Food Waste Decomposition Drum Using Ionized Oxygen at Lower Heat
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food waste processing machines require high energy consumption and long processing times, often exceeding 100 degrees Celsius, leading to significant energy costs and inefficiencies in waste reduction.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a mixing drum, mixing blades, and a source of heated, ionized oxygen that processes food waste at 50 to 70 degrees Celsius, using a control system to monitor and optimize processing conditions, reducing waste to a dried and inert particulate state within 4 to 7 hours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high temperature heating (exceeding 100 degrees Celsius) is used to process food waste, then the food waste is effectively broken down and disposed of, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high temperature (>100°C) to moderate temperature (50-70°C) and combines it with ionised oxygen to achieve effective decomposition at lower energy input. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining decomposition effectiveness while reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ionised oxygen as a strong oxidant to accelerate the decomposition process at moderate temperatures. The ionised oxygen enables effective breakdown of food waste without requiring high temperature heating, thus resolving the contradiction between decomposition effectiveness and energy consumption.
2Reliability
If high temperature heating is used to process food waste, then decomposition is achieved, but processing time increases to several days
Solution Approach 1:
The ionised oxygen acts as a strong oxidant that accelerates the decomposition reaction rate, enabling effective food waste breakdown within 4-7 hours instead of several days. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining decomposition effectiveness while dramatically reducing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic mixing cycles combined with continuous ionised oxygen supply to enhance decomposition efficiency. The periodic mechanical action of mixing blades works synergistically with the chemical oxidation process to reduce overall processing time while maintaining effective decomposition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If food waste is stored temporarily on premises, then disposal flexibility is maintained, but space is occupied and unpleasant odors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical storage approach with an active processing system that continuously treats food waste. The ionised oxygen decomposition process eliminates odors and vermin attraction by breaking down organic matter, while the on-site processing capability maintains disposal flexibility. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating harmful factors while preserving adaptability.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If food waste is transported away from premises, then disposal task is shifted to another party, but additional business costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service waste management by providing on-site decomposition capability. The system processes food waste at the source location, eliminating the need for external transportation and shifting the disposal burden back to the premises. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating transportation costs while maintaining effective waste management.
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 system efficiently reduces food waste volume by 50 to 90% in less than 24 hours, eliminating odors and vermin attraction, while minimizing energy consumption and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an ioniser coupled to the power supply and arranged to provide a source of air that is rich in reactive oxygen species
Implementation Method 2
heated gas is between about 50 and about 70 degrees C. wherein the environment in the processing drum is heated to maintain a temperature in the range of 50 to 70 degrees C.
Implementation Method 3
a heater and a fan coupled to the power supply and arranged to receive the source of air, the heater and fan cooperating to provide a source of heated gas rich in ionised oxygen to the mixing chamber
Implementation Method 4
a mixing shaft having mixing blades extending from the mixing shaft, the mixing shaft being configured to rotate to move the mixing blades within the mixing chamber
Implementation Method 5
produce a processed waste residue, optionally wherein the residue comprises or consists essentially of substantially dried and/or inert particulate
Data Source
AI summary
Machines, processes and methods in relation to processing of waste, in particular food waste or organic waste are provided. Some embodiments of described machines, processes and methods include a drum to receive waste, mixing blades to process waste, a source of air that is rich in reactive oxygen species, an air flow system comprising a heater to circulate air through the drum, and sensors provided in the machine to monitor operating parameters. A control system is configured to control operation of the machine.