초록

An in-vessel composting apparatus for processing food waste and associated organic packaging materials, consisting of a shredder/particle size, and a horizontal drum with three chambers with connecting ports of sequentially increasing diameter, incremental drum rotation, and process control system.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials consisting of food waste and associated organic packaging materials into nutrient-rich composting material comprising,means for shredding said input materials, said means configured and powered for rendering said in

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials consisting of food waste and associated organic packaging materials into nutrient-rich composting material comprising,means for shredding said input materials, said means configured and powered for rendering said input materials into particle sizes of not larger than four cubic inches,a horizontal drum with an input end having an axial input port and a discharge end having a relatively larger axial discharge port, said drum divided in length by interior partitions into first, second and third chambers, each said partition having an axial port by which adjacent said chambers are connected, said axial ports being of sequentially larger diameter from said input port to said relatively larger discharge port, said second chamber being significantly longer than said first and third chambers, the diameter of said relatively larger discharge port being less than one half of the diameter of said drum,an insulated enclosure within which said drum is contained,means for passing said input materials through said means for shredding and into said first chamber,means for permitting low pressure outgassing from said drum,means for measuring temperature in said second chamber,means for rotating said drum in increments of less than one rotation about its axis, said means for rotating being initiated when said temperature in said second chamber is greater than about 150 degrees Fahrenheit,means for exchanging air in said drum for outside air,an operator station, anda controller, said controller communicating with said means for measuring temperature, said means for rotating said drum, said means for exchanging air, and said operator station.