WO2012096560A1

WO2012096560A1 - Cutter drum for use in tree trunk pulverizer

Info

Publication number: WO2012096560A1
Application number: PCT/MY2011/000199
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chandrasekhar ARUN
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-01-14
Filing date: 2011-09-09
Publication date: 2012-07-19
Anticipated expiration: 2013-07-14

Abstract

A cutter drum (10) for cutting a tree trunk into fine pieces having cutting means (30) configured around the circumferences of the drum (10) wherein spaces between outer discs (14) and intermediate support plates (16) form indentations or pockets (18), the indentations or pockets (18) being symmetrically arranged alternate and offset thereby forming a notional cylinder with the pockets (18) arranged as a chevron in a face of the drum (10) a covering (22) encircling the notional cylinder except for the pockets (18); the cutting means (30) mounted at the chevron arranged pockets (18) including a cutting edge that, when the cutter drum (10) is rotated, impinges upon the material to be self fed towards the cutter drum (10) for shredding; and wherein the indentations or pockets (18) throw dirt, cut material, excess chips, foreign matter etc. outward from the cutter drum (10) by a centrifugal force generated by rotational motion of the cutter drum (10).

Description

CUTTER DRUM FOR USE IN TREE TRUNK PULVERIZER

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a cutter drum for use in tree trunk pulverizer, and more particularly to an improved cutter drum for cutting tree trunk into fine pieces.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION In oil palm growing plantation, it is usually to cut down and remove the oil palm trees which are reaching the end of their profitable commercial life. Trees which are left to age tend to port diseases and pests which can spread to younger trees. Removal of the unviable oil palm trees mitigate the problem and permit the land available for replanting. The removal of unviable oil palm trees can be burnt. However burning is generally unacceptable due to environmental concern. Another alternative way of removing the unviable oil palm trees is to cut or chip the tree into small pieces or slices which can then be readily removed from the plantation. Chipping technique is usually used in this case. Chips thickness must be control not to exceed a certain thickness to minimize problems of rhinoceros beetles burrowing into the chips and laying their eggs.

The conventional chipping technique practiced call for chipping the oil palm trunks and usually stacking them for certain period. Accordingly, it usually takes up to 2 years for this material to decompose fully. During that period, diseases or pests such as beetles tend to breed on the old chips. The diseases or pests will be spreading and attacking the new or young palms. The nutrient value stored in these stacked chips is not efficiently returned to the soil. There are ample studies showing the enormous nutrient value in the trunk of a felled oil palm tree.

Various cutting machines have been introduced in recent years to overcome the above problems. For example, a tree pulverizer presently in use has been found to be very effectively for cutting the oil palm tree trunks into small pieces when operated. This pulverizer replaces the present chipping technique of oil palm trees, for replanting purpose. With the cutting blow thru' structure of the pulverizer, oil palm trunks are cut to very fine powders/chips and blown across the field. The powders/chips serve as natural fertilizers itself, and being used as such back on the land. With pulverizing process, there are no more chips available for the rhinoceros beetles to burrow into and lay their eggs.

The pulverizer generally includes a cutter drum having arrangement of blades, means for feeding the tree trunks towards the cutter drum, and means for removing the cut material from the drum. The cutter drum of one existing pulverizer includes a cylindrical drum rotatable about an axis and having circumferential wall and a plurality of cutter blades mounted thereon. However, dirt, excess chips, palm sap, gum and foreign matters may easily become trapped inside recesses of the cuter drum during cutting operation, which results in frequent breakdowns of the pulverizer. Moreover, the cutter blades are prone to wear and tear due to blunting effect which is exacerbated by the tendency for matter to collect in the recesses.

It is to be found that higher cutting speed is required when pulverizing the oil palm tree. The oil palm being a monocotyledon species which does not have a cambium layer and its growth is by the expansion of parenchyma cells and fibres within vascular bundles. Such anatomical structure imparts variable density, increasing towards outer periphery and height of the trunk. In this context, the variable density of oil palm lumber is expected significantly influence the pulverization process. Therefore, higher cutting speed was recommended in conventional pulverization process for cutting tough fibrous oil palm lumber. It is also found that most common defects encountered when pulverizing oil palm tree trunk were tear-out and chip-out, which is most likely due to the present of a large amount of vascular bundles and parenchyma cells within the lumber. The higher cutting speed enables a more effective severing of the tough oil palm fibers. However, due to high silica content in the oil palm lumber, it imparts higher degree of abrasiveness to the boards. Thus tooling cost increased due to the wears and tears to the cutting tool. Further, power consumption in pulverizing process is correlated to the cutting tool wear. Therefore, the power consumption for pulverizing the oil palm tree is high when the cutter drum operating in high speed and it is significant higher when the cutting tool begins to wear. In view of these and other shortcomings of the prior art there is a need in the art for an improved cutter drum for use in tree trunk pulverizer for cutting tree trunk into fine pieces. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved cutter drum which offers cost effective and low power consumption for cutting oil palm tree trunk into fine and useful biomass pieces, and enables to eliminate dirt, cut materials, excess chips, foreign matters and etc. trapped in the cutter drum.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides a cutter drum for use in tree trunk pulverizer, and more particularly to an improved cutter drum for cutting tree trunk into fine pieces. Accordingly, the cutter drum for cutting tree trunk into fine pieces having a drive shaft carrying two spaced outer discs and a plurality of intermediate spaced support plates; cutting means configured around the circumference of the cutter drum; and a covering encircles the cutter drum, characterized in that: a) outer discs and intermediate support plates are extending radially around the drive shaft, wherein each space formed between the outer discs and the intermediate support plates being bridged by connecting plates positioned and profiled to complete indentation or pocket, and the indentation or pocket is symmetrically arranged alternate and offset by substantially upright between each space, thereby forming notional cylinder with chevron arranged indentations or pockets in a facade of the cutter drum; and covering encircles around the notional cylinder except for the indentations or pockets; b) cutting means mounted at the chevron arranged indentations or pockets includes cutter holder and cutter blade, wherein the cutting means is inclineably mounted the indentations or pockets at an angle range between 25° - 35°; and the cutter blade has at least one cutting edge chamfered at an angle range between 30° - 40°; wherein cutting edge of the cutter blade is slightly projected out from the chevron arranged indentations or pockets, so that when the cutter drum is rotated, cutting edge of the cutter blade impinges upon the material to be self fed towards the cutter drum for shredding; and wherein the indentations or pockets throws dirt, cut materials, excess chips, foreign matters and etc. outward from the cutter drum by a centrifugal force generated by rotational motion of the cutter drum.

Accordingly, the cutting drum is in communication with suitable gearing means and/or drive belt connected to a drive apparatus. Said drive apparatus imparts rotary motion to the cutter drum. It will be appreciated that the cutter drum further includes bracing plates provided in space between the connecting plates and drive shaft which act to support the connecting plates and to strengthen the indentations or pockets of the cutter drum. The cutter holder extends within the indentations or pockets to allow cutter blade to be mounted thereon. The cutter holder is securely mounted to the support plates by welding or by any other suitable joints. It will be appreciated that the cutter holder has a substantially triangular cross-section to enable the cutter blade to be inclineably mounted thereon. The cuter blade is removeably mounted to the cutter holder so that it can be easily turned, removed or replaced. Desirably, the cutter blade is mounted at an inclined angle of 31 °. It will be appreciated that the cutter blade has double cutting edges chamfered at an angle approximately 35°. It will be appreciated that the inclined angle and chamfered cutting edges are selected to provide the optimum particle size for cut material, and minimized wear and damage to the cutter blade.

In the preferred embodiments, the cutter blade includes a cutter head with a pair of interlocking spigot blade inserts. Accordingly, the cutter head provided with predetermined grooves to receive said spigot blade inserts. The spigot blade insert has a projection end matingly engaged with the corresponding groove of the cutter head in a tongue-in-groove connection. It is to be noted that the spigot blade inserts in corresponding with the cutter head provide a gap at bottom of the cutter blade. The cutter blade is made of any suitable rigid material either in pure solid or in composite forms. Preferably, the cutter blade is made of composite rigid metal such as steel with tungsten carbide, tool steel or titanium, which is coated or hardened at the cutting edges. It is preferable that the cutting edge of the cutter blade is of 35mm (0.035m) projected beyond the circumference of the cutter drum.

In the preferred embodiments, the indentations or pockets of the cutter drum are deliberately configured inwardly and perpendicular to the tangents of the circumference of the cuter drum. The indentations or pockets can be a square shaped, a curved, smooth indentation shaped or polygonal shape.

It will be appreciated that the cutter drum can be mounted to a mobile pulverizing apparatus or a moving vehicle. Accordingly, the mobile pulverizing apparatus or the moving vehicle with the cuter drum mounted thereon includes: a conveyor for receiving said tree trunk; at least one compartment with an inlet to receive tree trunk from the conveyor, wherein the cutter drum is mounted within the compartment and adjacent the said conveyor; feeder rollers mounted between one end of conveyor and the cutter drum. It will be appreciated that the conveyor is of self loading type to enable self lifting of the tree trunk. The mobile pulverizing apparatus or the moving vehicle further includes an output chute attached to the compartment for discharging cut waste. Said mobile pulverizing apparatus or the moving vehicle also includes drive apparatus connected to the cutter drum and means for rotating the cutter drum. Accordingly, the means for rotating the cutter drum includes suitable gearing means, drive belt or chain and pulley in communication with the cutting drum. The drive apparatus imparts rotary motion to the cutter drum. Preferably, the drive apparatus for rotating the cutter drum is at a speed below 1000 rpm. It will be appreciated that the drive apparatus is an engine such as a diesel or petrol engine; or a hydraulic or electrically powered motor. The conveyor of the mobile pulverizing apparatus or the moving vehicle can be angled towards the ground to receive tree trunk. Said mobile pulverizing apparatus or the moving vehicle further includes additional grapple to assist the tree trunk to be fed into the cutter drum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawing which is given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded diagrammatic view of an improved cutter drum in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 2a is an assembled view of the cutter drum of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 2b is an enlarge view of a cutting blade mounted on the cutter drum as shown in FIG. 2a; FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view of the cutter drum in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3b is a partial broken away parts of the cutter drum showing the configuration of pockets and cutter blades disposed in the cutter drum;

FIG. 4a is a side view of a cutter blade and cutter holder in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4b is a perspective view the cutter blade in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of a mobile pulverizing apparatus or a moving vehicle with the cuter drum mounted thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a cutter drum for use in tree trunk pulverizer. Hereinafter, this specification will describe the present invention according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, it is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications and equivalents without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

The improved cutter drum for use in tree trunk pulverizer according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in accordance to the accompanying drawings FIGS. 1 to 5, both individually and in any combination thereof. The object for the present invention is to provide an improved cutter drum (10) for use in tree trunk pulverizer which offers cost effective and low power consumption for cutting oil palm tree trunk into fine and useful biomass pieces. It also provides an improved arrangement of cutting elements on the cutter drum (10) for more effective cutting and pulverizing action, wherein the cutter drum (10) does not require operating in high cutting speed. Thus it minimizes wear and tear of cutting tool and substantially reduces power consumption. Another object of the parent invention is to provide an improved characteristic to the cutter drum (10) which is relatively easy to maintain and virtually trouble-free in operation, and in which to prevent tapping of dirt, cut materials, excess chips, foreign matters and etc. in the cutter drum (10). Accordingly, the improved cutter drum (10) enables to throw away the dirt, cut materials, excess chips, foreign matters and etc from the cutter drum by centrifugal force. The above are achieved by providing an improved cutter drum (10) as herein described. Accordingly, the cutting drum (10) generally includes a drive shaft (12) carrying two spaced outer discs (14) and a plurality of intermediate spaced support plates (16). The outer discs (14) and intermediate support plates (16) extending radially around the drive shaft (12). It will be appreciated that the cutting drum (10) may be in communication with suitable gearing means and/or drive belt (not shown) connected to a drive apparatus (not shown). In use, the drive apparatus imparts rotary motion to the cutter drum (10). If desired, outer portion of the outer discs (14) may provide with a powerlock mechanism (not shown) mounted around the drive shaft (12). This arrangement is common in the art and is called keylock connection.

It is to be noted that space formed between the outer discs (14) and the intermediate equadistally spaced support plates (16) are provided with predetermined indentation or pocket (18). Accordingly, the each space formed between the outer discs (14) and the intermediate support plates (16) being bridged by connecting plates (20) positioned and profiled to complete said indentation or pocket (18). The indentation or pocket (18) is symmetrically arranged alternate and offset by substantially upright between each space, thereby forming notional cylinder with chevron arranged indentations or pockets (18) in a facade of the cutter drum (10).

A covering (22) is provided around the notional cylinder except for the indentations or pockets (18). Accordingly, the covering (22) encircles the cutter drum (10) but not for the indentations or pockets (18). Additional plates which defined as bracing plates (21 ) may be provided in space between the connecting plates (20) and drive shaft (12) (FIG. 3b). The bracing plates (21 ) act to support the connecting plates (20) and to strengthen the indentations or pockets (18) of the cutter drum (10).

In the preferred embodiments, a cutting means (30) is mounted at the indentations or pockets (18) such that the cutting means (30) configured around the circumference of the cutter drum (10) in chevron arrangement. The cutting means (30) generally includes a cutter holder (32) and cutter blade (34). The cutter holder (32) extends within the indentations or pockets (18) to allow cutter blade (34) to be mounted thereon. It will be appreciated that the cutter holder (32) is securely mounted to the support plates (16), for example, by welding or by any other suitable joints. Preferably, the cutter blade (34) is removeably mounted to the cutter holder (32) so that it can be easily turned, removed or replaced. The mounting of the cutter blade (34) to the cutter holder (32) can be of, but not limited to bolts (33) engage with threaded holes provided in the cutter holder (32). It will be appreciated that the cutter holder (32) has a substantially triangular cross- section to enable the cutter blade (34) to be inclineably mounted thereon. Preferably, the cutter blade (34) is mounted at an inclined angle of 31 ⁰ as shown in FIG. 3a. However, this inclined angle can be range between 25°- 35°. In the preferred embodiments, the cutter blade (34) generally includes a cutter head (35a) with a pair of interlocking spigot blade inserts (35b). The cutter head (35a) is preferably provided with predetermined grooves (36) contoured at both opposite sides to receive said spigot blade inserts (35b). Each spigot blade insert (35b) has a projection end (38) matingly engaged with the corresponding groove (36) of the cutter head (35a) in a tongue-in-groove connection. It will be appreciated that the tongue-in- groove connection eliminates the used of any form of bolting or fastening means for fixing the spigot blade inserts (35b) to the cuter head (35a). The tongue-in-groove connection also simplifies process of manufacturing the cutter blade (34). Accordingly, no drill holes are required at the bottom of the cutter blade (34) to receive bolts or other fastening means to secure blade inserts to the cutter blade. This eliminates any difficultly in removing blade insert during maintenance or replacement process.

It is to be noted that the fixing arrangement and configuration of the spigot blade inserts (35b) in corresponding with the cutter head (35a) provide a gap (40) at bottom of the cutter blade (34) (FIG. 4a). By virtue of predefined gap (40), the spigot blade inserts (35b) which are correspond to the cutter head (35a) will be tightened by the bolts (33) in corresponding with the threaded holes provided at the cutter holder (32). By tightening the bolts (33) about Z-axis, the spigot blade inserts (35b) are positively pressed and tightened in between the cutter heard (34) and the cutter holder (32). At the same time, projection end (38) of the spigot blade insert (35b) is interlocked with the corresponding groove (36) of the cutter head (35a) to prevent any X-axis movement. Laterally, in the Y- axis, movement of the spigot blade inserts (35b) will not be possible as the spigot blade inserts (35b) interlock with the grooves (36) are restrained by side walls of the indentations or pockets (18) from any movement. Preferably, the cutter blade (34) provides double cutting edges so that when one cutting edge happens to blunt, it can be easily replaced or turned to another fresh cutting edge.

The cutting edges of the cutter blade (34) are defined by a chamfer with predetermined angle. Particularly, the angle of the chamfer is approximately 35° inclined from the cutting edge as shown in FIG. 4. However, the angle of the chamfer can be range between 30° - 40°. It is also to be noted that the preferred inclined angle and chamfer of the cutter blade (34) are selected to provide the optimum particle size for cut material, while assuring that wear and damage to the blades is minimized during the operation. These improved arrangements of the cutting means (30) on the cutter drum (10) provide more effective cutting and pulverizing action. Accordingly, with the above arrangement of the cutting means (30), the cutter drum (10) does not require operating in high cutting speed. Thus it minimizes wear and tear of the cutter blades (34) and substantially reduces power/fuel consumption.

The cutter blade (34) can be made of any suitable rigid material either in pure solid or in composite forms. Preferably, the cutter blade (34) can be made of, but not limited to composite rigid metal such as steel with tungsten carbide, tool steel or titanium, which may be coated or hardened at the cutting edges.

It will be appreciated that each cutting edge of the cutter blade (34) is slightly projected out from the chevron arranged indentations or pockets (18). Particularly, as can be seen in FIG. 3a, each cutting edge of the cutter blade (34) is of 35mm (0.035m) projected beyond the circumference of the cutter drum (10). The projection of the cutting edge has a significant influence on the efficiency of pulverization and has been tested to optimize the pulverization of the tree trunk. In the preferred embodiments, the chevron arrangement of the cutter blade (34) with the projected cutting edge impinges upon the material and for this case, the tree trunk to be self fed towards the cutter drum (10) for shredding upon the rotation of the cutter drum (10). Accordingly, the chevron arrangement of the indentations or pockets (18) with the cutting means (30) mounted therein provides a self-feeding characteristic for the cutter drum (10).

In accordance with the preferred embodiments, the indentations or pockets (18) extend beneath the cutting means (30) so that the material or tree trunk cut by the cutter blade (34) does not trap beneath the blade. Instead, the material or tree trunk is directed, by way of indentations or pockets (18) toward the shaft into the space extend beneath the cutting means (30). Thus, the indentations or pockets (18) are deliberately configured inwardly and perpendicular to the tangents of the circumference of the cuter drum (10). It will be appreciated that, the indentations or pockets (18) can be of, but not limited to square shaped, a curved, smooth indentation shaped or polygonal shape act to throw the dirt, cut materials, excess chips, foreign matters and etc outward from the cutter drum (10) by a centrifugal force. Accordingly, the indentations or pockets (18) of the cutter drum (10) enables to throw away the dirt, cut materials, excess chips, foreign matters and etc. by the rotational motion of the cutter drum (10). The resultant fragments are very fine like power which may be collected as biomass or blown across the fields which acts as fertilizers.

It will be appreciated that the cutter drum (10) of the present invention may be mounted to a mobile pulverizing apparatus or a moving vehicle. For instance, a caterpillar type tractor, or otherwise a wheeled vehicle or trailer may be used. By way of example, and not limitation, FIG. 5 shows a mobile pulverizing apparatus or a moving vehicle (50) with the cuter drum (10) mounted thereon. The cutter drum (10) can be easily configured and mounted on a chassis or supporting frame (52) of the said mobile pulverizing apparatus or a moving vehicle (50). The mounting of the cutter drum (10) on the mobile pulverizing apparatus or a moving vehicle (50) makes the apparatus portable and capable of being traveled or moved to any accessibly location in field where tree trunk needs to be cleared.

The mobile pulverizing apparatus or the moving vehicle (50) with the cuter drum (10) mounted thereon of the preferred embodiments adapted for converting large amounts of previously felled tree trunks into chip-like or powder form. Accordingly, the mobile pulverizing apparatus or the moving vehicle (50) with the cuter drum (10) mounted thereon includes: a conveyor (54) for receiving felled tree trunk; at least one compartment (56) with an inlet (58) to receive waste from the conveyor (54), wherein the cutter drum (10) is mounted within the compartment (56) and adjacent the said conveyor (54); feeder rollers (60) mounted between one end of conveyor (54) and the cutter drum (10), wherein said cutter drum (10) having features as described above. It will be appreciated that the conveyor (54) is of self loading type to enable self lifting of the tree trunk. In the preferred embodiments, an output chute (70) is provided wherein the output chute is attached to the compartment (56) for discharging the cut waste out from the compartment (56). An automatic spreading mechanism may be optionally provided for spreading the pulverized material to the exit of the output chute (70). This may achieved by connecting a constant speed rotating motor to a telescoping linkage which is then fixed to circumference of a wheel (not shown). By way of example but not limitation, the spreading mechanism generally includes a driving shaft, a driven shaft and linkage mechanism. Preferably, the driving shaft rotates in one direction at a constant speed. Said driving shaft is connected to the circumference of driven shaft by suitable linkage mechanism. Accordingly, the linkage mechanism serves to convert output of driving shaft to driven shaft so that a linear oscillatory motion at the driven shaft is produced. A plate is further provided at the driven shaft to direct the pulverized material to the exit of the output chute (70) by the linear oscillation motion. It will be appreciated that the spreading mechanism also capable of producing the linear oscillatory motion from a continuous rotation of a motor in one direction with a desired speed variation, and with smooth and stable motion without an abrupt change in acceleration.

There is also provided a drive apparatus (80) connected to the cutter drum (10) and means for rotating the cutter drum (10). Accordingly, the cutting drum (10) is in communication with suitable gearing means (90), drive belt or chain (92) and pulley (94) connected to a drive apparatus (80). In use, the drive apparatus (80) imparts rotary motion to the cutter drum (10). Preferably, the drive apparatus (80) rotates the cutter drum (10) at a speed below 1000 rpm.

It will be appreciated that the tree trunk in contact with the cutter drum (10) is reduced in size due to the sharp edges protruded out from the chevron arranged indentations or pockets (18) of the cutter drum (10), and said reduced waste travels into the indentations or pockets (18) under the cutting means (30) towards the other end of the indentations or pockets (18). Because of the inclined angle and chamfer of the cutter blade (34) and centrifugal force due to the rotation, shredded tree trunk including dirt, cut materials, excess chips, foreign matters and etc. are thrown out through the output chute (70). It will be appreciated that the preferred inclined angle and chamfer of the cutter blade (34) are selected to provide the optimum particle size for cut material, while assuring that wear and damage to the blades is minimized during the operation. The chevron arrangement of the indentations or pockets (18) with the cutting means (30) mounted therein provides self-feeding of the tree trunk into the cutter drum (10).

The drive apparatus (80) can be an engine, for example but not limited to a diesel or petrol engine. Alternatively, a hydraulic or electrically powered motor may used. It will be appreciated that the conveyor (54) of the mobile pulverizing apparatus or the moving vehicle (50) can be angled towards the ground to receive the tree trunk. An additional grapple (55) is also provided to further assist the tree trunk to be fed into the cutter drum (10). In operation, tree trunk is spooned up from the ground by conveyor (54) and to be conveyed to the cutter drum (10). The grapple (55) serves as additional gripping device to ensure the tree trunk to be directed to the input (58) of the compartment (56). The cutter drum (10) reduces the size of the tree trunk which is then impelled out through the output chute (70) by the centrifugal force of the rotational cutter drum (10). It is to be noted that the combination of the cutting means (30) arrangements and the chevron arranged indentations or pockets (18) of the cutter drum (10) enable at least one felled oil palm tree trunk of size not more than 35 feet in length x 5 feet in circumference to be effectively pulverized into fine pieces within two minutes.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the principle and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would obvious to one skilled in the art intended to be included within the scope of following claims.

Claims

A cutter drum (10) for cutting tree trunk into fine pieces having a drive shaft (12) carrying two spaced outer discs (14) and a plurality of intermediate spaced support plates (16); cutting means (30) configured around the circumference of the cutter drum (10); and a covering (22) encircles the cutter drum (10), characterized in that:

a) outer discs (14) and intermediate support plates (16) are extending radially around the drive shaft (12), wherein each space formed between the outer discs (14) and the intermediate support plates (16) being bridged by connecting plates (20) positioned and profiled to complete indentation or pocket (18), and the indentation or pocket (18) is symmetrically arranged alternate and offset by substantially upright between each space, thereby forming notional cylinder with chevron arranged indentations or pockets (18) in a facade of the cutter drum (10); and covering (22) encircles around the notional cylinder except for the indentations or pockets (18);

b) cutting means (30) mounted at the chevron arranged indentations or pockets (18) includes cutter holder (32) and cutter blade (34), wherein the cutting means (30) is inclineably mounted the indentations or pockets (18) at an angle range between 25° - 35°; and the cutter blade (34) has at least one cutting edge chamfered at an angle range between 30° - 40°; wherein cutting edge of the cutter blade (34) is slightly projected out from the chevron arranged indentations or pockets (18), so that when the cutter drum (10) is rotated, cutting edge of the cutter blade (34) impinges upon the material to be self fed towards the cutter drum (10) for shredding; and wherein the indentations or pockets (18) throws dirt, cut materials, excess chips, foreign matters and etc. outward from the cutter drum (10) by a centrifugal force generated by rotational motion of the cutter drum (10).

A cutter drum (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the cutting drum (10) is in communication with suitable gearing means and/or drive belt connected to a drive apparatus.

A cutter drum (10) according to claim 2, wherein the drive apparatus imparts rotary motion to the cutter drum (10).

A cutter drum (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the cutter drum (10) further includes bracing plates (21 ) provided in space between the connecting plates (20) and drive shaft (12) which act to support the connecting plates (20) and to strengthen the indentations or pockets (18) of the cutter drum (10).

A cutter drum (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the cutter holder (32) extends within the indentations or pockets (18) to allow cutter blade (34) to be mounted thereon.

6. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the cutter holder (32) is securely mounted to the support plates (16) by welding or by any other suitable joints.

7. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the cutter holder (32) has a substantially triangular cross-section to enable the cutter blade (34) to be inclineably mounted thereon.

8. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the cuter blade (34) is removeably mounted to the cutter holder (32) so that it can be easily turned, removed or replaced.

9. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the cutter blade (34) is mounted at an inclined angle of 31 °.

10. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the cutter blade (34) has double cutting edges chamfered at an angle approximately 35°.

11. A cutter drum (10) according to claims 9 and 10, wherein the inclined angle and chamfered cutting edges are selected to provide the optimum particle size for cut material, and minimized wear and damage to the cutter blade (34).

12. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the cutter blade (34) includes a cutter head (35a) with a pair of interlocking spigot blade inserts (35b).

13. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 12, wherein the cutter head (35a) provided with predetermined grooves (36) to receive said spigot blade inserts (35b).

14. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 12, wherein the spigot blade insert (35b) has a projection end (38) matingly engaged with the corresponding groove (36) of the cutter head (35a) in a tongue-in-groove connection.

15. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 12, wherein the spigot blade inserts (35b) in corresponding with the cutter head (35a) provide a gap (40) at bottom of the cutter blade (34).

16. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the cutter blade (34) is made of any suitable rigid material either in pure solid or in composite forms.

17. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the cutter blade (34) is made of composite rigid metal such as steel with tungsten carbide, tool steel or titanium, which is coated or hardened at the cutting edges.

18. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the cutting edge of the cutter blade (34) is of 35mm (0.035m) projected beyond the circumference of the cutter drum (10).

19. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the indentations or pockets (18) are deliberately configured inwardly and perpendicular to the tangents of the circumference of the cuter drum ( 0).

20. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the indentations or pockets (18) can be a square shaped, a curved, smooth indentation shaped or polygonal shape.

21 . A cutter drum (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the cutter drum (10) can be mounted to a mobile pulverizing apparatus or a moving vehicle (50).

22. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 21 , wherein the mobile pulverizing apparatus or the moving vehicle (50) with the cuter drum (10) mounted thereon includes: a conveyor (54) for receiving said tree trunk; at least one compartment (56) with an inlet (58) to receive waste from the conveyor (54), wherein the cutter drum (10) is mounted within the compartment (56) and adjacent the said conveyor (54); feeder rollers (60) mounted between one end of conveyor (54) and the cutter drum (10).

23. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 22, wherein the conveyor (54) is of self loading type to enable self lifting of the tree trunk.

24. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 21 , wherein the mobile pulverizing apparatus or the moving vehicle (50) further includes an output chute (70) attached to the compartment (56) for discharging cut waste.

25. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 21 , wherein the mobile pulverizing apparatus or the moving vehicle (50) further includes drive apparatus (80) connected to the cutter drum (10) and means for rotating the cutter drum (10).

26. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 25, wherein the means for rotating the cutter drum (10) includes suitable gearing means (90), drive belt or chain (92) and pulley (94) in communication with the cutting drum (10).

27. A cutter drum ( 0) according to claim 25, wherein the drive apparatus (80) imparts rotary motion to the cutter drum (10).

28. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 25, wherein the drive apparatus (80) rotates the cutter drum (10) at a speed below 1000 rpm.

29. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 25, wherein the drive apparatus (80) is an engine such as a diesel or petrol engine; or a hydraulic or electrically powered motor.

30. A cutter drum (10) according to claim 22, wherein the conveyor (54) of the mobile pulverizing apparatus or the moving vehicle (50) can be angled towards the ground to receive the tree trunk.

31 . A cutter drum (10) according to claim 21 , wherein the mobile pulverizing apparatus or the moving vehicle (50) further includes additional grapple (55) to assist the tree trunk to be fed into the cutter drum (10).