Method of processing bottom sediment, product obtained by this method, use of the product and a bottom sediment processing installation

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a method of processing bottom sediment characterized in that it comprises steps in which: optionally, solids are separated from the bottom sediment, optionally, the bottom sediment is precipitated, at least one mineral additive and / or at least one organic additive is added to the bottom sediment, at least one aerobic microorganism additive is added to the bottom sediment, optionally, the mixture is mixed, the mixture is aerated, the mixture is dewatered at least partially, optionally aerated. The subject of the invention is also a product obtained by the method of processing bottom sediment according to the invention and the use of the product as a fertilizer, a soil-forming product, a product improving soil properties, a gardening substrate, a soil reclamation material, a peat substitute and / or a building material and / or as a substrate for the production of these products. Finally, the subject of the invention is also a bottom sediment processing installation, characterized in that it comprises a separation module (3), a sediment precipitation module (5), an optional flocculant additive feeder (6), a mixer (17), an optional mineral additive feeder (8), an optional organic additive feeder (10), an aerobic microorganism additive feeder (12), a dewatering module (18) and / or a tank (19) with at least one aerator (20).

Description

[0001] Method of processing bottom sediment, product obtained by this method, use of the product and a bottom sediment processing installation

[0002] The invention relates to a method of processing bottom sediment, a product obtained by the method according to the invention and the use of the product according to the invention. The invention also relates to a bottom sediment processing installation. The invention will find use in particular in the revitalization of water bodies (i.e. reservoirs and watercourses), processing sediments, agriculture and horticulture.

[0003] The shrinking of natural resources of surface waters in the world makes revitalization activities concerning disappearing water bodies subject to eutrophication a necessity, not a choice. The increasingly common phenomenon of accelerated eutrophication, never recorded before on such a large scale, caused by climate change and human activities, manifested by a decrease in the water surface level, overfertilization of water bodies and the expansion of aquatic vegetation, through a significant accelerated increase in the mass of bottom sediments in the above-mentioned water bodies, causes the shrinking of surface water resources. Water bodies that are filling with sediments, becoming shallower, lose their retention potential and cease to perform their previous functions necessary for the environment and humans. Bottom sediments accumulating at the bottom of water bodies also take an active part in the production and emission of greenhouse gases. According to scientific sources, 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions - methane, come from sediments deposited in water bodies. The shallowing of water bodies also causes excessive, uncontrolled growth of emerged aquatic vegetation (reed, narrowleaf cattail, broadleaf cattail), which, trying to create the most favourable vegetation conditions for itself, dominates the water body, intensifying the negative drainage functions in the form of taking in and releasing huge amounts of water into the atmosphere. For example, 1 m2of common reed growth takes in and releases up to 5 m3of water into the atmosphere during one vegetation season .

[0004] As proven by numerous scientific studies describing soil-forming processes, rich in natural nutrients, natural bottom sediments, formed in conditions of anaerobic processing of organic matter, constitute a very valuable source of natural renewable resources, which - according to the Inventor - could potentially find application in many branches of theeconomy, including primarily agriculture, horticulture and in the reclamation of unfavorably transformed and / or degraded areas. Some bottom sediments after further processing, in combination with other innovative materials - according to the Inventor - could also find application in construction as a filling and insulating component.

[0005] There are known methods of extracting and processing natural bottom sediments from freshwater water bodies. However, none of them manages the bottom sediments in an appropriate and economical way, much less does it provide products and substrates that allow for the recovery and use of the potential of the bottom sediments.

[0006] For example, the dry method involves drying the water body and extracting the sediment using excavators. After extraction, the unprocessed sediment is loaded onto trucks and transported to a processing site, mainly for use as geological cover in landfills. In many cases, bottom sediments are not processed in a transparent manner and / or there is no detailed data in this area. The disadvantage of this solution is the significant degradation of the natural environment caused by drying the water body, which causes most of the organisms inhabiting it to die out, and the natural bacterial flora is eliminated. After filling, the water body does not have a natural biological balance. The environmental costs are disproportionate to the effect obtained. The water body regenerates for years, and in some cases never.

[0007] Another known solution for the extraction and processing of bottom sediments is the method of extracting sediments using the refulling method, along with the transfer of highly hydrated sediments (only highly hydrated sediment can be transferred over long distances) by main pipe to the municipal sewage treatment plant, where they are processed. An example of the above-mentioned solution is the revitalization of Lake Karczemne, carried out on behalf of the Kartuzy commune. The disadvantage of the solution is the high implementation costs caused by both the pumping of highly hydrated sediments by pipeline over a considerable distance of about 3 km, as well as subjecting them to a costly processing - similarly to municipal sewage. The use of the above-mentioned method also generates immeasurable water losses (especially in times of its deficit), which instead of returning to the water body, is directed to the sewage system.

[0008] There is therefore an unsolved problem of revitalizing water bodies and extracting bottom sediments, but the available methods and the perception of bottom sediments as potentially hazardous waste have so far hindered - according to the Inventor - its appropriate and profitable management of the accumulated biologically active and economically beneficial materials. Finally, due to the restriction and plans for a complete ban on peat extraction as an essential component of various types of gardening substrates, fertilizersand soil-forming products, there is an urgent unsolved technical problem of finding an ecological and economic alternative and / or peat substitute.

[0009] The present invention solves all the above limitations of the prior art, providing an appropriate and economical method of processing bottom sediments and a dedicated installation allowing for the recovery and development of the potential of bottom sediments, as well as providing new products from a non-obvious source and their wide application, including in agriculture, construction, energy and as a peat substitute.

[0010] The subject of the invention is a method of processing bottom sediment, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:

[0011] a) optionally, solids are separated from the bottom sediment

[0012] b) optionally, bottom sediment is precipitated

[0013] c) at least one mineral additive and / or at least one organic additive is added to the bottom sediment

[0014] d) at least one aerobic microorganism additive is added to the bottom sediment e) optionally, the mixture is mixed

[0015] f) the mixture is aerated

[0016] g) the mixture is dewatered at least partially, optionally aerated.

[0017] Preferably, the method according to the invention is characterized in that in step b) the bottom sediment is precipitated with at least one flocculant.

[0018] Preferably, the method according to the invention is characterized in that in step c) the mineral additive is selected from limestone flour, dolomite flour, zeolite flour, sand, other natural mineral aggregates and / or combinations thereof.

[0019] Preferably, the method according to the invention is characterized in that in step c) the organic additive is selected from comminuted: peat-forming mosses (especially Sphagnum), common reed stems, narrow-leaved cattail stems, broad-leaved cattail stems, aquatic vegetation, barley straw, tree bark, grass stems (especially sedge), wood wool, comminuted wood and other fibrous organic additives and / or combinations thereof.

[0020] Preferably, the method according to the invention is characterized in that in step d) the aerobic microorganism additive is selected from bacteria of the genus Bacillus, Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Pseudomonas and / or a combination thereof.Preferably, the method according to the invention is characterized in that in step e) the mixture is mixed mechanically and / or by forced change of flow direction.

[0021] Preferably, the method according to the invention is characterized in that in step g) the mixture is dewatered for 30 to 60 days, optionally aerated.

[0022] Preferably, the method according to the invention is characterized in that in step g) the mixture is dewatered passively and / or mechanically.

[0023] Preferably, the method according to the invention is characterized in that in step g) the mixture is dewatered by a combination of methods - first passively and then -mechanically.

[0024] Preferably, the method according to the invention is characterized in that it further comprises at least one of the steps selected from the evaluation of the parameters of the starting bottom sediment, in-process control, quality control and / or evaluation of the parameters of the final product, wherein these steps may be repeated and occur before the first step, in the middle and at the end of the method according to the invention.

[0025] Preferably, the method according to the invention is characterized in that in step g) the mixture is dewatered to a water content from 35% to 80% in the mixture.

[0026] The subject of the invention is also a product obtained by the method of processing bottom sediment according to the invention.

[0027] The subject of the invention is also the use of the product according to the invention as a fertilizer, a soil-forming product, a product improving soil properties, a gardening substrate, a soil reclamation material, a peat substitute and / or a building material and / or as a substrate for the production of these products.

[0028] Finally, the subject of the invention is also a bottom sediment processing installation, characterized in that it comprises a separation module, a sediment precipitation module, an optional flocculant additive feeder, a mixer, an optional mineral additive feeder, an optional organic additive feeder, an aerobic microorganism additive feeder, a dewatering module and / or a tank with at least one aerator.

[0029] Preferably, the installation according to the invention is characterized in that the tank is in the form of a depositor and / or a geotextile depositor with permanently and / or temporarily connected aerators located at different levels of the tank and / or to the main pipe in front of the tank.Preferably, the installation according to the invention is characterized in that the separation module, the sediment precipitation module, the mixer and the dewatering module and / or the tank are successively connected by a main pipe, and the optional mineral additive feeder and / or the optional organic additive feeder and / or an aerobic microorganism additive feeder are permanently and / or temporarily connected to the main pipe -downstream of the sediment precipitation module - and / or to the mixer.

[0030] Preferably, the installation according to the invention is characterized in that the optional flocculant additive feeder and / or the optional mineral additive feeder and / or the optional organic additive feeder and / or the aerobic microorganism additive feeder comprises a preparation container, a ready additive container, a flow meter and a dosing pump.

[0031] Preferably, the installation according to the invention is characterized in that the dewatering module is in the form of a centrifuge.

[0032] Preferably, the installation according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises the dewatering module and the tank connected to each other successively by a main pipe.

[0033] The subject invention provides a new and non-obvious source of material and a method of processing it for, among others, the production of fertilizers, soil-forming products, fuels and construction materials. The new source of material is bottom sediments, especially those originating from freshwater water bodies, including natural and artificial ones, which until now have been treated exclusively as sediments formed, among others, as a result of the revitalization of water bodies. The subject solution provides not only a method of processing bottom sediments into an industrially applicable product, but also a dedicated installation for processing bottom sediments. In addition to the new product obtained by the method according to the invention and its application, the invention has a positive impact on the environment and - by eliminating a number of logistic processes -contributes to reducing costs and the carbon footprint. This makes the process of extraction and management of bottom sediments particularly beneficial from the natural and economic point of view. Finally, the product according to the invention provides a promising alternative and / or substitute for intensively exploited peat, the end of which extraction has already been planned for the coming years.The invention will be described in more detail in the following preferred and nonlimiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a diagram of a preferred embodiment of the installation according to the invention.

[0035] Designation of drawing figures:

[0036] 1 - device for collecting sediment

[0037] 2 - feed pipeline

[0038] 3 - separation module

[0039] 4 - main pipe

[0040] 5 - sediment precipitation module

[0041] 6 - optional flocculant additive feeder

[0042] 7 - mineral additive feeding section

[0043] 8 - optional mineral additive feeder

[0044] 9 - organic additive feeding section

[0045] 10 - optional organic additive feeder

[0046] 11 - microorganism additive feeding section

[0047] 12 -aerobic microorganism additive feeder

[0048] 13 - preparation container

[0049] 14 - ready additive container

[0050] 15 - flow meter

[0051] 16 - dosing pump

[0052] 17 - mixer

[0053] 18 - dewatering module

[0054] 19 - tank

[0055] 20 - aerator / sExample 1

[0056] In one embodiment, shown in Fig. 1, a bottom sediment processing installation has been designed and manufactured. The installation according to the invention comprises several independent modules, preferably connected together in a sequence. In the embodiment, the installation according to the invention comprises a separation module 3, a sediment precipitation module 5, an optional flocculant additive feeder 6, a mixer 17, an optional mineral additive feeder 8, an optional organic additive feeder 10, an aerobic microorganism additive feeder 12, a dewatering module 18 and / or a tank 19 with at least one aerator 20.

[0057] In one preferred embodiment, the tank 19 of the installation according to the invention was in the form of a depositor. In another preferred embodiment, the tank 19 of the installation according to the invention was in the form of a geotextile depositor. For example, in the preferred embodiment, the depositor was located on a substrate allowing free air flow to its bottom. This substrate was isolated from the native soil by an impermeable layer in the form of a thick foil. Aerators 20 are connected to the tank 19 - permanently and / or temporarily. In the preferred embodiment, such aerator comprises an air and / or oxygen mixture pump connected to a pipe with an end enabling connection to the tank 19 and / or the main pipe 4 and / or with an end in the form of a nozzle. In the preferred embodiment, the aerators 20 were located at different levels of the tank 19 in order to evenly aerate different levels and areas of the mixture. Aeration preferably works on the principle of gravitational ventilation and / or forced aeration to create optimal oxygen conditions, especially for aerobic microorganisms, ensuring effective mineralization of the mixture in the tank.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the mixture was aerated by means of at least one aerator 20 also before reaching the tank 19, which allows for even more effective pre-aeration of the mixture. In one preferred embodiment, at least one aerator 20 is connected to the main pipe 4 upstream of the tank 19.

[0059] In the preferred embodiment, the separation module 3, the sediment precipitation module 5, the mixer 17 and the tank 19 were successively connected by a main pipe 4 allowing efficient transport of the bottom sediment from the separation module 3, through the sediment precipitation module 5 and the mixer 17, to the tank 19. The transport is driven by pumps. In addition to efficient transport, the main pipe 4 allows for the ongoing addition of additives (e.g. mineral, organic and microbiological) and their mixing by means of changes in the direction of the bottom sediment flows through the main pipe 4 forced by pumps. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, an optional mineral additive feeder 8and / or an optional organic additive feeder 10 and / or an aerobic microorganism additive feeder 12 were connected to the main pipe 4 downstream of the sediment precipitation module 5. In another preferred embodiment, an optional mineral additive feeder 8 and / or an optional organic additive feeder 10 and / or an aerobic microorganism additive feeder 12 were connected to the mixer 17. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an optional flocculant additive feeder 6 was connected to the separation module 3.

[0060] A person skilled in the art will understand that the connections may - depending on the need and the composition of the bottom sediment processed in the installation - be permanently and / or temporarily connected to the main pipe 4 and / or the mixer 17. The same applies to the flocculant additive feeder 6 and the separation module 3.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the optional flocculant additive feeder 6 and / or the optional mineral additive feeder 8 and / or the optional organic additive feeder 10 and / or the aerobic microorganism additive feeder 12 comprises a preparation container 13, a ready additive container 14, a flow meter 15 and a dosing pump 16 for precise and parallel feeding thereof.

[0062] In the embodiment used, the dewatering module 18 was in the form of a centrifuge. In another preferred embodiment, the dewatering module 18 and the tank 19 are connected to each other sequentially via a main pipe 4.

[0063] The bottom sediment processed in the installation according to the invention may originate in particular from freshwater water bodies, both natural and artificial. In particular, such reservoirs are subjected to periodic processes of revitalization and cleaning of the bottom. The hydrated bottom sediment created as a result of these works, preferably in the process of non-agitation refulling, is supplied as the starting substrate to the installation according to the invention. A person skilled in the art understands that the bottom sediment supplied may be characterized by a different content of solids. A person skilled in the art also understands that the bottom sediment supplied, due to its different origin, is characterized by a different mineral, organic and microbiological composition.

[0064] Example 2

[0065] In one embodiment, a method of processing bottom sediment was carried out. In one preferred embodiment, the method of processing bottom sediment was carried out using a bottom sediment processing installation according to the invention. In another embodiment, the method of processing bottom sediment was carried out using separatedevices available in the art. Without departing from the scope of the invention and without additional inventive step, a person skilled in the art will adapt the method of the invention to installations other than the one disclosed herein. According to a preferred embodiment of the method of processing bottom sediment:

[0066] a) optionally, solids are separated from the bottom sediment

[0067] b) optionally, bottom sediment is precipitated

[0068] c) at least one mineral additive and / or at least one organic additive is added to the bottom sediment

[0069] d) at least one aerobic microorganism additive is added to the bottom sediment e) optionally, the mixture is mixed

[0070] f) the mixture is aerated

[0071] g) the mixture is dewatered at least partially, optionally aerated.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom sediment provided as a substrate in step a) was separated in separators in order to separate solids from the bottom sediment. For example, the separated solids may be stones, branches, etc. The solids separated in this way are stored and / or disposed of. In the installation according to the invention, this step is carried out in the separation module.

[0073] In another preferred embodiment, in step b) the bottom sediment was precipitated (without removing the water) to achieve a visual preliminary separation from the water. In one preferred embodiment at least one flocculant was used for the precipitation. Preferred examples of flocculants - used in the method - are anionic and / or cationic flocculants. Examples of such flocculants are especially - but not exclusively - a copolymer of dimethylamine, epichlorohydrin, ethylenediamine, combinations thereof and others. A person skilled in the art will understand that without departing from the scope of the invention and without additional inventive step, alternative methods and substances can be used to achieve substantially the same precipitation, thickening and preliminary separation effect as in the method of the invention. A person skilled in the art will understand that in some cases the bottom sediment may not require a precipitation step. In the installation according to the invention, this step is carried out in the precipitation module 5. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one flocculant is fed to the sediment precipitation module 5 by means of a flocculant additive feeder 6. In another embodiment, at least one flocculant is added manually to the precipitation module 5.In another preferred embodiment, in optional step c) at least one mineral additive is selected from limestone flour, dolomite flour, zeolite flour, sand, other mineral aggregates and / or combinations thereof. A person skilled in the art may select other mineral additives depending on the need. In the installation according to the invention, this step is carried out in the main pipe 4 and / or in the mixer 17. In another preferred embodiment, at least one mineral additive is fed to the main pipe 4 and / or the mixer 17 by means of a mineral additive feeder 8. In another embodiment, at least one mineral additive is added manually to the mixer 17. The mixing of the bottom sediment with at least one mineral additive is carried out until a visually homogeneous mixture is obtained. Without departing from the scope of the invention and without additional inventive step, a person skilled in the art will each time select the mineral additives and their proportions to obtain the desired effects, depending on the parameters of the starting bottom sediment. It is possible that, due to e.g. good parameters of the initial bottom sediment, this stage will not be necessary (omitted).

[0074] In another preferred embodiment, in optional step c) the at least one dry organic additive is selected from comminuted: peat-forming mosses (especially Sphagnum), common reed stems, narrow-leaved cattail stems, broad-leaved cattail stems, aquatic vegetation, barley straw, tree bark, grass stems (especially sedge), wood wool, wood (especially at least partially rotten and / or decayed) and other fibrous organic additives and / or combinations thereof. The person skilled in the art, depending on the need, can select other dry organic additives that advantageously influence the composition and consistency of the product obtained by the method according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one organic additive has been comminuted to a size of 0.1 mm to 600 mm. In a more preferred embodiment, to a size of 5 mm to 200 mm. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one organic additive is fed to the main pipe 4 and / or the mixer 17 by means of mineral additive feeder 8. In another embodiment, at least one organic additive is added manually to the mixer 17. The mixing of the bottom sediment with at least one organic additive is carried out until a visually homogeneous mixture is obtained. Without departing from the scope of the invention and without additional inventive step, a person skilled in the art will each time select the organic additives and their proportions to obtain the desired effects, depending on the parameters of the initial bottom sediment. It is possible that due to e.g. good parameters of the initial bottom sediment, this step will not be necessary (skipped).

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the organic additives are of natural origin. In an even more preferred embodiment, they come from the revitalized water body from which the bottom sediment comes. It is worth mentioning that all organic additives used in the preferred embodiments of the invention - with the exception of barley straw - occur naturallyin and around water bodies, being natural components that guarantee their biological balance. Therefore, their use does not have a negative impact on the water body and its surroundings.

[0076] The use of at least one dry organic additive in the method according to the invention - in addition to the source of beneficial organic compounds - additionally allows the absorption of water contained in the processed bottom sediments. Unexpectedly, it turned out that the use of at least one dry organic additive increased the amount of nutrients retained in the processed bottom sediment. For example, tests have shown (statistically) a significantly higher content of natural humic acids in the processed bottom sediments with the addition of at least one organic additive compared to analogous bottom sediments without the organic additive. This therefore has an effect on the recovery of beneficial organic compounds.

[0077] Meanwhile, barley straw has properties that accelerate humification and - equally important - probiotic properties, necessary for purifying and improving the quality of water in water bodies (biological water filter). It is used, for example, in the event of a disturbance of the biological balance of water bodies due to the emission of anthropogenic pollutants. The last example of the effectiveness of using barley straw is the disaster on the Oder river.

[0078] Mineral and organic additives in the method according to the invention, firstly, fill and loosen the bottom sediment mass, secondly, they constitute a nutrient for the addition of aerobic microorganisms, and at the same time do not harm the aquatic environment (as a natural renewable source).

[0079] In another preferred embodiment, in step d) at least one additive of aerobic microorganisms is selected from bacteria of the genus Bacillus, Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Pseudomonas and / or combinations thereof. Aerobic microorganisms accelerate the humification process in order to transform nutrients (especially nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) into forms available to plants. A person skilled in the art can select other additives of aerobic microorganisms depending on the need. In the installation according to the invention, this step is carried out in the main pipe 4and / or in the mixer 17. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one aerobic microorganism additive is fed to the main pipe 4and / or the mixer 17 by means of an aerobic microorganism additive feeder 12. In another embodiment, at least one aerobic microorganism additive is added manually to the mixer 17. The mixing of the bottom sediment with at least one aerobic microorganism additives is carried out until a visually homogeneous mixture is obtained. Without going beyond the scope of the invention and without additional inventive step, a person skilled in the art will each time select the aerobic microorganism additive and their proportions toobtain the desired effects, depending on the parameters of the initial bottom sediment and optional mineral and / or organic additives.

[0080] In one of the preferred embodiments, depending on the sediment parameters and / or target properties of the end product, the aerobic microorganism additive was not added. Then, at least one mineral additive and / or at least one organic additive is added to the bottom sediment without the addition of aerobic microorganisms and additional aeration, and the installation according to the invention may not comprise a microorganism additive feeding section 11, an aerobic microorganism additive feeder 12 and aerators 20.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, in step e), the mixture was mixed by a forced change in the flow direction until a visually homogeneous mixture was obtained. In another preferred embodiment, in step e), the mixture was mixed mechanically until a visually homogeneous mixture was obtained. Without departing from the scope of the invention and without additional inventive step, a person skilled in the art may replace the mixing methods of the preferred embodiments with other - known in the art - mixing methods with substantially the same effect.

[0082] In another preferred embodiment, in step g) the mixture was dewatered for 30 days, optionally with aeration. In yet another preferred embodiment, in step g) the mixture was dewatered for 60 days, optionally with aeration. In another preferred embodiment, in step g) the dewatering may be carried out passively. Preferably, by drying the sediment outdoor. More preferably, by exposure to sunlight. Alternatively, the dewatering may be carried out mechanically in a dewatering module 18. A preferred embodiment of a dewatering module 18 is a centrifuge. Or even more preferably, a combination of these methods. The advantage of passive dewatering is its low cost, and of forced dewatering its time. The combination offers a combination of the advantages of both methods. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, in step g) the mixture is dewatered by a combination of methods - first passively and then mechanically. In one preferred embodiment, in step g) the mixture is dewatered to a water content from 35% to 80% of the mixture. Such a level of hydration is an optimal choice between the consistency of the mixture and the degree of humification. It is therefore worth emphasizing that dehydration - in this application - is understood as both partial and complete dehydration. And the degree of dehydration depends on the necessary parameters of the mixture. A person skilled in the art understands that he can accordingly go beyond the indicated range of water content if necessary, especially in order to change the consistency and / or reduce / increase humification. Aeration can take place on the basis of gravitational ventilation and / or forced aeration in order to create optimal oxygen conditions ensuring effective mineralization of the bottom sediment processed by themethod according to the invention. A longer period of aeration leads to a higher degree of humification. A person skilled in the art, without going beyond the scope of the invention and without additional inventive step, will accordingly extend, shorten and / or choose a period between 30 and 60 days depending on the need, time and economics of the process. In particular, depending on the parameters of the starting bottom sediment, aerobic microorganism additive and optional mineral and / or organic additives. In the installation according to the invention, this step is carried out in the tank 19. More information on the device itself and the method of appropriate aeration of the various levels and areas of the mixture can be found in Example 1.

[0083] Bottom sediment processed by the methods according to the described embodiments of the method of the invention gives the final product of the invention. The use and advantages of the product of the invention are disclosed in Example 3 and the description, respectively.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention further comprised at least one of the steps selected from the evaluation of the parameters of the starting bottom sediment, in-process control, quality control and / or evaluation of the parameters of the final product. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the starting bottom sediment was subjected to physicochemical composition tests in order to adjust the composition and amount of mineral, organic and aerobic microorganism additives. In another preferred embodiment, during the aeration of the mixture according to the method according to the invention, samples were taken in order to intra-operationally control the progress of the process and to control the quality (correctness) of the aeration of the levels and different areas of the mixture. In yet another preferred embodiment, the parameters of the final product were evaluated before the release of the product batch. These steps may be repeated and occur before the first step, in the middle and at the end of the method according to the invention.

[0085] A person skilled in the art understands that the method according to the invention may start with a step a) optionally, solids are separated from the bottom sediment. Alternatively, the step of collecting the bottom sediment may be part of the method according to the invention and precede step a). Thus, the method according to the invention may be an integral part of the method of extracting (collecting) the bottom sediment and vice versa - the step of collecting the bottom sediment may be an integral part of the method according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom sediment was collected precisely and without agitation from a designated sector of the silted water body, e.g. by means of a device for collecting sediment 1. In another preferred embodiment, the bottomsediment was extracted by the refulling method using a refuller machine known in the art. The collected bottom sediment is collected hydrated, preferably at a level of 70% to 85%, which allows it to be efficiently transferred via the feed pipeline 2 to the installation according to the invention, as well as further via the main pipe 4 in the installation according to the invention. A person skilled in the art, without going beyond the scope of the invention and additional inventive step, can appropriately reduce, increase hydration in order to achieve the desired effects. The level of hydration depends on the structure of the bottom sediment. The bottom sediment processed by the method according to the invention may originate in particular from freshwater water bodies, both natural and artificial. In particular, such water bodies are subjected to periodic processes of revitalization and cleaning of the bottom. A person skilled in the art understands that the bottom sediment supplied may be characterized by a different content of solids. A person skilled in the art also understands that the bottom sediment supplied, due to its different origin, is characterized by a different mineral, organic and microbiological composition. A person skilled in the art also understands that without going beyond the scope of the invention and additional inventive step, the bottom sediment used in the method according to the invention may originate from other sources. For example, the bottom sediment may originate from saltwater water bodies, e.g. the bottom and shores of seas, oceans and bays. The bottom sediment may also originate from sources other than reservoirs, e.g. riverbeds and banks, canal bottoms, oxbow lakes, bottoms of other unusual water bodies such as geothermal reservoirs and mines. The above examples of embodiments of freshwater bodies have been presented to simplify the description and to show the potential of the method according to the invention. It is worth emphasizing that the classification of bottom sediments worldwide depends on local law and current classification. However, in the understanding of this application, bottom sediment is not classified as waste according to the Waste Act (Journal of Laws 2013, item 21) because:

[0086] • it may not be contaminated with waste,

[0087] • at least in part, the sediment is moved within surface waters, e.g. from the bottom to the shore of a reservoir, for purposes such as reclamation, refulling,

[0088] • in the method according to the invention, the bottom sediment is deliberately processed, in accordance with the production process to obtain the product, and the organic substrate is created during the transport of the sediment (via the main pipe) and in the tank, where, among other things, dewatering and adding additives (mineral, organic, microbiological) takes place.Example 3

[0089] In one embodiment, the product of the invention was used as a substrate for the production of a fertilizer, and in another embodiment as a final fertilizer. In one embodiment, the product of the invention was used as a substrate for the production of a soil-forming product, and in another embodiment as a final soil forming product. In one embodiment, the product of the invention was used as a substrate for the production of a soil-improving product, and in another embodiment as a final soil improving product. In one embodiment, the product of the invention was used as a substrate for the production of a gardening substrate, and in another embodiment as a gardening substrate. In one embodiment, the product of the invention was used as a substrate for the production of a soil remediation material, and in another embodiment as a final soil remediation material. In one embodiment, the product of the invention was used as a substrate for the production of a peat substitute, and in another embodiment as a final peat substitute. In one embodiment, the product of the invention was used as a substrate for the production of a building material, and in another embodiment as a final building material. The advantages of such products, their indicated applications and source of origin are obvious to the person skilled in the art and result directly from the names of the products. Further non-obvious advantages are additionally described in the description. Finally, the product according to the invention - as a substrate and / or substitute for peat - can also find application in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and energy industries.

Claims

Claims:

1. A method of processing bottom sediment, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:a) optionally, solids are separated from the bottom sedimentb) optionally, bottom sediment is precipitatedc) at least one mineral additive and / or at least one organic additive is added to the bottom sedimentd) at least one aerobic microorganism additive is added to the bottom sediment e) optionally, the mixture is mixedf) the mixture is aeratedg) the mixture is dewatered at least partially, optionally aerated.

2. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in step b) the bottom sediment is precipitated with at least one flocculant.

3. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step c) the mineral additive is selected from limestone flour, dolomite flour, zeolite flour, sand, other natural mineral aggregates and / or combinations thereof.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step c) the organic additive is selected from comminuted: peat-forming mosses (especially Sphagnum), common reed stems, narrow-leaved cattail stems, broad-leaved cattail stems, aquatic vegetation, barley straw, tree bark, grass stems (especially sedge), wood wool, comminuted wood and other fibrous organic additives and / or combinations thereof .

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step d) the aerobic microorganism additive is selected from bacteria of the genus Bacillus, Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Pseudomonas and / or a combination thereof.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step e) the mixture is mixed mechanically and / or by forced change of flow direction.

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step g) the mixture is dewatered for 30 to 60 days, optionally aerated.

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step g) the mixture is dewatered passively and / or mechanically.

9. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in step g) the mixture is dewatered by a combination of methods - first passively and then - mechanically.

10. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least one of the steps selected from the evaluation of the parameters of the starting bottom sediment, in-process control, quality control and / or evaluation of the parameters of the final product, wherein these steps may be repeated and occur before the first step, in the middle and at the end of the method according to the invention.

11. The method according to any of the preceding claims , characterized in that in step g) the mixture is dewatered to a water content from 35% to 80% of the mixture.

12. A product obtained by the method of processing bottom sediment according to any of the preceding claims.

13. Use of the product according to the preceding claim as a fertilizer, a soil-forming product, a product improving soil properties, a gardening substrate, a soil reclamation material, a peat substitute and / or a building material and / or as a substrate for the production of these products.

14. A bottom sediment processing installation, characterized in that it comprises a separation module (3), a sediment precipitation module (5), an optional flocculant additive feeder (6), a mixer (17), an optional mineral additive feeder (8), an optional organic additive feeder (10), an aerobic microorganism additive feeder (12), a dewatering module (18) and / or a tank (19) with at least one aerator (20).

15. The installation according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tank (19) is in the form of a depositor and / or a geotextile depositor with permanently and / or temporarily connected aerators (20) located at different levels of the tank (19) and / or to the main pipe (4) in front of the tank (19).

16. The installation according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separation module (3), the sediment precipitation module (5), the mixer (17) and the dewatering module (18) and / or the tank (19) are successively connected by a main pipe (4), and the optional mineral additive feeder (8) and / or the optional organic additive feeder (10) and / or the aerobic microorganism additive feeder (12) are permanently and / or temporarily connected to the main pipe (4) - downstream of the sediment precipitation module (5) - and / or to the mixer (17).

17. The installation according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optional flocculant additive feeder (6) and / or the optional mineral additive feeder (8) and / orthe optional organic additive feeder (10) and / or the aerobic microorganism additive feeder (12) comprises a preparation container (13), a ready additive container (14), a flow meter (15) and a dosing pump (16).

18. The installation according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dewatering module (18) is in the form of a centrifuge.

19. The installation according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the dewatering module (18) and the tank (19) connected to each other successively by a main pipe (4).

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