Composting Tank with Sequential Batch Reactors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composting processes are not suitable for locations generating large volumes of organic waste, such as hospitals and large hotels, due to high humidity discharge and extensive materials handling requirements.
Innovation Solution
A process involving two or more composting reactor spaces within one or more tanks, using oxygen and aerobic bacteria, where organic waste is continuously or intermittently added to the first reactor space, and intermediate wet composted material is transferred to a second reactor space for further processing, minimizing materials handling and maintaining a reactive environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a multi-stage composting process with three fermentation tanks in series is used, then the composting efficiency is improved, but large volumes of humid air are discharged from each tank making the process unsuitable for locations with space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fermentation stages into a single tank by implementing sequential batch operations. The tank performs multiple composting stages (first stage with high C/N ratio material, second stage with low C/N ratio material) in sequence within the same vessel, eliminating the need for multiple separate tanks and their associated venting requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The composting process is segmented into distinct operational phases within the single tank. The controller manages sequential batches where different material types are processed in different time periods, effectively dividing the multi-stage process into temporal segments rather than spatial segments.
2Manufacturing precision
If a composting process with drying and separation steps is implemented, then the composting quality is improved, but high amount of materials handling is involved making the process unsuitable for locations with limited personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated controller management for batch operations, where the controller automatically tracks and manages the sequential processing of different material types through the single tank, eliminating the need for manual intervention in complex multi-stage coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The process changes operational parameters (batch timing, material addition sequences, aeration rates) to achieve high-quality composting outcomes while simplifying physical handling requirements through automated control rather than manual materials handling.
3Productivity
If the batch operation duration in the first reactor space is extended to ensure complete decomposition, then the conversion rate is improved, but the productivity of subsequent batches is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous productive action by immediately transitioning the single tank to the next batch operation after completing the previous batch. The controller manages seamless transitions between batches of different material types, ensuring the tank is continuously utilized without idle time while maintaining complete decomposition through optimized batch timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The composting process uses periodic batch operations with optimized durations for each material type. The controller manages alternating batches of high and low C/N ratio materials with appropriate timing, allowing complete decomposition in each batch while maintaining high overall system productivity through rhythmic operation cycles.
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
This process allows for efficient composting of organic waste with minimal materials handling, making it suitable for locations with large organic waste generation, and achieves a high conversion rate of organic waste to composted material with controlled water content.
Implementation Method 1
bacterially decompose organic waste material to a composted material in the presence of oxygen and aerobic bacteria
Implementation Method 2
composted in a composting tank in the presence of oxygen and aerobic bacteria
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention is directed to a process and equipment for use in a process to bacterially decompose organic waste to a dry composted end material wherein organic waste is composted in a composting tank in the presence of oxygen and aerobic bacteria to obtain a wet composted material. The wet composted material is partly removed from the composting tank and dried such to lower the water content of the composted material to obtain dry composted end material.