Kit of parts for reducing moisture of food waste
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure EP2026053519_13082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Waste Management
[0002] Field of Invention
[0003] This invention relates to waste management. More specifically, this invention relates to a kit of parts for drying food waste and associated containers, uses and methods.
[0004] Background
[0005] One of the challenges associated with waste management, and particularly food waste management, is the weight and volume of the waste. Commercial waste containers (such as mobile waste containers known as “wheelie bins”) typically have an internal volume of around 1,100 litres, and food waste typically has a density of around 700 - 1,000 kg / m3. Therefore, a 1 ,1 OO-litre waste container (1.1 m3) filled with food waste might typically weigh around 770 - 1,100 kg, depending on the waste's composition.
[0006] The weight of such a container gives rise to a number of problems. Firstly, handling such heavy loads manually is often prohibited due to the risk of injury. Second, in any case it is not possible for a single person to move such a heavy load. Therefore, lifting systems are usually required to assist waste collection workers. This leads to increased collection times, because not all waste container lifting systems are suitable for lifting such heavy containers, slowing collection rates. Heavier waste also results in higher vehicle fuel consumption during transport, increasing operational costs and environmental impact.
[0007] Summary of the Invention
[0008] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are set out in the appended claims. These and other aspects and embodiments of the invention are also described herein.
[0009] According to at least one aspect described herein, there is provided a kit of parts for reducing moisture content of food waste, comprising: a vacuum chamber comprising a sealable opening for receiving food waste into the vacuum chamber and an air outlet for removal of air from the vacuum chamber; and means for retaining the vacuum chamber within a container.
[0010] The means for retaining the vacuum chamber within a container allows the vacuum chamber to be retrofitted to existing containers, particular to existing waste containers such as domestic or commercial wheelie bins. Food waste deposited into the vacuum chamber can be dried by removing air from the vacuum chamber through the air outlet, creating an atleast partial vacuum within the vacuum chamber. This lowers the boiling point of liquids within the vacuum chamber, such as water in the food waste, causing the liquid to evaporate and therefore to be removed from the vacuum chamber through the air outlet along with the air removed from the vacuum chamber. In this way, a portion of the moisture content of the food waste can be removed, thereby reducing the weight and volume of the food waste within the vacuum tank.
[0011] The kit may comprise a valve at the air outlet to seal the air outlet. The valve may enable selective opening of the air outlet, for example to seal the air outlet when the vacuum chamber is being filled with food waste, and to unseal the air outlet for removal of air from the vacuum chamber.
[0012] The valve may be a check valve. The check valve may be arranged to close automatically to seal the air outlet under the force of higher air pressure outside vacuum chamber as compared to the air pressure inside the vacuum chamber. In this way, once the at least partial vacuum is created in the vacuum chamber, the check valve will automatically prevent air ingress into the vacuum chamber.
[0013] The vacuum chamber may be arranged to operate at between 1 and 80 kPa, preferably at between 2 to 70 kPa, between 10 to 70 kPa, between 20 to 70 kPa, between 30 to 70 kPa, between 40 to 70 kPa, between 50 to 70 kPa, or between 60 to 70 kPa.
[0014] The kit may comprise a quick-release connector at the air outlet, or at least one component (e.g., a male or female component) of such a connector. The quick-release connector may be for example a VC200 connector. The kit may also comprise a hose having a corresponding quick-release connector arranged to couple to the quick-release connector at the air outlet for removal of air from the vacuum chamber through the hose. For example, if a male quick-release connector is provided at the air outlet, the hose may have a corresponding female connector to connect to the male connector. The quick-release connectors enable the hose to be connected quickly and easily to the air outlet at one end, and optionally to a vacuum pump at the other end, to pump air out of the vacuum chamber through the hose. The quick-release connector may comprise a valve arranged to automatically unseal the air outlet upon connection of a hose to the quick-release connector at the air outlet.
[0015] The kit of parts may comprise a collapsible receptacle within the vacuum chamber and connected to the air outlet for removal of air from the collapsible receptacle. The collapsible receptacle may comprise a liquid outlet for releasing liquid from the receptacle. The kit may also comprise a container arranged to collect liquid released from the receptacle through theliquid outlet, and the container may comprise a drain. The collapsible container may be a simple lining within the vacuum chamber to hold food waste deposited into the vacuum chamber through the opening. Air can be removed from within the collapsible receptacle through the air outlet, causing the collapsible receptacle to collapse under external air pressure, compressing the food waste contents within the receptacle and thereby squeezing liquid (e.g., water) from food waste. The liquid squeezed from the food waste can be released through the liquid outlet of receptacle and collected by the container for example via a pipe connected between the liquid outlet of the collapsible receptacle and the liquid container. Liquid can be drained from the container via the drain.
[0016] The vacuum chamber may comprise a seal to seal the opening of the vacuum chamber. For example, the seal may be an O-ring seal. The seal may seal around the opening of the vacuum chamber such that a lid can be seated on the seal to seal the opening.
[0017] The kit may comprise further means for further reducing moisture content of the food waste in the vacuum chamber. In particular, the kit may comprise means for heating the contents of the vacuum chamber. Specifically, the kit may comprise a heating element to heat the contents of the vacuum chamber. The heating element may be for example a heating coil. Alternatively, or additionally, the kit may comprise means for generating microwaves to heat the contents of the vacuum chamber.
[0018] The kit may comprise a container, wherein the means for retaining the vacuum chamber comprises at least one insert is sized and shaped to be inserted into the container. In this way, the kit can be retrofitted to the container by inserting the insert into the container.
[0019] According to another aspect described herein, there is provided a container comprising a kit of parts as aforementioned. The kit of parts may be contained within the container. In particular, the means for retaining the vacuum chamber may be arranged to couple to the container (e.g., by a friction fit, or a connection with the container base or walls) and to retain the vacuum chamber in the container.
[0020] The container may comprise an external opening in the container for receiving food waste into the container. The external opening may be a hole formed in the container. The external opening may be a movable or removable lid of the container, such as a hinged lid. The external opening of the container and the opening of the vacuum chamber may be aligned with one another. For example, the vacuum chamber may be arranged upright in the container, such that an upper opening in the vacuum chamber and an external opening in the top side of the container are aligned. Alternatively, the external opening of thecontainer and the opening of the vacuum chamber may be unaligned with one another. For example, the vacuum chamber may be arranged to lie down in the container.
[0021] In any case, the container may comprise a chute to convey food waste from the external opening in the container to the opening of the vacuum chamber. The chute may be a pipe or duct to contain a flow of food waste from the external opening in the container to the opening of the vacuum chamber.
[0022] The external opening in the container may be coupled to the opening of the vacuum chamber such that the opening of the vacuum chamber is arranged to be unsealed when a lid of the external opening in the container is opened. For example, there may be a physical connection between a lid which is arranged to close the external opening of the container and a lid which is arranged to close the opening of the vacuum chamber. In this way, when the lid of the container is moved to open the container, the connection may cause a corresponding movement of the lid of the vacuum chamber to open the lid of the vacuum chamber.
[0023] The container may comprise a further external opening in the container for connection of a hose to the air outlet of the vacuum chamber through the further external opening in the container. The further external opening in the container may be aligned with the air outlet of the vacuum chamber. For example, the container may comprise a lower opening through which a hose can be passed to couple to the air outlet.
[0024] The container may comprise a valve at the further external opening in the container to seal the further external opening. The valve may operate jointly with a valve at the air outlet, or may be the same valve as the valve at the air outlet, such that when the air outlet is unsealed by the valve the further external opening in the container is also unsealed.
[0025] The container may be a waste container, preferably a mobile waste container such as a wheelie bin, more preferably wherein the mobile waste container has a volume of approximately: 60 L, 80 L, 120 L, 140 L, 180 L, 240 L, 360 L, 660 L, 770 L, 1100 L or 1280 L, which are typical volumes for domestic and commercial wheelie bins. The container may be formed of plastic, preferably a thermoplastic, more preferably polyethylene, yet more preferable high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The container may have one or more wheels, preferably two or four wheels, to make the container mobile. The container may comprise means for coupling to a lifting mechanism, such as the lifting mechanism on a refuse collection vehicle.In the kit of parts or the container, the means for retaining may comprise at least one insert arranged to fit into the container. The insert may be tapered. The insert may be sized and shaped to provide a friction fit within the container. The insert may be arranged to be wedged into the container to retain the vacuum chamber - located within the insert - in the container. The insert may be a simple frame or stand upon which the vacuum chamber is mounted or seated.
[0026] The at least one insert may be arranged to space the vacuum chamber from a wall of the container. For example, the insert may keep the vacuum chamber out of direct contact with any wall of the container or the base of the container. This helps to protect the vacuum chamber by preventing impacts with the walls of the container.
[0027] The at least one insert may comprise multiple inserts, and wherein the vacuum chamber is arranged to be retained between the multiple inserts. For example, the vacuum chamber may be sandwiched between two or more inserts to retain the vacuum chamber in the container.
[0028] The at least one insert may be arranged to at least partially surround the vacuum chamber. For example, the insert could surround half of the vacuum chamber, or two inserts could each surround opposing portions of the vacuum chamber, such as opposing quarters. For example, the inserted could be include a hemicylindrical recess in which the vacuum chamber could be laid.
[0029] The vacuum chamber may be arranged to fit within the at least one insert. The insert may therefore comprise a cavity for receiving the vacuum chamber. The insert thus forms a shell around the vacuum chamber, encasing the vacuum chamber.
[0030] The at least one insert may form a block comprising a cavity, wherein the vacuum chamber is arranged to fit within the cavity. A block has a shape corresponding generally to the interior shape of a waste container.
[0031] The at least one insert may be formed of polystyrene. Polystyrene can thermally insulate the vacuum chamber as well as protect the vacuum chamber from impacts. This is particular advantageous if supplementary heating means are included, for example to heat the contents of the vacuum chamber.
[0032] The means for retaining the vacuum chamber in the container, whether in the form of at least one insert or otherwise, may instead be formed of a non-insulating material or a heat-conducting material. This is because the vacuum drying process can induce cooling within the vacuum chamber, which can slow evaporation of liquid in the vacuum chamber. A non-insulating or heat-conducting material can therefore enable ambient heat to transfer from the atmosphere to the vacuum chamber to counter the cooling effect of the vacuum drying process, thereby maintaining the vacuum chamber at the ambient temperature to encourage liquid evaporation.
[0033] According to another aspect described herein, there is provided a system, comprising: a kit of parts or container as aforementioned; and a vacuum pump connected to the air outlet of the vacuum chamber and configured to remove air from the vacuum chamber through the air outlet. The vacuum pump may be local to the container or kit, or it may be provided remotely and brought intermittently (e.g., during waste collection times) to the container or kit to reduce the moisture content of the food waste in the vacuum chamber.
[0034] According to another aspect described herein, there is provided a container for reducing moisture content of food waste, comprising: a sealable opening for receiving food waste into the container; and an air outlet for removal of air from the container. Therefore, in this aspect the container may itself be pressurised by removal of air from within the container, rather than providing a separate vacuum chamber within the container.
[0035] According to another aspect described herein, there is provided use of a kit of parts, container or system as aforementioned in a method of reducing moisture content of food waste by vacuum.
[0036] According to another aspect described herein, there is provided a method of reducing moisture content of food waste by vacuum, the method comprising: depositing food waste into the vacuum chamber or container as aforementioned; and removing air from the vacuum chamber or container through the air outlet to reduce moisture content of the food waste.
[0037] According to another aspect described herein, there is provided a use of a kit of parts, container or system as aforementioned, comprising: depositing food waste into the vacuum chamber through the opening; and removing air from the vacuum chamber through the air outlet to reduce the moisture content of the food waste. The dried food waste has a reduced volume and weight, which makes it easier to collect and process. Moreover, the remaining dried waste may form a refuse derived fuel which can provide an energy source.
[0038] According to another aspect described herein, there is provided a method of manufacturing a container as aforementioned, comprising: providing a vacuum chamber comprising an opening for receiving food waste into the vacuum chamber and an air outlet for removal of air from the vacuum chamber; providing a container, and forming an external opening in thecontainer; and retaining the vacuum chamber within the container. The container may therefore be adapted for retrofitting the kit of parts as aforementioned.
[0039] In any of the aspects described above, the size of the of the vacuum chamber or container may be scalable depending on the use case. For example, different sized vacuum chambers or containers may be provided for domestic and commercial or industrial uses. Similarly, the kit of parts, container or system may include multiple compartments for receiving waste, or multiple vacuum chambers within a single container, to enable separate of different types of waste which might for example have different moisture reduction requirements or speeds. The multiple compartments or vacuum chambers may each have an air outlet for removal of air from each compartment or chamber. The air outlets of each compartment or vacuum chamber may be connected in series of in parallel such that a single vacuum pump can be used to remove air from all compartments or vacuum chambers simultaneously.
[0040] In any of the aspects described above, the kit of parts, container or system may include sensors, preferably smart sensors, such as moisture and / or pressure sensors. The vacuum drying process can then be controlled at least partly based on the sensor readings. For example, a vacuum pump may be activated until a certain reduction in pressure or reduction in moisture is reached, upon which the vacuum pump may be deactivated. Similarly, the sensors may be used to activate supplementary heating means such as a heating coil or microwave generator as described above.
[0041] In any of the aspects described above, the kit of parts, container or system may include odour control mechanisms, such as means for ultraviolet disinfection of the vacuum chamber or container, or activated charcoal filters, to reduce odours within the vacuum chamber or container.
[0042] In any of the aspects described above, the vacuum chamber or container (or specifically a vacuum pump arranged to remove air from the vacuum chamber of container) may be powered by a local power source, such as a battery, to avoid the need for a connection to a separate power source, such as a mains connection. Preferably the local power source comprises means for generating renewable energy. For example, the local power source may comprise one or more solar panels to provide power directly, or to charge the battery. In any of the aspects described above, the vacuum pump used to remove air from the vacuum chamber or container may be a kinetic energy vacuum pump. The kinetic energy vacuum pump may utilise a wind powered turbine to remove air from the vacuum chamber or container.While the present disclosure focuses on the use of the kit of parts, container, and system described above for reducing the moisture content of food waste, other use cases are also envisaged. For example, the present disclosure could be used alternatively to reduce the moisture content of the following:
[0043] • Agricultural and Horticultural Waste - Farm waste like spoiled crops, husks, and plant matter could benefit from moisture removal before disposal.
[0044] • Pharmaceutical and Medical Waste - Some biomedical waste needs moisture reduction before incineration or safe disposal.
[0045] • Plastic and Industrial Waste - Many industrial waste streams (especially wet plastics) need drying before recycling.
[0046] • Composting Acceleration - Pre-drying food waste (or agricultural and horticultural waste) before composting could speed up decomposition and reduce methane emissions.
[0047] Any apparatus feature described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure.
[0048] Any feature in one aspect of the disclosure may be applied to other aspects of the disclosure, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented and / or supplied and / or used independently. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure. One or more aspects will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings having I ike- reference numerals, in which:
[0049] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a kit of parts according to the present disclosure;
[0050] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the first embodiment in use with a waste container;
[0051] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a kit of parts according to the present disclosure; and
[0052] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the second embodiment in use with another waste container;Detailed
[0053] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a kit of parts 100 for reduce moisture content of food waste according to the present disclosure. The kit comprises a vacuum chamber 102 comprising a sealable opening 104 for receiving food waste into the vacuum chamber and an air outlet (not shown) for removal of air from the vacuum chamber. The kit also comprises means for retaining the vacuum chamber within the container. In this example, the means is at least one insert 106 for a container, such as waste container, arranged to retain the vacuum chamber 102 within the container.
[0054] The vacuum chamber 102 in this example is a cylindrical vacuum tank. The tank has a base 108 at the lower end of the tank, and the sealable opening 104 is located at the upper end of the cylindrical tank, opposite the base 108. The cylindrical shape of the vacuum chamber provides better structural resistance, as compared to other shapes, against the forces of a vacuum within the vacuum chamber.
[0055] The vacuum chamber 102 in this example comprises a lid 110 for closing and sealing the sealable opening 104 of the vacuum chamber 102. The lid 110 is arranged to be movable or removable to enable food waste to be deposited into the vacuum chamber 102 through the sealable opening 104. The vacuum chamber may also comprise a seal to seal the opening 104 of the vacuum chamber 102, such as an O-ring seal located around the opening where the lid 110 meets the vacuum chamber to close the sealable opening 104.
[0056] The air outlet, for removal of air from the vacuum chamber, is not shown in Figure 1 but may be arranged as air outlet through the cylindrical wall of the vacuum chamber 102, or alternatively or additionally as an air outlet through the lid 110 of the vacuum chamber 102. The vacuum chamber 102 in this example comprises a valve at the air outlet to seal the air outlet. The valve may be located within the air outlet. The valve may be a check valve arranged to automatically close and seal the air outlet under the force of higher air pressure outside vacuum chamber 102 as compared to the air pressure inside the vacuum chamber 102.
[0057] The vacuum chamber 102 in this example also comprises a quick-release connector at the air outlet, which is also not shown. For example, the quick-release connector may be arranged externally on the vacuum chamber 102. The quick-release connector may be, for example, a VC200 quick-release connector. The quick-release connector of the vacuum chamber 102 may be a male orfemale component of a male-female quick-release connector set to enable connection of the air outlet to a hose having a corresponding component of the connector. For example, the vacuum chamber 102 may comprise a female quick-releaseconnector at the air outlet such that a hose with a male quick-release connector can be connected to the air outlet for removal of air from the vacuum chamber through the hose. The valve mentioned above may be part of the quick release connector, such the valve is arranged to seal the air outlet when there quick-release connector is unconnected to a hose but to unseal the air outlet upon connection of a hose to the quick-release connector.
[0058] The vacuum chamber 102 may comprise a lining to hold food waste deposited into the vacuum chamber through the sealable opening 104. The vacuum chamber may additionally or alternatively comprise a collapsible receptacle within the vacuum chamber and connected to the air outlet. In this way, air can be removed from within the collapsible receptacle through the air outlet. The removal of air from within the collapsible receptacle will cause the collapsible receptacle to collapse under external air pressure, compressing the food waste contents within the receptacle container, and thereby squeezing liquid (e.g., water) from the food waste. The collapsible receptacle may therefore comprise a liquid outlet for releasing liquid from the receptacle. Similarly, the vacuum chamber 102 may comprise a container arranged to collect the liquid released from the receptacle through the liquid outlet, for example via a pipe connected between the liquid outlet of the collapsible receptacle and the container. The container may comprise a drain to enable the container to be drained intermittently to remove the liquid released and collected from deposited food waste.
[0059] As described above, the means for retaining the vacuum chamber in the container in this example is an insert 106. In this example, the insert is a block. The block is arranged to be inserted into a container, such as waste container, to retain the vacuum chamber 102 within the container. Therefore, the insert may be sized and shaped to be inserted into the container. The block comprises a cavity 112 and the vacuum chamber 102 is arranged to fit within the cavity 112 as indicated in Figure 1. In this way, when the vacuum chamber 102 can be inserted in the cavity 112 of the block, and the block surrounds the vacuum chamber 102, forming a shell around the vacuum chamber. While the insert 106 can be formed of various different materials, in this example the insert is formed as a polystyrene block. Polystyrene is advantageous for thermally insulating the vacuum chamber and providing a protective shell around the vacuum chamber. Polystyrene is also deformable, enabling the insert 106 to fit within a container with a friction fit to retain the vacuum chamber 102 within the container.
[0060] The insert may comprise an opening to enable access to the air outlet of the vacuum chamber, for example to allow connection of a hose to the air outlet, in the case where the air outlet is located on the cylindrical wall of the vacuum chamber. If the air outlet is locatedon the base 108 of the lid 110 of the vacuum chamber, one or both ends of the cavity 112 may be left open to allow access to the air outlet via the open end of the cavity 112.
[0061] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the kit described above, in use with a waste container 200. The insert 106, with the vacuum chamber 102 arranged within it, can be inserted into the container 200. In this example, the container 200 is a waste container, specifically a 770 L mobile waste container representing a typical domestic “wheelie bin”. The insert 106 has a tapered shape, mirroring the tapered internal shape of the container 200. The insert 106 is sized and shaped to fit within the container 200, for example with a friction fit as described above. When inserted within the container 200, the insert 106 retains with vacuum chamber 102 within the container 102, spaced apart from the walls of the container 200 by the insert. The container 200 comprises an external opening 202 for receiving food waste into the container. In this example, the external opening 202 of the container and the opening 106 of the vacuum chamber are aligned with one another when the vacuum chamber 102 is retained in the container by the insert 106. In this example, the external opening 202 of the container 200 is located centrally in a lid of the container, and the vacuum chamber 102 is retained centrally in the container 200 by the insert 106 to provide the alignment.
[0062] In use, as user may deposit food waste 204 into the container 200 via the opening 202, with the vacuum chamber 102 arranged to receive the food waste through the sealable opening 104. To enable food waste deposited into the container 200 via the opening 202 to receive the vacuum chamber 102, the container may comprise a chute or pipe to convey the food waste from the external opening 202 in the container 200 to the sealable opening 104 of the vacuum chamber 102. The container 200 may also comprise a hopper between the opening 202 and the vacuum chamber 102, such that food waste deposited into the container 200 via the opening 202 is held intermediately in the hopper until the lid 110 of the vacuum chamber is opened to allow the food waste into the vacuum chamber 102. In other examples the lid 110 of the vacuum chamber may simply remain open, when the vacuum chamber 102 is not under a vacuum, to allow food waste to enter the vacuum chamber 102.
[0063] In other examples, the container 200 may not include an external opening 202, and may instead comprise a hinged lid, in the same way as a typical wheelie bin, which a user can open to access the vacuum chamber, such as a use can directly open the lid 110 of the vacuum container 102 to deposit food waste directly into the vacuum chamber 102.
[0064] The lid of the container 200 and the lid of the vacuum chamber 102 may also be coupled such that the lid of the vacuum chamber 102 is opened when the lid of the container 200 is opened. For example, the contain may comprise a mechanical connection between the lidof the container and the lid of the vacuum chamber such that, when the lid of the container is moved or removed, the mechanical connector causes a corresponding movement of the lid of the vacuum chamber to open the lid of the vacuum chamber.
[0065] After food waste has been deposited into the vacuum chamber 102, the vacuum chamber lid is sealed, and air is removed from the vacuum chamber through the air outlet. Removal of air from the vacuum chamber creates an at least partial vacuum within the vacuum chamber, in that the air pressure within the vacuum chamber is reduced in comparison to the air pressure outside the vacuum chamber. This partial vacuum reduces the boiling point for liquids within the vacuum chamber (and specifically the liquid, such as water, in the food waste in the vacuum chamber), causing the liquids to evaporate into the atmosphere within the vacuum chamber and be extracted from the vacuum chamber through the air outlet. This process is known as vacuum drying. As a result, the moisture content of the food waste within the vacuum chamber can be significantly reduced, thereby also reducing the weight and volume of the waste within the vacuum chamber. Once the vacuum drying process is complete, the remaining dried food waste can form a refused derived fuel 206 which can be removed from the vacuum chamber 102 and used as an energy source.
[0066] The combination of the vacuum chamber 102 and the insert 106 can be retrofitted into existing waste containers 200, such as domestic or commercial wheelie bins, to collect household or domestic food waste and to vacuum dry the food waste to generate refused derived fuel.
[0067] The container 200 may include certain modifications to improve use with the vacuum chamber 102 and insert 106, although these modifications are not essential for use, they provide certain advantages. Specifically, the container 200 may comprise a further external opening (in addition to the opening 202) for connection of a hose to the air outlet of the vacuum chamber through the further external opening in the container. In this way, a hose can be connected to the vacuum chamber 102 through the container, to couple the vacuum chamber 102 to a vacuum pump to remove air from the vacuum container. The further external opening in the container may be aligned with the air outlet of the vacuum chamber to enable easier coupling of a hose to the vacuum chamber 102 through the further external opening. While the vacuum chamber 102 may comprise a valve at the air outlet as described above, an additional valve may also be provided at the further external opening in the container to seal the further external opening.
[0068] To accelerate the reduction of the moisture content of food waste in the vacuum chamber, a combination of vacuum drying and heating may be used. In particular, the vacuum chamber or container may include a heating element, such as a heating coil or a heat exchanger, toheat the contents of the vacuum chamber. Alternatively, or additionally, the vacuum chamber or container may comprise means for generating microwaves to heat the contents of the vacuum chamber.
[0069] The vacuum pump used to remove air from within the vacuum chamber will also generate heat during operation. Waste heat from the vacuum pump could be recovered and used to heat the content of the vacuum chamber to accelerate drying of the contents. The waste heat from the vacuum pump could be recovered using a heat pump, or a coolant loop circulating between the vacuum pump and the vacuum chamber.
[0070] A vacuum pump may be included locally with the container or vacuum chamber to enable removal of air from the vacuum chamber. Alternatively, a vacuum pump may be included with a waste collection vehicle or facility, in which case the vacuum chamber can be connected to the vacuum pump (for example by a hose, connecting to the vacuum pump and vacuum chamber using the quick-connect couplers described above) during waste collection to reduce the moisture content of the food waste immediately before collection of the waste.
[0071] The example shown in Figures 1 and 2 is based on the case where the vacuum chamber 102 and insert 106 are arranged to be retrofitted to a typically 770 L domestic bin. However, in other examples the kit may be arranged to be retrofitted to bins of a different shape or size. Specifically, the kit may be arranged to fit waste containers of the following approximate sizes: 60 L, 80 L, 120 L, 140 L, 180 L, 240 L, 360 L, 660 L, 770 L, 1100 L or 1280 L (each referring to the internal volume of the containers).
[0072] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a kit of parts 300 according to the present disclosure. In this second embodiment, the kit includes the same vacuum chamber 102 as described above with reference to the first embodiment, but a different insert 306 is provided which differs from the insert 106 of the first embodiment in that it is sized and shaped to fit within a 1100 L waste container, typical of a commercial mobile waste container. Figure 4 is an exploded view of the kit 300 of the second embodiment in use with such a waste container 400.
[0073] The vacuum chamber 102 in the example shown in Figure 3 is the same as the vacuum chamber 102 shown in Figures 1 and 2, in that it is a cylindrical tank comprising a sealable opening 104 for receiving food waste into the vacuum chamber, a lid 110 for closing the opening, and an air outlet (again, not shown) for removal of air from the vacuum chamber, and the description above regarding these features of the vacuum chamber applies also to Figures 3 and 4.In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the insert 306 is block, such as polystyrene block, sized and shaped to fit within the 1100 L container 400 to retain the vacuum chamber 102 within the container 400. The block 306 comprises a cavity 312 and the vacuum chamber 102 is arranged to fit within the cavity 312 such that the vacuum chamber 102 lies on its side in use, surrounded by the block 306, in contrast to the example shown in Figures 1 and 2 where the vacuum chamber stands upright on its base 108 in use. The vacuum chamber 102 in the example shown in Figures 3 and 4 may again comprise a quick-release connector at the air outlet, and the block 306 may also include an opening to enable access to the air outlet through the block
[0074] In use, the vacuum chamber 102 can be fitted within the cavity 312 of the block 306 and the block 306 can then be inserted into the container 400. The insert 306 in this example again has a tapered shape, mirroring the tapered internal shape of the container 400, such that the insert 306 can fit within the container 200, for example with a friction fit, with the vacuum chamber 102 spaced apart from the walls of the container 400.
[0075] The container 400 in this example also comprises an external opening 402 for receiving food waste into the container. However, in this example the external opening 402 of the container 400 and the opening of the vacuum chamber are not aligned with one another because the vacuum chamber 102 is lying on its side within the container 400. The container 400 or the kit 300 may therefore comprise a chute or pipe to convey the food waste from the external opening 402 in the container 400 to the sealable opening 104 of the vacuum chamber 102 as indicated by the dashed line in Figure 4. In this way, a user may deposit food waste 204 into the container 400 via the opening 402, and the food waste will then be conveyed to the vacuum chamber and into the vacuum chamber via the opening.
[0076] After food waste has been deposited into the vacuum chamber 102, air is removed from the vacuum through the air outlet as described above to reduce the moisture content of the food waste by vacuum drying. Once the vacuum drying process is complete, the remaining dried food waste forms a refused derived fuel 206 which can be removed from the vacuum chamber 102 and used as an energy source.
[0077] The container 400 may include certain modifications to improve use with the vacuum chamber 102 and insert 306, as described above. Specifically, in this example, due to the increased ground clearance of the container 400 shown in Figure 4 as compared to the container 200 shown in Figure 2, the container 400 may comprise a further external opening (in addition to the opening 402) in its underside for connection of a hose to the air outlet of the vacuum chamber through the further external opening in the container. Similarly, if the kit300 or container 400 comprises a drain for draining liquid removed from the food waste, the drain may be arranged to release liquid through the underside of the container 400.
[0078] Alternatives and modifications
[0079] It will be understood that the invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.
[0080] In particular, in the examples shown in the drawings the insert 106, 306 is shown as a unitary block in which the vacuum chamber 102 is inserted. However, the insert may be provided in a number of different ways. In particular, the insert may be provided in multiple parts, for example the insert 106 shown in Figures 1 and 2 could be halved vertically, or the insert 306 shown in Figures 3 and 4 could be halved horizontally, such that when the two halves are put together they form the block with a cavity between the two halves and the vacuum chamber can be sandwiched between the two halves. In other examples, the insert could be formed as a simple frame arranged to be inserted into the container and secured to the interior of the container, or as a stand upon which the vacuum chamber can be placed within the container to retain it in the container. In this case, the frame may not surround the vacuum chamber but just retain it within the container. In yet other examples, the insert could comprise a portion of the blocks shown in the drawings, such as the lower half of the block 306 shown in Figures 3 and 4, providing a hemi-cylindrical seat in which the vacuum chamber could be laid, without fully encasing the vacuum chamber.
[0081] Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.
[0082] Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.
Claims
Claims1. A kit of parts for reducing moisture content of food waste, comprising:a vacuum chamber comprising a sealable opening for receiving food waste into the vacuum chamber and an air outlet for removal of air from the vacuum chamber; andmeans for retaining the vacuum chamber within a container.
2. A kit of parts according to Claim 1 , comprising a valve at the air outlet to seal the air outlet, preferably a check valve.
3. A kit of parts according to Claim 1 or 2, comprising a quick-release connector at the air outlet.
4. A kit of parts according to Claim 3, comprising a hose having a corresponding quickrelease connector arranged to couple to the quick-release connector at the air outlet for removal of air from the vacuum chamber through the hose.
5. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim, comprising a collapsible receptacle within the vacuum chamber and connected to the air outlet for removal of air from the collapsible receptacle.
6. A kit of parts according to Claim 5, wherein the collapsible receptacle comprises a liquid outlet for releasing liquid from the receptacle, and preferably also comprises a container arranged to collect liquid released from the receptacle through the liquid outlet, preferably wherein the container comprises a drain.
7. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim, wherein the seal is an O-ring seal.
8. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim, comprising means for heating the contents of the vacuum chamber, preferably:a heating element to heat the contents of the vacuum chamber; and / or means for generating microwaves to heat the contents of the vacuum chamber.
9. A container comprising a kit of parts according to any preceding claim, preferably wherein the kit of parts is contained in the container.
10. A container according to Claim 9, comprising an external opening in the container for receiving food waste into the container.
11. A container according to Claim 10, wherein the external opening of the container and the opening of the vacuum chamber are aligned with one another.
12. A container according to Claim 10 or 11, comprising a chute to convey food waste from the external opening in the container to the opening of the vacuum chamber.
13. A container according to any of Claims 10 to 12, wherein the external opening in the container is coupled to the opening of the vacuum chamber such that the opening of the vacuum chamber is arranged to be unsealed when a lid of the external opening in the container is opened.
14. A container according to any of Claims 9 to 13, comprising a further external opening in the container for connection of a hose to the air outlet of the vacuum chamber through the further external opening in the container, preferably wherein the further external opening in the container is aligned with the air outlet of the vacuum chamber.
15. A container according to any of Claims 9 to 14, wherein the container is a mobile waste container, preferably wherein the mobile waste container has a volume of approximately: 60 L, 80 L, 120 L, 140 L, 180 L, 240 L, 360 L, 660 L, 770 L,1100 L or 1280 L.
16. A kit of parts or container according to any preceding claim, wherein the means for retaining comprises at least one insert arranged to fit into the container.
17. A kit of parts or container according to Claim 16, wherein the at least one insert is arranged to space the vacuum chamber from a wall of the container.
18. A kit of parts or container according to Claim 16 or 17, wherein the at least one insert comprises multiple inserts, and wherein the vacuum chamber is arranged to be retained between the multiple inserts.
19. A kit of parts or container according to any of Claims 16 to 18, wherein the at least one insert is arranged to at least partially surround the vacuum chamber.- 18 -20. A kit of parts or container according to any of Claims 16 to 19, wherein the vacuum chamber is arranged to fit within the at least one insert.
21. A kit of parts or container according to any of Claims 16 to 20, wherein the at least one insert forms a block comprising a cavity, and wherein the vacuum chamber is arranged to fit within the cavity.
22. A kit of parts or container according to any of Claims 16 to 21, wherein the at least one insert is formed of polystyrene.
23. A container for reducing moisture content of food waste, comprising:a sealable opening for receiving food waste into the container; and an air outlet for removal of air from the container.
24. A system, comprising:a kit of parts or container according to any preceding claim,a vacuum pump connected to the air outlet of the vacuum chamber and configured to remove air from the vacuum chamber through the air outlet.
25. Use of a kit of parts, container or system according to any preceding claim, in a method of reducing moisture content of food waste by vacuum.
26. A method of reducing moisture content of food waste by vacuum, the method comprising:depositing food waste into the vacuum chamber or container according to any one of Claims 1 to 23; andremoving air from the vacuum chamber or container through the air outlet to reduce moisture content of the food waste.