Bioleaching Liquid Fertilizer Production from Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for producing organic fertilizers are inefficient in extracting nutrients from waste, often resulting in low nitrogen content and high odor, and require extensive pre-treatment and long processing times, which limits their application and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method using successive extraction and accelerated bioleaching processes to produce liquid fertilizer from waste, involving a two-phase system where leachate is recirculated through packed plant material, hydrolyzed, and acidified to enhance nutrient extraction, followed by concentration through heating or solarization to minimize odor and retain nutrient content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional composting methods are used to produce organic fertilizer, then the process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the nitrogen content is low and the processing time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling pH levels (acidification to pH 2-4), temperature (heating to 50-100°C), and redox potential throughout the bioleaching process. These parameter modifications accelerate nutrient extraction and increase nitrogen content in the liquid fertilizer, transforming the slow traditional composting process into an efficient bioleaching system that produces high-nitrogen fertilizer in days rather than months
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action through pre-acidification of the leachate to pH 2-4 before the main bioleaching process, and pre-heating of the mixture to optimal temperatures. These preliminary steps prepare the system for accelerated nutrient extraction, enabling the subsequent bioleaching to proceed rapidly and produce high-nitrogen fertilizer without requiring extended processing times
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional extraction methods are used, then the process is simple to operate, but the nutrient extraction efficiency is low resulting in low nitrogen content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical mixing and passive composting with a biochemical system using acidophilic microorganisms that actively extract nutrients through bioleaching. This substitution of mechanical processes with biological-chemical processes dramatically increases nutrient extraction efficiency and nitrogen content, transforming the extraction mechanism from physical to biochemical
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically changes chemical parameters including pH (maintained at 2-4 through acidification), temperature (heated to 50-100°C), and redox potential throughout the bioleaching process. These parameter controls create optimal conditions for acidophilic microorganisms to efficiently extract nutrients, achieving high nitrogen content while the automated parameter control manages operational complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional fertilizer production methods are used, then the equipment requirements are minimal, but the fertilizer has high odor and requires extensive pre-treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces odor-prone traditional composting with an enclosed bioleaching system where acidophilic microorganisms extract nutrients in controlled acidic conditions. This biochemical process eliminates the anaerobic decomposition that causes odor, producing a clean liquid fertilizer without the need for extensive pre-treatment or odor control equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains pH at 2-4 through continuous acidification and heats the system to 50-100°C, creating conditions that prevent odor-generating anaerobic bacteria while promoting efficient nutrient extraction. These parameter controls eliminate odor as a harmful factor, allowing the system to operate without complex odor control equipment
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional composting is used, then the process requires minimal equipment, but the nutrient availability for plant uptake is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive composting with active bioleaching using acidophilic microorganisms that solubilize nutrients into the liquid phase. This biochemical extraction process makes nutrients highly available for plant uptake through irrigation, transforming unavailable composted nutrients into readily absorbable liquid fertilizer forms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls pH at 2-4 and temperature at 50-100°C during bioleaching to maximize nutrient solubilization and availability. These parameter optimizations ensure nutrients are extracted in plant-available forms, significantly enhancing nutrient availability compared to traditional composting while the controlled process manages complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The process results in a high-nitrogen, odor-free liquid fertilizer that can be easily applied through irrigation systems, increasing crop yields and reducing salinity effects, while meeting international fertilizer standards with enhanced handling and transportation convenience.
Implementation Method 1
hydrolyzed, and acidified to enhance nutrient extraction
Implementation Method 2
The pH of the mixture is then adjusted to a pH of from 2 to 4 and redox potential is adjusted
Implementation Method 3
The leachate is then heated to a temperature of from 50° C. to 100° C. to concentrate the liquid leachate and minimize the odor
Implementation Method 4
The present invention preferably uses a plant source, anaerobically digests the plant source, and subsequently uses a sequential bioleaching process
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the production of organic liquid fertilizer from waste using a two-phase process. The first phase comprises a successive extraction process whereby liquid leachate is drained from one plant or storage container and the process subsequently re-started with new fresh water. The second phase comprises an accelerated bio-leaching process wherein plant material is stored in a solid bed similar to a batch process, and a leachate (e.g., water and bacteria) is re-circulated through the solid bed until the process of hydrolysis and acidification results in dissolution of organic material into the re-circulating leachate. The leachate is thus concentrated without losing the nutrient and is subsequently used as an organic fertilizer.