GB2574414A

GB2574414A - Automated worm line

Info

Publication number: GB2574414A
Application number: GB1809167.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Derks Lou; Qu Ning
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-06-05
Filing date: 2018-06-05
Publication date: 2019-12-11
Anticipated expiration: 2038-06-05
Also published as: EP3802465A1; CN112512312B; WO2019234653A1; GB2574414B; CN112512312A; GB201809167D0

Abstract

An automated worm line 200 comprising: a container station 10; one or more container conveyors 14; an organic material station 20; one or more organic material conveyors 24; a worm filling station 30; one or more worm conveyors 34 wherein organic material filled containers are filled with working worms 400a; a transfer station 50 for transferring organic material filled containers from the worm line; a storage station 60 for organic material filled containers where the filled containers are stored for a time sufficient for the working worms 400a to work the organic material before being transferred back onto the worm line; a container emptying station 70; a separating station where worms are separated from compost and working worms are separated from worms for harvesting; one or more compost conveyors 74 for conveying the emptied worms 400 and worm compost 300 from the container emptying station 70 to the separating station 80; a worm collecting station 90; a compost collecting station 100; and one or more worm compost conveyors 84 to convey the worm compost 300 for collecting. Also claimed is a method for the production of worms and worm compost. Worms are from the genus Eisenia or Dendrobaena.

Description

AUTOMATED WORM LINE [0001] This invention relates to an automated worm line, a method for the production of worms and worm compost, and the resulting packaged products - worms and worm compost.

BACKGROUND [0002] Worm compost (vermicompost or vermi-compost) is the product of the composting process using various species of worms, usually red wigglers, white worms, and other earthworms, to create a mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste, bedding materials, and wormcast (vermicast).

[0003] Vermicast (also called worm castings, worm humus, worm manure, or worm faeces) is the end-product of the breakdown of organic matter by earthworms. These castings have been shown to contain reduced levels of contaminants and a higher saturation of nutrients than the organic materials before vermicomposting.

[0004] Vermicompost contains water-soluble nutrients and is an excellent, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer and soil conditioner. It is used in farming and small scale sustainable, organic farming.

[0005] The production of worms and worm compost on a large scale is however challenging and requires automation and rigorous controls. By large scale is meant a system capable of producing at least 10OOKg of worms per month, more preferably one capable of producing 10,000 Kg of worm per month or more. Such a system will consume at least 10,000 Kg of organic material per month, more preferably at least 100,000Kg of organic material per month.

[0006] The production process may be a batch process, a semi-continuous process or a continuous process. Most preferably the process is a continuous process.

[0007] Suitable worm species most often used for composting include the red wiggler or tiger worm (Eisenia fetida or Eisenia andrei); red earthworm (Lumbricus rubellus),and European nightcrawlers (Eisenia hortensis), which are also referred to as Dendrobaenas or Dendras.

[0008] Large-scale vermicomposting is practiced in Canada, Italy, Japan, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and the United States. The vermicompost may be used for farming, landscaping, or for sale. Some of these operations produce worms for bait and/or home vermicomposting.

[0009] There are two main methods of large-scale vermiculture. Some systems use a windrow, which consists of bedding materials for the earthworms to live in and acts as a large bin; organic material is added to it. Although the windrow has no physical barriers to prevent worms from escaping, in theory they should not, due to an abundance of organic matter for them to feed on. Often windrows are used on a concrete surface to prevent predators from gaining access to the worm population.

[0010] The windrow method and compost windrow turners were developed by Fletcher Sims Jr. of the Compost Corporation in Canyon, Texas. The Windrow Composting system is noted as a sustainable, cost-efficient way for farmers to manage dairy waste.

[0011] The second type of large-scale vermicomposting system is the raised bed or flowthrough system. Here the worms are fed an inch (approx’ 2 cm) of worm chow across the top of the bed, and an inch (approx’ 2 cm) of castings are harvested from below by pulling a breaker bar across a large mesh screen which forms the base of the bed.

[0012] Because red worms are surface dwellers constantly moving towards the new food source, the flow-through system eliminates the need to separate worms from the castings before packaging. Flow-through systems are well suited to indoor facilities, making them the preferred choice for operations in colder climates.

[0013] Applicant has developed a worm line, akin to a manufacturing production or assembly line, and a method of operation for the conversion of organic waste into commercial product - worm compost and worms.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE [0014] In accordance with the present inventions there is provided an automated worm line comprising:

i. a container station;

ii. one or more container conveyors, for conveying containers along the worm line;

iii. an organic material station;

iv. one or more organic material conveyors, for feeding organic material to empty containers to fill them with a defined amount, by weight or volume, of organic material;

v. a worm filling station;

vi. one or more worm conveyors, for conveying worms to an organic material filled container to fill them with a defined amount, by weight or volume, of working worms;

vii. a transfer station, for transferring organic material filled containers from the worm line;

viii. a storage station for organic material filled containers, where the filled containers are stored to for a time sufficient for the working worms to work the organic material before being transferred back onto the worm line;

ix. a container emptying station, where the filled containers are emptied;

x. a separating station, where worms are separated from compost and working worms are separated from worms for harvesting;

xi. one or more compost conveyors, for conveying the emptied worms and worm compost from the container emptying station to the separating station;

xii. a worm collecting station;

xiii. a compost collecting station; and xiv. one or more worm compost conveyors, to convey the worm compost for collecting.

[0015] Preferably the worm line further comprising xv. an additive filling station, where organic material enhancing additives and/ or worm nutrients may be introduced to the organic material filled container in defined amounts.

[0016] Suitable additive will depend on the organic materials but will typically include the addition of one or more of minerals, a source of nitrates, phosphates, and / or calcium, phyto-hormones and the use of pH control agents.

[0017] The separating station may perform a number of separations. Firstly, it separates the worms from the worm compost. Secondly it may, optionally, separate the worm compost into two fractions: 1) worm compost containing a high proportion of worm eggs and cocoons (those which fall through fine apertures in the separator) and 2) worm compost which contains a low proportion of worm eggs and cocoons i.e. is considered largely free of worm eggs and cocoons. These different products may be recombined if desired. Thirdly, the worms are separated into worms for harvesting (which are collected, for example bagged or otherwise packaged) and working worms, which are sent back around the system.

[0018] In accordance with of a second aspect the present inventions there is provided a method for the automated manufacture of worm compost and worms on a worm line comprising:

a. conveying empty containers from a container station on one or more container conveyors along the worm line;

b. feeding organic material from an organic material station along one or more organic material conveyors into an empty container to fill it with a defined amount, by weight or volume, of organic material;

c. conveying an organic material filled container along one or more conveyors to a worm filling station where a defined amount, by weight or volume, of working worms are introduced via one or more worm conveyors to the organic material filled container;

d. optionally, conveying the organic material filled container to an additive filling station where organic material enhancing additives and/ or worm nutrients may be introduced to the organic material filled container in defined amounts;

e. conveying the organic material filled container to a transfer station from where the filled containers are transferred to a storage station for a time sufficient for the working worms to work the organic material;

f. conveying the filled container from the storage station to a container emptying station where the filled containers are emptied;

g. conveying the emptied worms and worm compost along one or more compost conveyors to a separating station where worms are separated from compost and working worms are separated from worms for harvesting;

h. worms for harvesting are collected at worm collecting station;

i. a proportion of working worms are conveyed back to the worm filling station along the one or more conveyors; and

j. worm compost is conveyed along one or more worm compost conveyors to worm compost collecting station for collecting.

[0019] Preferably, the empty containers comprise stackable containers and the containers hold a volume of 10 -14 litres, most preferably 12 litres and are, for example, of a length of 60cm, a width of 40cm, and a depth of 17cm.

[0020] Preferably the containers comprise members and / or apertures allowing them to be picked up, singularly or in multiples, for example in fours, mechanically.

[0021] Preferably the containers comprise a plurality of supports, internal of their perimeter wall, allowing containers to be stacked in a mating arrangement one on top of another.

[0022] In a favoured embodiment a robotic arm is used to move containers from the container station to the one or more container conveyors.

[0023] Preferably, the containers are stacked on pallets and the containers and pallets are conveyed to the container station along a track.

[0024] At the organic material station, the organic material is broken by tines on a rotating spindle, with variable height settings, which break up the organic material as it is conveyed from the station onto one or more organic material conveyors.

[0025] Preferably in step b), the one or more organic material conveyors is/ are positioned above the one or more container conveyors. Such an arrangement allows the use of gravity to fill the containers with a defined amount of organic material from the one or more organic material conveyors. Preferably, the defined amount of organic material is weighed, and more preferably the container is filled with between 9Kg to 15Kg, preferably 12Kg of organic material.

[0026] Preferably, in step c) the working worms are deposited into the organic material filled container by gravity, in a defined amount by mass, wherein the one or more worm conveyor is positioned over and above the container conveyor. Preferably, between 750g to 1.25Kg, most preferably about 1 Kg of working worms are introduced.

[0027] Where step d) takes place, defined amounts of, respectively, organic material enhancing additives and / or worm nutrients are introduced from one or more additive filing station(s).

[0028] The organic material enhancing additives and / or worm nutrients will depend on the organic material and worm genus/ species but will typically include minerals and pH adjusters. Alternatively, or in addition, organic material conditioning agents may be added/ mixed with organic material before it is fed into the organic material station.

[0029] The organic material may include, for example, animal waste, typically cow or pig manure, sewage, agricultural waste, and food processing and grocery waste as well as conditioning agents.

[0030] Preferably in step e) the transfer station comprises a robotic arm capable of moving the organic material filled containers onto pallets on track to facilitate their movement to a storage station.

[0031] Preferably, in step e) the organic material filed containers are left for a period of between 18 and 30 days, preferably about 24 days, preferably under conditions of controlled temperature and humidity.

[0032] The worm line and methodology are controlled from a management centre comprising a computer which monitors and controls a wide range of parameters including temperature, humidity, and time as well as the apparatus at the various stations and the conveyors. Smart sensors may be included in the containers and along the worm line to facilitate the effective management of conditions and to optimise the timing of events.

[0033] The preferred temperature is maintained between 15°C and 25°C, most preferably about 20°C, and the preferred humidity is maintained between 55% and 85%, most preferably about 70%.

[0034] Preferably in step f) filled containers are brought from the storage station on pallets to the track on fork lift trucks where they are conveyed to container station and placed onto the container conveyor.

[0035] Preferably the container conveyor conveys the filled containers to the emptying station where the worm compost and worms are tipped from the container onto the compost conveyor there below and the empty containers are redirected to either the container station or a tray holding and/ or wash station.

[0036] This may be done in a number of ways. A preferred way uses a first cradle, comprising a pair of arms, which picks up and pivots the container through 180 degrees and places it over an opening where it deposits its load from where it is moved to a second cradle comprising a pair of arms which picks up and pivots the container back through 180 degrees and places it back on the conveyor the right way up.

[0037] Preferably in step g) the separating station comprises a rotating, substantially cylindrical, chamber, and a frusto-conical collar member. The chamber rotates about an elongate axis to cause the compost to break up and worms to be conveyed along the cylinder towards collar member. The chamber comprises a plurality of apertures allowing worm eggs and cocoons and fine compost to fall through onto a conveyor below, such that they are separated from the worms and larger compost which are retained, and which are propelled to the collar member.

[0038] Most preferably the apertures increase in size from the organic material receiving end towards the collar member. In a preferred embodiment the apertures range in diameter between 3 to 6 mm. This has the advantage that worm eggs and cocoons are effectively separated from the worm compost and worms which are subsequently separated as they exit the device at the collar member.

[0039] Preferably the collar member has a spray associated therewith to ensure the worms to be separated are kept moist.

[0040] As the worms and compost fall from the collar member onto an upwardly inclined conveyor there below the compost is separated by gravity (it falls from the upwardly inclined conveyor onto a conveyor below which takes it to the compost collecting station) whereas the worms are conveyed upwardly onto a further conveyor, from where they can either be conveyed (step h) for collecting or (step i) returned to the worm filling station as working worms, byway of the conveyors selected direction of travel.

[0041] The worm line, and methodology, gives rise to two products - worms and worm compost, the latter of which can comprise a relatively high or relatively low proportion of eggs and cocoons compared to “un-sieved” compost entering the separator.

[0042] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided worms produced using a method of the invention or on a worm line of the invention.

[0043] The worms are typically of the genus Eisenia or Dendrobaena.

[0044] Because of the controlled methodology and features of the apparatus they can be distinguished from worms produced using other systems by their homogenous nature with at least 60%, more preferably at least 80% and most preferably still at least 90% or 95% being mature adults with substantially no eggs and cocoons being present.

[0045] According to a forth aspect of the present invention there is provided worm compost produced using a method the invention or on a worm line of the invention.

[0046] The worm compost can be characterised by the fact it will either contain a very high proportion of eggs and cocoons compared to “un-sieved” compost or a relatively low proportion of eggs and cocoons compared to “un-sieved” compost. By relatively high or relatively low is meant greater than or lower than 80%, more preferably 90%, as compared to an “un-sieved” compost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0047] Examples demonstrating various aspects of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig 1 is a perspective view of a worm line according to one aspect of the invention;

Fig 2 is a plan view of a worm line according to Fig 1;

Figs 3a is an enlarged view of the top left quarter of Fig 1;

Fig 3b enlarged view of the top right quarter of Fig 1;

Fig 3c enlarged view of the bottom left quarter of Fig 1; and

Fig 3d enlarged view of the bottom right quarter of Fig 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0048] Referring to the Figs the worm line (200) at its simplest comprises:

i. a container station (10), (Fig 3d);

ii. a plurality of container conveyors (14), for conveying containers (12) along the worm line (200), (Start Fig 3d and work counter-clockwise);

iii. an organic material station (20), (Fig 3b);

iv. an organic material conveyor (24), for feeding organic material from the organic material station (20) to an empty container (12a) to fill it with a defined amount, by weight or volume, of organic material; (Fig 3b);

v. a worm filling station (30), (Figs 3a/b);

vi. one or more worm conveyors (34), for conveying worms to an organic material filled container (12b) to fill them with a defined amount, by weight or volume, of working worms (400a), (Fig 3a);

vii. a transfer station (50), for transferring organic material filled container (12b) from the worm line (200), (Figs 3a/c);

viii. a storage station (60), for organic material filled container (12b) where the filled containers (12b) are stored to for a time sufficient for the working worms (400a) to work the organic material before being transferred back onto the worm line (200), (Fig 3c - via fork lift truck (120));

ix. a container emptying station (70), where the filled containers (12b) are emptied, (Figs 3a/b);

x. a separating station (80), where worms (400) are separated from compost (300) and worms for harvesting (400b) are separated from working worms (400a), (Fig 3a);

xi. one or more compost conveyors (74), for conveying the emptied worm (400) containing worm compost (300) from the container emptying station (70) to the separating station (80), (Fig 3a);

xii. worm collecting station (90), (Fig 3a);

xiii. a compost collecting station (100) (Fig 3a); and xiv. one or more worm compost conveyors (84), to convey the worm compost (300) for collecting (Fig 3a).

[0049] Preferably the worm line further comprises xv. an additive filling station (40), where organic material enhancing additives and/ or worm nutrients may be introduced to the organic material filled container (12b) in defined amounts, (Fig 3a).

[0050] The worm line preferably comprises a control station (130) containing one or more computers from where the system and its component stations/ devices are controlled.

[0051] Certain station apparatus are described in more detail below:

[0052] The container station (10) most preferably comprises empty containers (12a) stacked in fours on pallets (18). The containers (12) are specifically adapted such that they can be stacked full. Preferably they are elongate in nature and of a size allowing manual as well as mechanical handling. The walls providing the width, function as handles for manual handling, and contain apertures allowing mechanical handling. Inside of the external walls are mating “stops” which allow the containers to be stacked (full) one on top of another.

[0053] The start of the conveyor (14), near to a robot arm (16) which picks up multiple containers and places them on the conveyor, is adapted to receive multiple (in this case four) containers, before conveying then in singular fashion along the conveyor (14); This speeds up production. It can be achieved by placing two containers longitudinally, next to one another, on the conveyor (14) and two adjacent to it so that when the first two containers have been moved along the conveyor the adjacent containers can be moved into position on the conveyor (14) using e.g. a pusher.

[0054] The container emptying station (70) (See Fig 2) advantageously uses a cradle mechanism comprising two arms to flip the filled containers (12b) through 180 degrees before moving it, upside down from a first position, where it overlies the station, to a second position where it is picked up by a second cradle and returned to the conveyor (14) in an upright position. From here is can be conveyed back along the line for refilling with organic material and worms, or it can be passed along the line to awash station (110). (Fig 3b) [0055] The optional additive filling station which is positioned at the end of the worm line before the filled containers are transferred to storage station (60), preferably includes a brush or levelling arm (not shown) to ensure even distribution of organic material and worms in each container. Such an arrangement could alternatively be provided where the organic material and or worms are added.

[0056] The separating station, in fact, performs several functions.

[0057] Optionally, though most preferred, it provides a sieving function to separate eggs and cocoons from the compost as they drop through apertures (not shown) in the separator as it rotates as the emptied worms and compost pass along its length to a frustoconical collar member.

[0058] It then separates the worms and compost as they leave the collar member and drop on to an upwardly inclined conveyor (83) such that the compost falls onto a conveyor there below, but the vast majority of worms are retained on the conveyor and are conveyed to worm conveyor (34) where they are subsequently separated into working worms for recycling (400a) and worms for harvesting (400b).

[0059] The conveyor arrangement at the separating station (80) under the chamber (82) allows the worm compost to be separated into two streams (and recombined if desired). One steam which is depleted in cocoons and eggs are conveyed by conveyor (84a) (Fig 1) to a compost collector station (100) (Fig 1) and another stream (enriched in eggs and cocoons) can be conveyed to the same (if recombined) or a different compost collecting station. In Fig 2 the conveyor (84b), illustratively not shown to go anywhere.

[0060] Turning to the method (Fig 2), for the automated manufacture of worm compost (300) and worms (400) on the worm line (200), it commences (Fig 3d) (step a) with the placing of empty containers (12a) from a container station (10) onto one or more container conveyors (14) by robotic arm (16). The robotic arm picks multiple containers, which are stacked on pallets, and places them onto the conveyor (14).

[0061] The empty containers which are 12 litre containers of approximate size, length = 60cm, width = 40cm, and depth = 17cm are picked up by robotic arm (16), preferably in fours, and placed on the container conveyor (14) where they are conveyed (Figs 3 d, b, a), singularly in sequence, to a position where they are filled with organic material, such as cow manure.

[0062] The organic material is transferred from an organic material station (20), onto an organic material conveyor (24) (Fig 3b) and is conveyed to a position where it fills empty container (12a) with a defined amount, by weight, of organic material by gravity feed. The organic material is fed into a device (21) comprising a spindle (28) having tines (26) thereon. The relative position of the spindle is height adjustable (relative to its conveying floor) allowing the organic material to be broken up as it is conveyed onto conveyor (24) by its own conveying means which constitute its floor.

[0063] The organic material filled container (12b) is then conveyed along conveyors (14) to a worm filling station (30) where a defined amount, by e.g. weight of working worms, (400a) is introduced via one or more worm conveyors (34) to the organic material filled container (12b);

[0064] Optionally, the organic material and worm filled container (12b) is then conveyed to an additive filling station (40) (Fig 3a) where organic material enhancing additives and/ or worm nutrients may be introduced to the organic material filled container (12b) in defined amounts. Here a brush, or other suitable arrangement, ensure the contents of the container are substantially levelled.

[0065] The organic material and worm filled container (12b) continues along container conveyor (14) to a transfer station (50) (Fig 3c) where a robotic arm (52) transfers the filled containers (12b) (again in multiples of four-best illustrated in Fig 2) onto pallets (18) on a separate track (64) where they are picked up by a fork lift truck (120) and transferred to a storage station (60) (not shown) where they are stored for a time sufficient for the working worms (400a) to work the organic material. The time will be dependent upon a number of factors but will, typically, be between 18 and 30 days where the worms are of the genus Eisenia or Dendrobaena, the organic material is substantially animal manure, and the temperature and humidity are maintained at between 15^eC and 25^eC, preferably about 20 ^eC, and the humidity is between 55% and 85%, preferably about 70%, when held in containers of from 10-14 litres, preferably about 12 litres.

[0066] Once the organic material has been appropriately conditioned by the worms (400a) the filled containers (12b) are collected from the storage station (60) and placed back on a conveyor (14) where they are conveyed to a container emptying station (70) (Fig 3a) where the filled containers (12b) are emptied.

[0067] The emptied worms (400) and worm compost (300) are then conveyed along compost conveyors (74) (Fig 3a) to one or more separating stations (80) where worms and compost are separated (optionally separating eggs and cocoons to provide an egg and cocoon enriched worm compost, and an egg and cocoon depleted worm compost), and worms for harvesting (400b) are separated from working worms (400a). The worm and compost separation is done in a device (81) comprising a cylindrical chamber (82) at one end (85), the organic material receiving end (85), and a frusto-conical collar member (87) at the other end (86), which device is inclined downwardly towards the frusto-conical end and rotates such that the worms and compost pass there along. A brush (not shown) on the outside of the cylinder helps facilitate the separation process The cylindrical chamber comprises apertures along its length (alternatively, it may comprise wire mesh walls) such that the worm eggs and cocoons (and fine worm compost) fall through the chamber onto a worm compost conveyor (84b) below where it is conveyed to a worm compost collecting station - not shown Fig 2). Preferably the apertures increase in diameter from about 3mm to about 6mm along the length of the cylinder although a fixed aperture or mesh in this range may in the alternative be used. The worms (400) and larger clumps of compost are too large to fall through the apertures and are conveyed onto the collar where the worms are kept moist by a spray (89).

[0068] The worms (400) and worm compost (300) fall from the collar member (87) onto an upwardly inclined conveyor (83) adjusted such that the incline is such that the compost falls therefrom, to a conveyor (84a) below, such that the worm compost is transferred to worm compost station (100) whilst the worms (400) are retained on the upwardly inclined conveyor (83) and are conveyed to worm conveyor (34) where they are separated into working worms (400a) which are recycled to worm filling station (30) and worms for harvesting (400b) which are conveyed to worm collecting station (90) (Fig 3a) [0069] The worm compost (300) which has been separated from the worms is conveyed along one or more worm compost conveyors (84) to worm compost collecting station (100) for collecting.

[0070] Because of the controlled methodology and features of the apparatus the harvested worms can be distinguished from worms produced using other systems by their homogenous nature with at least 60%, more preferably at least 80% and most preferably still at least 90% or 95% being mature adults with substantially no eggs or cocoons being present.

[0071] The worm compost can also be distinguished from standard worm composts by the fact it will either contain a very high proportion of eggs and cocoons, compared to “unsieved” compost, or a relatively low proportion of eggs and cocoons compared to “unsieved” compost. By relatively high or relatively low is meant greater than or lower than

80%, more preferably 90%, as compared to an un-sieved compost.

Claims

1. An automated worm line (200) comprising:

i. a container station (10);

ii. one or more container conveyors (14), for conveying containers (12) along the worm line;

iii. an organic material station (20);

iv. one or more organic material conveyors (24), for feeding organic material to empty containers (12a) to fill them with a defined amount, by weight or volume of organic material;

v. a worm filling station (30);

vi. one or more worm conveyors (34) for conveying worms to an organic material filled container (12b) to fill them with a defined amount, by weight or volume, of working worms (400a);

vii. a transfer station (50) for transferring organic material filled containers (12b) from the worm line;

viii. a storage station (60) for organic material filled containers (12b) where the filled containers (12b) are stored to for a time sufficient for the working worms (400a) to work the organic material, before being transferred back onto the worm line;

ix. a container emptying station (70), where the filled containers (12b) are emptied;

xi. one or more compost conveyors (74) for conveying the emptied worms (400) and worm compost (300) from the container emptying station (70) to the separating station (80);

xii. a worm collecting station (90);

xiii. a compost collecting station (100); and xiv. one or more worm compost conveyors (84) to convey the worm compost (300) for collecting.

2. An automated worm line (200) as claimed in claim 1 further comprising xv. an additive filling station (40), where organic material enhancing additives and/ or worm nutrients may be introduced to the organic material filled container (12b) in defined amounts.

3. A method for the automated manufacture of worm compost (300) and worms (400) on a worm line (200) comprising:

a. conveying empty containers (12a) from a container station (10) on one or more container conveyors (14) along the worm line;

b. feeding organic material from a organic material station (20) along one or more organic material conveyors (24) into an empty container (12a) to fill it with a defined amount, by weight or volume, of organic material;

c. conveying an organic material filled container (12b) along one or more conveyors (14) to a worm filling station (30) where a defined amount, by weight or volume, of working worms (400a) are introduced via one or more worm conveyors (34) to the organic material filled container (12b);

d. optionally, conveying the organic material filled container (12b) to an additive filling station (40) where organic material enhancing additives and/ or worm nutrients may be introduced to the organic material filled container (12b) in defined amounts;

e. conveying the organic material filled container (12b) to a transfer station (50) from where the filled containers (12b) are transferred to a storage station (60) for a time sufficient for the working worms (400a) to work the organic material;

f. conveying the filled container (12b) from the storage station (60) on the one or more conveyors (14) to a container emptying station (70) where the filled containers (12b) are emptied;

g. conveying the emptied worms (400) and worm compost (300) along one or more compost conveyors (74) to a separating station (80) where worms for harvesting (400b) are separated from working worms (400a);

h. worms for harvesting (400b) are collected at worm collecting station (90);

i. a proportion of working worms (400a) are conveyed back to the worm filling station (30) along the one or more conveyors (34); and

j. worm compost (300) is conveyed along one or more worm compost conveyors (84) to worm compost collecting station (100) for collecting.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein in step a) the empty containers comprise stackable containers holding a volume of 10 -14 litres.

5. A method as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein the containers comprise members and I or apertures allowing them to be picked up, singularly or in multiples, mechanically.

6. A method as claimed in any of claims 3 to 5 comprising the use of a robotic arm (16) to move containers (12) from the container station (10) to the one or more container conveyors (14).

7. A method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the containers are stacked on pallets (18) and the containers (12) and pallets (18) are conveyed to the container station along a track (64).

8. A method as claimed in any of claims 3 to 7 wherein the organic material is broken by tines (26) on a rotating spindle (28) which break up the organic material as it is conveyed from the station (200) onto one or more organic material conveyors (24).

9. A method as claimed in any of claims 3 to 8 wherein the one or more organic material conveyors (24) is/ are positioned above the one or more container conveyors (14).

10. A method as claimed in claim 9 which uses gravity to fill the containers (12) on the one or more container conveyors (14) with a defined amount of organic material from the one or more organic material conveyors (24).

11. A method as claimed in any of claims 3 to 10 wherein in step c) the working worms (400a) are deposited into the organic material filled container (22b) by gravity in a defined amount by mass, wherein the one or more worm conveyor (34) is positioned over and above the container conveyor (14).

12. A method as claimed in claim 11 wherein between 750g to 1.25Kg, preferably about 1 Kg of working worms (32) are deposited on between 9Kg to 15Kg, preferably 12Kg of organic material.

13. A method as claimed in any of claims 3 to 12, wherein step d) takes place, and defined amounts of, respectively, organic material enhancing additives and / or worm nutrients are introduced from one or more additive filing station(s) (40).

14. A method as claimed in any of the claims 3 to 13, wherein in step e) the transfer station (50) comprises a robotic arm (52) capable of moving the organic material filled containers (12b) onto pallets (18) on track (64) to facilitate their movement to storage station (60) and the organic material filed containers are left for a period of between 18 and 30 days, preferably about 24 days, preferably under conditions of controlled temperature and humidity wherein the preferred temperature is between 15°C and 25°C, preferably 20°C, and the preferred humidity is between 55% and 85%, preferably about 70%

15. A method as claimed in any of claims 3 to 14, wherein in step f) filled containers (12b) are brought from the storage station (60) on pallets (18) to the track (64) where they are conveyed to container station (10) and placed onto the container conveyor (14) which conveys the filled containers (12b) to the emptying station (70) where the worm compost (300) and worms (400) are tipped from the container (12b) onto the compost conveyor there below and the empty containers (12) are redirected to either the container station (10) or a tray holding and/ or wash station (110).

16. A method as claimed in any of claims 3 to 15, wherein in step g) the separating station (80) comprises a rotating, substantially cylindrical, chamber (82), and a frusto-conical collar member (87) and wherein the chamber (82) rotates about an elongate axis to cause the compost (300) to break up and compost and worms to be conveyed along the cylinder towards collar member (87).

17. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the chamber (82) comprises a plurality of apertures allowing worm eggs and cocoons to fall through, such that they are separated from the worms (400) and worm compost (300) which are retained, and which are propelled to the collar member (87).

18. A method as claimed in any of claims 17 wherein the apertures increase in size from the organic material receiving end (85) towards the collar member (87).

19. A method as claimed in claim 18 wherein the apertures range in diameter between 3 to 6 mm.

20. A method as claimed in any of claims 16 to 19 wherein the collar member (87) has a spray (89) associated therewith.

21. A method as claimed in any of claims 3 to 20, wherein in step h) some worms (400) are directed to the worm collecting station (90).

22. A method as claimed in any of claims 3 to 21, wherein in step i) some worms (400) are conveyed to the worm filling station (30) along the worm conveyor (34).

23. A method as claimed in any of claims 3 to 22, wherein in step j) the composting station (100) for collecting compost comprises a gravity feed to facilitate collecting.

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24. Worms (400) which are from the genus Eisenia or Dendrobaena, produced on a worm line apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 or using a method as claimed in any of claims 3 to 23 packaged for sale, being homogenous in nature, with at least 60%, more preferably at least 80% and most preferably still at least 90% or 95% being mature adults, with substantially no eggs or cocoons being present.

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25. Worm compost (300) produced on a worm line apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 or using a method as claimed in any of claims 3 to 23 containing a very high proportion, namely greater than 80% of eggs and cocoons, compared to “unsieved” compost, or a relatively low proportion of eggs and cocoons namely lower than 80% compared to “un-sieved” compost.