividing element can also have any suitable geometric form, for instance plate-like, spherical or funnel-shaped. The dividing element can for instance be a partition, mesh or grating. The dividing element is configured to carry the carrier material.

[0025] The first and second side of the dividing element are opposite sides of the dividing element. The first and second side can be positioned such that a vertical, diagonal or lateral airflow is generated. In the literature these are referred to as respectively counterflow, parallel flow and transverse flow or cross-flow. Another option is a horizontal inflow and a vertical outflow. This has the advantage that manure water can be collected. The first side preferably lies under and the second side above the dividing element. In the context of the present application under and above should be understood to mean relative to the direction of gravity. In practical terms, this means that above the dividing element is further removed from the ground surface or the earth’s surface than under the dividing element.

[0026] Finally, two discharge flows are created from the thin manure fraction; the air containing moisture and ammonia, and the concentrated manure fraction, also referred to as sludge, which is pumpable and can be used as soil conditioner.

[0027] The sin manure fraction itself can be characterized as a slurry, i.e. a mixture of inter aha water and solid manure particles.

[0028] In an embodiment according to the invention the air device comprises an air washing device which is connected to the air discharge opening and is configured to wash air discharged from the reservoir.

[0029] The ammonia that is in the air and is discharged from the air discharge opening is washed by the air washing device. By washing the air the ammonia, and thereby the nitrogen, is stored in the washing water. This makes the washing water of the air washing device a usable fertilizer which can be spread on the land. An advantage thereof is that the thin manure fracture is converted into usable fertilizer with a reduced volume. Hereby, less additional fertilizer is alternatively or additionally needed, this saving costs and CO2.

[0030] An air washing device can consist of a porous carrier material through which (animal accommodation) air is guided. Washing water is sprayed onto the carrier material from above, for instance by a spray nozzle, whereby ammonia and any odour compounds are dissolved in the washing water. The air washing device can be a chemical air washing device, a biological air washing device or a combination air washing device. The air washer can be a commercially available air washer. In the context of the present application a manure processing device to which an air washing device is connected can also be understood to mean a manure processing system. In other words, the manure processing device and the air washing device together form the manure processing system.

[0031] In an embodiment according to the invention the device further comprises a housing positioned around the filter device and air device.

[0032] Integrating the filter device and the air device in one housing allows the required air channels, needed for coupling the two apparatuses, to be dispensed with. This simplifies the device as a whole. This further reduces the energy consumption, since (a part of) the air channels are dispensed with.

[0033] In an embodiment according to the invention the device further comprises a carrier material arranged on the dividing element.

[0034] The carrier material can take the form of both a random packing and a structured packing. A random packing, wherein an open structure is provided, is preferred. In a random packing the carrier material is free-floating. The random packing preferably has a high percentage of empty space, allowing a good gas-liquid exchange to take place. A further advantage of the high percentage of empty space is that the air resistance, and thereby the energy consumption, is kept low. This also reduces the chance of blockages. Owing to the free-floating packing, the carrier material can be removed and regenerated.

[0035] The carrier material is preferably formed from a plurality of elements which lie at least partially against each other, whereby the carrier material creates a structure through which the thin manure fraction can seep and / or flow. The carrier material can have any geometric form, for instance spherical, ellipsoidal and / or triangular.

[0036] The carrier material is configured to decelerate the flow speed of the manure fraction, whereby the amount of air flowing along the thin manure fraction is increased by increasing the exchange time. This improves absorption of moisture from the thin manure fraction.

[0037] A further advantage of the carrier material is that the surface on which the thin manure fraction lies is enlarged, this having the positive effect that the absorption of moisture from the thin manure fraction is improved.

[0038] In an embodiment according to the invention an effective diameter of the carrier material lies in the range of 5-500 mm, preferably in the range of 10-100 mm, more preferably in the range of 30-70 mm, and most preferably in the range of 45-55 mm.

[0039] Experiments have shown that the above stated effective diameters result in a good balance between increasing the moisture absorption and preventing the carrier material from becoming clogged due to an excess of (more) solid parts of thin manure fraction. In an embodiment according to the invention the dividing element is provided with at least one opening.

[0040] Owing to the at least one opening, the thin manure fraction can be fed to the manure part of the reservoir again after it has been carried through the carrier material. This provides the option of carrying the thin manure fraction to the spray device again for the purpose of further concentrating the thin manure fraction.

[0041] In an embodiment according to the invention the dividing element consists at least partially of perforated material.

[0042] The dividing element being perforated enables the thin manure fraction to be carried to the manure part of the reservoir again after it has been carried through the carrier material. This provides the option of carrying the thin manure fraction to the spray device again for the purpose of further concentrating the thin manure fraction.

[0043] In an embodiment according to the invention the air feed opening and the air discharge opening are arranged on opposite sides of the dividing element.

[0044] In an embodiment the air feed opening is arranged under the dividing element and the air discharge opening is arranged above the dividing element. An advantage of this embodiment is that the airflow flows substantially counter to the liquid flow from the spray device, which is directed substantially from top to bottom. In an alternative embodiment the air feed opening is arranged above the dividing element and the air discharge opening is arranged under the dividing element.

[0045] By arranging the air feed opening and the air discharge opening on opposite sides of the dividing element the air is carried through the dividing element, and thereby also through the carrier material. The air hereby moves through a large volume, giving the air the opportunity to absorb a great deal of moisture from the thin manure fraction. Said placement of the air feed opening and the air discharge opening thus increases the moisture absorption by the air.

[0046] In an embodiment according to the invention a ventilation space is provided in use between the thin manure fraction positioned in the manure part and the dividing element.

[0047] In the context of the present application ventilation space must also be understood to mean pressure chamber. The skilled person will appreciate that ventilation space can be replaced by the term pressure chamber. The air feed opening or air discharge opening preferably debouches in the ventilation space of the reservoir. The ventilation space can be defined as a free space which comprises air and which is positioned between the upper surface of the thin manure fraction situated in the reservoir and the dividing element.

[0048] Owing to the ventilation space, the air can be carried along the thin manure fraction in effective manner. In an embodiment according to the invention the spray device comprises a spray arm which is provided with at least one spray nozzle, wherein the spray arm is preferably configured to rotate.

[0049] Owing to the spray arm, the thin manure fraction can be sprayed over the whole surface of the reservoir in simple manner. This improves the moisture absorption.

[0050] In an embodiment according to the invention the air device comprises an air feed device which is connected to the air feed opening, wherein the air feed device preferably comprises at least one fan.

[0051] Owing to the air device, the amount of supplied air can be controlled. The amount of supplied air can be set on the basis of the temperature, air humidity and / or the amount of thin manure fraction present in the reservoir.

[0052] An experiment has shown that in a reservoir with a diameter of 30 centimetres a supply airflow rate of 150 cubic metres per hour can be realized. The supply airflow rate dropped to 80 cubic metres per hour due to the partial clogging of the dividing element and / or carrier material. Over a period of 7 days an average of 8. 1 litres of moisture evaporated per day while 10.2 kg of manure was added daily. This at an average air temperature of 10.5 degrees Celsius and an average relative air humidity of 83%. Of the added manure, 20% concentrated manure remained. By regenerating the carrier material (ridding it of sludge or cleaning it) at regular intervals it is possible in practice to prevent the counter-pressure from rising too much, this resulting in the supply airflow rate dropping too far. This furthermore prevents dying off of bacteria due to insufficient oxygen supply.

[0053] In an embodiment according to the invention the device further comprises a sensor arranged in, on or at the filter device, wherein the sensor is preferably selected from the group of: foam sensor, air pressure sensor, temperature sensor, pH sensor, level sensor, relative air humidity sensor, air humidity sensor, dew point sensor, redox sensor, dissolved oxygen sensor and conductivity sensor. The temperature sensor can also be positioned at the incoming and / or outgoing airflow.

[0054] Owing to said sensors, the manure processing device can be controlled automatically. This automatic control can be realized with a controller which is connected to one or more sensors and controls the drive of the pump of the spray device or the drive of the air device on the basis of the measurement data from the sensors. The device can comprise a frost protection wherein pumps and fans are switched off when there is a risk of freezing.

[0055] The sensor is preferably connected operatively to a controller. The controller receives measurements from the sensors and is configured to control the antifoaming agent supply device, the air device, the spray device and the individual pumps, optionally on the basis of the received measurements. In an embodiment according to the invention the device further comprises an antifoaming device which is configured to apply antifoaming agent to the carrier material, preferably on the basis of a signal from the foam sensor.

[0056] The antifoaming agent is preferably a biodegradable foaming agent which acts on neutral to alkaline pH. Examples of such an antifoaming agent are an (esterified) fatty acid or alkoxylate. The antifoaming agent can for instance be WS 28 by Rinagro, SB2080N by Struktol, SB2052 by Struktol. Owing to the antifoaming agent, the manure remaining behind on the dividing element and between the carrier material, particularly when starting with a relatively large amount of fresh manure, is prevented from foaming. This ensures that the air can be carried through the reservoir from the air feed opening to the air discharge opening. Experiments have shown that an antifoaming agent is necessary in some cases when starting with fresh manure.

[0057] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the foaming in fresh manure is probably caused by dying off of anaerobic bacteria and the presence of surfactants. When too much fresh manure is added, there is a risk of too much foam being created. Gradually adding the manure through the spray device keeps the amount of foam under control. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is suspected that, when created, the foam collapses simultaneously due to the manure being sprinkled / sprayed onto the carrier material.

[0058] In an embodiment according to the invention the carrier material is removable from the reservoir, preferably with a removal device which is configured to automatically remove the carrier material.

[0059] In practice, a part of the thin manure fraction will remain behind on the carrier material. Owing to the removability of the carrier material from the reservoir, the carrier material can be cleaned outside the reservoir. The thin manure fraction remaining on the carrier material is here removed from the surface of the carrier material. This can for instance be realized with a rinsing basin. The thin manure fraction removed from the carrier material can then serve as organic fertilizer.

[0060] The removal device can be a circulation device which is connected to the dividing element for the purpose of circulating the carrier material. The removal device is preferably provided with a rinsing device for rinsing clean the carrier material. The removal device can also be configured to reintroduce the carrier material into the reservoir.

[0061] The concentrated manure, or sludge, is removed from the carrier material by the removal device. The sludge can then settle, after which the rinsing water can be reused.

[0062] The removal device alternatively or additionally comprises a conveyor belt for displacing the carrier material to a cleaning device.

[0063] The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a manure processing device according to the invention and a separating device, wherein the separating device is configured to separate supplied manure into a thick fraction and a thin fraction and is further configured to discharge the thin fraction to the filter device.

[0064] The assembly has similar advantages, effects and features as described for the manure processing device. The manure can be introduced into the separating device, which manure is subsequently separated into a thin manure fraction and a thick manure fraction. The thin manure fraction can then be introduced into the reservoir of the manure processing device according to the invention. It will be apparent to the skilled person that the thin manure fraction also contains solid parts, and does not consist solely of liquid. The separating device can be a centrifuge system, a screen belt, a drum filter or a screw press.

[0065] In an embodiment according to the invention the separating device comprises a screw press.

[0066] Owing to the screw press, the manure can be separated into a thick manure fraction and a thin manure fraction in effective manner. The thin manure fraction can thus be further concentrated and processed in the manure processing device.

[0067] Optionally disposed after, i.e. downstream of, the screw press is a micro-separator for separating a high-phosphate fraction. The manure is hereby first carried through the screw press, and then through the micro-separator.

[0068] Alternatively, the separating device comprises an animal accommodation provided with a separating system which is configured to separate urine and manure, or an animal accommodation provided with a manure robot.

[0069] The invention further relates to a method for processing animal manure, wherein the method comprises the following steps of: separating animal manure into a thin manure fraction and a thick manure fraction; feeding the thin manure fraction through to a reservoir; spraying the thin manure fraction onto the carrier material; supplying air, which absorbs at least a part of the moisture from the thin manure fraction, simultaneously to the spraying; and discharging the supplied air.

[0070] The method can be carried out with a manure processing system as described in any one of the embodiments of the present invention. The manure fraction used is preferably as fresh as possible in order to reduce the emission of ammonia as far as possible.

[0071] The spraying optionally comprises of recirculating the thin manure fraction until the desired concentration has been achieved. The concentrated manure fraction, or sludge, remains pumpable.

[0072] The method has similar features, effects and advantages as described for the manure processing device and the assembly. In an embodiment according to the invention the method further comprises of: treating the discharged air in an air washer, preferably comprising of spray washing water which is then absorbed by the discharged air.

[0073] The air washer can be both chemical, biological, and a combination of both.

[0074] In an embodiment according to the invention the method further comprises of: using the washing water as fertilizer for agricultural land.

[0075] The washing water must here be understood as an artificial fertilizer substitute. The washing water can optionally be concentrated in order to increase the nitrogen concentration. An advantage that the overall amount of nitrogen in animal manure decreases, whereby an excess will result less quickly. Another advantage is that less artificial fertilizer need be purchased, which is a cost saving and reduces the CO2 emission. The washing water can optionally be concentrated further in a subsequent step.

[0076] In an embodiment according to the invention the method further comprises of: discharging the carrier material; removing the concentrated thin manure fraction remaining behind on the carrier material; reintroducing the carrier material onto the dividing element.

[0077] For instance with a removal device which automatically removes carrier material from the reservoir.

[0078] Further features, advantages and details of the invention are described on the basis of embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: figure 1 is a first example of a manure processing device according to the invention; figure 2 is a second example of a manure processing device according to the invention; figure 3 is a third example of a manure processing device according to the invention; and figure 4 is a schematic representation of a method according to the invention.

[0079] Manure processing device 2 (figure 1) comprises filter device 4. Filter device 4 comprises reservoir 6, which in the shown embodiment is embodied as a tank. Reservoir 6 is further provided with air feed opening 8 and air discharge opening 9. Air can be fed into reservoir 6 through air feed opening 8, after which the air can then be discharged from reservoir 6 through air discharge opening 9. Arranged in reservoir 6 is dividing element 10. Dividing element 10 divides reservoir 6 into manure part 12 and spray part 14. In the shown embodiment dividing element 10 takes the form of a funnel shape. Dividing element 10 is provided with protruding part 11. Dividing element 10 is made of perforated material, i.e. material provided with openings, through which thin manure fraction can be carried to manure part 12 of reservoir 6. Arranged on dividing element 10 is carrier material 16. In the shown embodiment carrier material 16 takes the form of a plurality of spherical carrier materials elements.

[0080] Manure processing device 2 further comprises spray device 18. Spray device 18 is provided with spray arm 20. Spray arm 20 can be a swivelling or rotatable spray arm. Placed on spray arm 20 are spray nozzles 22. The thin manure fraction is sprayed or dripped from spray nozzles 22, such that the thin manure fraction drops onto carrier material 16. The thin manure fraction is fed to spray arm 20 by means of spray conduit 32. Spray conduit 32 extends from spray arm 20 to pump 30. Pump 30 is further connected operatively to manure part 12 of reservoir 6 with spray pump conduit 28. Thin manure fraction 24 which is stored in manure part 12 of reservoir 6 can thus be spread over carrier material 16 via, successively, spray pump conduit 28, pump 26, spray conduit 32, spray arm 20 and spray nozzles 22. Spray device 18, reservoir 6 and dividing element 10 together form filter device 3. Situated between dividing element 10 and upper surface 25 of thin manure fraction 24 is a ventilation space, or pressure chamber, 34. Air which is supplied through air feed opening 8 can be fed via ventilation space 34, through dividing element 10 and carrier material 16, to air discharge opening 9.

[0081] Attached to protruding part 11 of reservoir 10 is carrier discharge conduit 36. Rinsing water 50 is introduced into protruding part 11 of reservoir 6 via rinsing water conduit 52, whereby carrier material 16 can be washed and the manure parts caked onto carrier material 16 are removed. Carrier material 16 can be discharged from reservoir 10 via carrier discharge conduit 36 in order to be cleaned. Carrier material 16 is fed via carrier discharge conduit 36 to pump 40, which pumps the carrier material upward via second carrier discharge conduit 42. Carrier material 16 is deposited via outlet 44 of second carrier discharge conduit 42 in rinsing basin 46. Rinsing basin 46 is connected to rinsing water basin 48 in which rinsing water 50 is provided. Rinsing water can settle in rinsing water basin 48, after which the settled solid manure particles are discharged via conduit 51 to sludge reservoir 25. After rinsing in rinsing basin 46, carrier material 16 can be replaced onto dividing element 10. Rinsing basin conduit 53 is configured to feed excess rinsing water back to rinsing basin 46. Concentrated manure, or sludge, can be tapped from reservoir 6 in sludge reservoir 25 via sludge discharge conduit 23.

[0082] If necessary, one or two tanks and pumps can be added in this situation in order to rinse the carrier material clean with or without cleaning agent. A first tank is then used to temporarily store the manure water. A second tank with pump serves for pumping around, rinsing and settling of the released sludge.

[0083] It will be apparent to the skilled person that if carrier material 16 holds no concentrated manure, the elements for discharging carrier material 16, such as carrier discharge conduit 36, second carrier discharge conduit 42 and rinsing basin 46 are not necessary. Manure processing system 102 (figure 2) is provided with reservoir 106 where dividing element 110 is arranged. Carrier material 116 is positioned on dividing element 110. Carrier discharge conduit 136 is connected to protruding part 111 of dividing element 110 in order to discharge carrier material 116 to rinsing machine 156. As in the embodiment of figure 1, protruding part 111 of reservoir 106 receives rinsing water 150 from rinsing water basin 148 via rinsing water conduit 152. Carrier material 116 is cleaned extra effectively by rinsing machine 156. Rinsing machine 156 can be provided with brushes for the purpose of brushing carrier material 116. Rinsing machine 156 rids carrier material 16 from thin manure fraction caked onto carrier material elements. After rinsing in rinsing machine 156, carrier material 116 is transported by means of pump 140 and second carrier discharge conduit 142 via carrier discharge opening 144 to rinsing basin 146.

[0084] Reservoir 106 is provided with air feed opening 108. Connected to air feed opening 108 is air device 154. In the shown embodiment air device 154 takes the form of a fan which blows air from outside space 103, in the shown embodiment an animal accommodation, to ventilation space 134 in reservoir 106. This also prevents emission from the animal accommodation. The supplied air is then carried through dividing element 110 and carrier material 116 to air discharge opening 109. The air is carried via air discharge pipe 164 to air washer 166. The air is treated in air washer 166, whereby the ammonia compounds taken up into the air are captured in the washing water of air washer 166. The remaining air is carried via outlet 168 out of air washer 166. The washing water of air washer 166, which contains the ammonia compounds, can be used to fertilize soil.

[0085] Arranged in reservoir 106 is sensor element 158. In the shown embodiment sensor element 158 is a pH sensor, but can alternatively or additionally also be a temperature sensor or conductivity sensor. Positioned in ventilation space 134 is foam sensor 160. Foam sensor 160 detects whether there is any foam formation on the manure fraction 124. Antifoaming agent supply device 162 can add antifoaming agent to thin manure fraction 124 when foam sensor 160 detects foam formation. Sensor element 158 and foam sensor 160 are connected operatively to controller 170. Controller 170, which is placed outside reservoir 106 in the shown embodiment, receives signals from the sensors and is configured to control the antifoaming agent supply device 162, air device 154, spray device 118 and the individual pumps.

[0086] Manure processing device 202 (figure 3) is provided with dividing element 210 with protruding part 211 on which carrier material 216 is placed. Protruding part 211 is provided with an opening through which carrier material 216 can be moved onto conveyor belt 272. The manure water is not moved onto conveyor belt 272, which can be prevented by a seal between the opening of protruding part 211 and conveyor belt 272. Conveyor belt 272 carries carrier material 216 to rinsing machine 256. Rinsing water 250 is guided from rinsing water basin 248 to rinsing machine 256 via rinsing water conduit 252. Pump 280 returns the rinsing water back to rinsing water basin 248 via discharge conduit 282. Once carrier material 216 has been washed by rinsing machine 256, for instance in the same way as in figure 2, carrier material 216 can be carried via vertical transport carrier or conveyor belt 274 to second conveyor belt 276. Second conveyor belt 276 transports carrier material 216 to reservoir 206, where distributor 278 distributes the carrier material over dividing element 210 again. In the shown embodiment first conveyor belt 272 and second conveyor belt 276 are positioned substantially horizontally. It will be apparent to the skilled person that first conveyor belt 272 and second conveyor belt 276 can also be arranged at an angle to a horizontal.

[0087] Manure processing system 384 (figure 4) is further configured to process manure 385. Manure 385 is introduced into separating device 386. Separating device 386 separates manure 385 into thin manure fraction 324 and thick manure fraction 387. In composting device 388, which is optional, thick manure fraction is stabilized further via composting. The thick manure fraction can be composted separately or be stored in a heap. This can optionally be negatively ventilated, wherein air is for instance drawn in through the floor, or from a hall / shed, whereby any emissions can be guided through the air washer. The thin manure fraction 324 is introduced into manure processing device 302. Air is supplied via air device 354 to manure processing device 302. Manure processing 302 takes place as described in figures 1-3. The air carried from manure processing device 302 is treated in the air washer 366 into discharged air 389 which is saturated with moisture and washing water 390 which is high in nitrogen and can be utilized as a replacement for artificial fertilizer. Concentrated manure 391 is pumpable and remains animal manure. Concentrated manure 391 can be used as low-emission soil conditioner.

[0088] The present invention is by no means limited to the above described embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Manure processing device, comprising: a filter device, comprising: o a reservoir which is provided with an air feed opening and an air discharge opening; o a dividing element arranged in the reservoir, wherein the dividing element divides the reservoir into a manure part positioned on a first side of the dividing element and configured to receive thin manure fraction and a spray part positioned on a second side of the dividing element, and wherein the reservoir is preferably configured to receive a carrier material placeable thereon; and o a spray device positioned in the spray part and configured to distribute the thin manure fraction over the dividing element, and an air device which is connected to the filter device and is connected to the air feed opening and the air discharge opening, and which is configured to carry air from the air feed opening to the air discharge opening.

2. Manure processing device according to claim 1, wherein the air device comprises an air washing device which is connected to the air discharge opening and is configured to wash air discharged from the reservoir.

3. Manure processing device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a housing positioned around the filter device and air device.

4. Manure processing device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a carrier material arranged on the dividing element.

5. Manure processing device according to claim 4, wherein an effective diameter of the carrier material lies in the range of 10-100 mm, preferably lies in the range of 30-70 mm, and most preferably lies in the range of 45-55 mm.

6. Manure processing device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the dividing element is provided with at least one opening.

7. Manure processing device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the dividing element consists at least partially of perforated material.

8. Manure processing device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the air feed opening and the air discharge opening are arranged on opposite sides of the dividing element.

9. Manure processing device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein a ventilation space is provided in use between the thin manure fraction positioned in the manure part and the dividing element.

10. Manure processing device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the spray device comprises a spray arm which is provided with at least one spray nozzle, wherein the spray arm is preferably configured to rotate.

11. Manure processing device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the air device comprises an air feed device which is connected to the air feed opening, wherein the air feed device preferably comprises at least one fan.

12. Manure processing device according to any one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a sensor arranged in, on or at the filter device, wherein the sensor is preferably selected from the group of: foam sensor, air pressure sensor, temperature sensor, pH sensor, level sensor, air humidity sensor, dew point sensor, redox sensor, dissolved oxygen sensor and conductivity sensor.

13. Manure processing device according to any one of the foregoing claims, further comprising an antifoaming device which is configured to apply antifoaming agent to the carrier material, preferably on the basis of a signal from the foam sensor.

14. Manure processing device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the carrier material is removable from the reservoir, preferably with a removal device which is configured to automatically remove the carrier material.

15. Assembly of a manure processing device according to any one of the foregoing claims and a separating device, wherein the separating device is configured to separate suppliedmanure into a thick fraction and a thin fraction and is further configured to discharge the thin fraction to the filter device.

16. Assembly according to claim 15, wherein the separating device comprises a screw press.

17. Method for processing animal manure, comprising of: separating animal manure into a thin manure fraction and a thick manure fraction; feeding the thin manure fraction through to a reservoir; spraying the thin manure fraction onto the carrier material, wherein the spraying preferably comprises of recirculating the manure until the desired concentration has been achieved; supplying air, which absorbs at least a part of the moisture from the thin manure fraction, simultaneously to the spraying; and discharging the supplied air.

18. Method according to claim 17, further comprising of: treating the discharged air in an air washer, preferably comprising of spray washing water which is then absorbed by the discharged air.

19. Method according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising of: using the washing water as fertilizer, preferably as artificial fertilizer substitute, for agricultural land.

20. Method according to any one of the claims 16-19, further comprising of: discharging the carrier material; optionally automatically removing the concentrated thin manure fraction remaining behind on the carrier material; and reintroducing the carrier material onto the dividing element.

Images