Classifications

• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
  • C12M23/00—Constructional details, e.g. recesses, hinges
  • C12M23/26—Constructional details, e.g. recesses, hinges flexible
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
  • C05F—ORGANIC FERTILISERS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C05B, C05C, e.g. FERTILISERS FROM WASTE OR REFUSE
  • C05F17/00—Preparation of fertilisers characterised by biological or biochemical treatment steps, e.g. composting or fermentation
  • C05F17/20—Preparation of fertilisers characterised by biological or biochemical treatment steps, e.g. composting or fermentation using specific microorganisms or substances, e.g. enzymes, for activating or stimulating the treatment
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
  • C05F—ORGANIC FERTILISERS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C05B, C05C, e.g. FERTILISERS FROM WASTE OR REFUSE
  • C05F17/00—Preparation of fertilisers characterised by biological or biochemical treatment steps, e.g. composting or fermentation
  • C05F17/50—Treatments combining two or more different biological or biochemical treatments, e.g. anaerobic and aerobic treatment or vermicomposting and aerobic treatment
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
  • C05F—ORGANIC FERTILISERS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C05B, C05C, e.g. FERTILISERS FROM WASTE OR REFUSE
  • C05F17/00—Preparation of fertilisers characterised by biological or biochemical treatment steps, e.g. composting or fermentation
  • C05F17/90—Apparatus therefor
  • C05F17/907—Small-scale devices without mechanical means for feeding or discharging material, e.g. garden compost bins
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
  • C12M21/00—Bioreactors or fermenters specially adapted for specific uses
  • C12M21/04—Bioreactors or fermenters specially adapted for specific uses for producing gas, e.g. biogas
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
  • C12M45/00—Means for pre-treatment of biological substances
  • C12M45/02—Means for pre-treatment of biological substances by mechanical forces; Stirring; Trituration; Comminuting
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E50/00—Technologies for the production of fuel of non-fossil origin
  • Y02E50/30—Fuel from waste, e.g. synthetic alcohol or diesel
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
  • Y02P20/00—Technologies relating to chemical industry
  • Y02P20/141—Feedstock
  • Y02P20/145—Feedstock the feedstock being materials of biological origin
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
  • Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
  • Y02W30/40—Bio-organic fraction processing; Production of fertilisers from the organic fraction of waste or refuse

Definitions

• Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to systems and methods for processing of household organic waste, particularly producing biogas and fertilizer therefrom.
• Household organic waste makes up a considerable percentage of total waste. This waste is generally thrown out with the rest of the garbage, requiring transport and space in dumps. Such waste may also be used occasionally for purposes of producing compost, saving the transport and space requirements and producing a source of rich soil for the practiced user.
• the production rates of such systems are limited by the size of material being input, and a number of further problems are often encountered including difficulty of operation, efficiency of the digestion process, low gas pressures, unsafe operation, and unpleasant odors.
• a system and a method for biogas and fertilizer production from household waste comprising an anaerobic digester adapted for production of fertilizer and biogas comprising: a container comprised of a set of panels and panel holders; at least one sink having a drain into which organic material is deposited; a grinder at the throat of said drain adapted to grind said organic material into a slurry; a flexible tank serving as an anaerobic digester in fluid communication with said drain adapted to receive said slurry and non-household organic material and to facilitate a population of anaerobic bacteria which decomposes said materials into a liquid part and a gaseous fraction; a pipe allowing disposing of the content of said flexible tank serving as an anaerobic digester; an overflow pipe; a flexible tank serving as a gas reservoir in fluid communication with said digester adapted to collect gas therefrom and store said gas; said gas tank is been pressured by at least one weight placed upon it; gas distribution
• At least one weight adapted to create pressure on said at least one flexible tank serving as a gas reservoir.
• said at least one weight comprising a set of weights filled with the appropriate amount of material to create a predefined pressure.
• said overflow pipe opening is located higher than the bottom of the flexible tank serving as a gas reservoir.
• a plunger adapted to push or assist pushing of slurry into the digester tank, said plunger equipped with floats.
• At least one non- household organic material such as manure or animal dumping
• At least one filter comprising at least one air pump and bacteria substrate.
• a system and a method is provided for biogas and fertilizer production from household waste streams.
• An in-sink grinder is used to grind household organic waste into a fine slurry that is fed into an anaerobic digester having substrates of large surface area adapted to facilitate the formation growth and maintenance of large colonies of anaerobic bacteria. These bacteria rapidly digest the organic input material into various fractions including a liquid fraction and a gaseous fraction.
• a key novelty of the gas collection chamber is its use of a novel open-bottomed reservoir which is held under water. As gas is directed into the reservoir water is displaced out of the open bottom of the reservoir, increasing the external water level and hence the pressure of the gas within the reservoir.
• an anaerobic digester adapted for production of fertilizer and biogas comprising:
• a sink having a drain into which organic material is deposited
• a grinder at the throat of said drain adapted to grind said organic material into a slurry
• an anaerobic digester in fluid communication with said drain adapted to receive said slurry and to facilitate a population of anaerobic bacteria which decomposes said organic material into a liquid part and a gaseous fraction;
• a liquid collection mechanism adapted to collect said fraction which comprises fertilizer
• gas reservoir 120 in fluid communication with said digester adapted to collect gas therefrom and store said gas in an inner chamber 121, said inner chamber being surrounded by fluid and open on its bottom; gas distribution means 123 adapted to distribute said gas from said gas reservoir;
• said fluid in said gas reservoir is water.
• digester is provided with substrates having high surface area adapted to promulgate the formation of anaerobic bacteria colonies.
• fertilizer production rates of approximately 8 liters per day and gas production rates of approximately 1 m 3 per day from a single-household waste stream.
• said gas is used for purposes selected from the group consisting of: lighting; electricity generation; motive power; combustion; cooking; heat production; air heating; water heating.
• a gas reservoir 120 in fluid communication with said digester adapted to collect gas therefrom and store said gas in an inner chamber 121, said inner chamber being surrounded by fluid and open on its bottom; distributing said gas using gas distribution means 123 adapted to distribute said gas from said gas reservoir;
• said gas reservoir is provided with a spillway for said fluid adapted to prevent said fluid from rising above a predetermined level.
• said fluid in said gas reservoir is water.
• said digester is provided with substrates 207 having high surface area adapted to promulgate the formation of anaerobic bacteria colonies.
• said gas is used for purposes selected from the group consisting of: lighting; electricity generation; motive power; combustion; cooking; heat production; air heating; water heating.
• FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in side view
• FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the system in isometric view
• FIG. 3 shows the sink, grinder, and drain of the system
• FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the digester of the invention
• FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the invention
• FIG. 6 portrays another embodiment of the invention
• FIG. 7 illustrates a self-contained system of the invention
• FIG. 8 depicts the gas reservoir of the invention
• FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart of the invention
• FIG. 10 illustrates a distribution system for gas of the system
• FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in side view
• FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the sinks, grinder and intake pipe of the invention
• FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the grinder of the invention
• FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the grinder of the invention.
• the invention is a combined composter and biogas generator based on anaerobic digestion of household organic waste.
• a sink 102 with faucet 101 is generally part of the system.
• the sink drain leads to a grinder 104 which may in some embodiments be hand operated with a crank 103 while in other embodiments the grinder may be electrically or otherwise automatically operated.
• the outlet of the grinder is conducted to a digester 130 designed to facilitate anaerobic decomposition of organic matter; this process has been found to have increased speed when the incoming material is ground as here.
• Substrates 107 are provided having large surface area and adapted to facilitate the formation growth and maintenance of large colonies of anaerobic bacteria which ultimately are responsible for the breakdown of organic material into various fractions including a liquid fraction and a gaseous fraction.
• the gaseous fraction (largely methane gas) is conducted into a gas collection chamber 120 of the device.
• a key novelty of the gas collection chamber 120 (see for example Fig. 8a.)
• This chamber employs a novel open-bottomed reservoir 121 which is held under water or another liquid 125.
• gas As gas is directed through the gas inlet 110, water will be displaced out of the open bottom of the reservoir 121, increasing the water level and hence the pressure of the gas within the reservoir.
• gas flows out of the reservoir (Fig. 8b) through an outlet 123 the pressure in the reservoir 121 decreases allowing water to enter from the bottom. This constitutes a felicitous solution to several problems.
• the gas is maintained under a small degree of positive pressure, allowing it to be conducted for large distances when needed (by opening a valve to the outlet 123). It has been found that even a few tens of torr are enough to provide flow through standard rubber or other tubing for tens of meters. Second, the hazards of explosion / fire are greatly reduced in such a system since the pressure is low and the vast majority of gas is physically surrounded by water.
• the use of water allows for a unique pressure valve mechanism to be deployed; namely, if the water is allowed to reach only a certain height but no more (e.g by use of a spillway 801 or other means for the water, and/or a spillway or other means for the gas) then the gas pressure is maintained at a maximum pressure corresponding to the maximum water height and cannot rise above this value. Thus no matter how much gas is produced the gas pressure will never rise above a predetermined threshold.
• Fig.2 shows an isometric X-ray view of the device.
• the drain pipe 109 may be outfitted with a spiral screw 150 or other conveying and/or grinding means.
• the organic matter may be forced under pressure into the holding vessel of the digester 130.
• the connection for gas outlet 110 (which allows gas out of the digester and into the gas reservoir) is seen as well.
• Fig. 3 presents the device showing spigot 101, sink 102, grinder 104, and pipe 109.
• Fig. 4 presents a closeup of the digester 130.
• the end of pipe 109 is shown revealing the use of a propeller 108 or other impelling means adapted to mix and churn the digestive broth as it ferments.
• Growth substrate 107 is shown as well and a baffle 160 intended to slow the sedimentation of undigested residues.
• Fig. 5 presents another isometric X-ray view of the device.
• the digester 130 is visible as are the sink 102, pipe 109, gas reservoir outer chamber 120, the gas outlet 110 (which allows gas out of the digester and into the gas reservoir) is seen as well.
• An inlet 111 with valve is provided to allow the gas reservoir to be isolated from the digester if necessary.
• the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 has the gas reservoir outer vessel containing both the inner vessel 121 as well as pipe 109.
• the space 125 is entirely filled with liquid such as water.
• FIG. 7 shows how the nutrient liquid is extracted after composting.
• An outlet 190 is provided allowing liquid to flow out of the digester and through a spigot 180 from which it may be collected e.g. in a bucket.
• Fig. 9 presents a schematic flow chart of system operation.
• the first step is source separation; organic matter is sorted into dry and wet streams.
• the dry matter paper, plastic, etc
• the wet material is sent into the grinder which is usually located at the throat of a sink drain.
• After grinding the semi-liquid mixture of organic material and water is sent through piping (e.g. pipe 109, see Fig. 6 for example) to the anaerobic digester for breakdown.
• piping e.g. pipe 109, see Fig. 6 for example
• the digester continuously outputs two products, namely a liquid fertilizer and a gaseous component.
• the liquid is used for fertilization e.g. of crops, household plants and the like, while the gas is used for cooking, hot water, and lighting, or the like.
• a pump (which may be solar powered or otherwise) is use to pump gas through lines having pressure metering means to various end points such as gas cookers, stoves, generators, lights, and the like.
• the device produces both organic fertilizer and biogas
• the device stores the biogas in an explosion-proof pressure-vessel of controlled maximum pressure
• the device produces fertilizer and biogas at accelerated rates due inter alia to the small particle size of material after grinding; d. the device is suitable for home use.
• the gas collection chamber 120 (see for example Fig. 8a.) is provided with a number of novel elements.
• the open-bottomed reservoir 121 is held under water or other liquid 125. Gas enters through the gas inlet 110 after being produced by digesting or composting process occurring for example in container 130.
• the container 130 and gas inlet 110 are thus put into fluid communication for example by means of a pipe or the like, optionally with a valve to cut off fluid communication if need be.
• As gas enters the reservoir 121 water will be displaced out of the open bottom. Due to the increase of volume of water outside the reservoir, the water level will necessarily rise; the pressure of the gas within the reservoir will likewise rise as this process transpires.
• the reservoir operates more or less in the fashion of a diving bell, an open- bottomed concave-down vessel capable of holding gas or other fluid. As gas is forced into the volume of the reservoir , water is forced out. Since the reservoir is contained within chamber 120, the water level in the chamber will rise as water is forced out of the reservoir 121.
• this method of gas containment solves a number of problems simultaneously.
• the gas is maintained under a small degree of positive pressure, allowing it to be conducted for large distances when needed (by opening a valve to the outlet 123). It has been found that even a few tens of torr are enough to provide flow through standard rubber or plastic tubing for tens of meters.
• system 1000 comprising:
• a container comprised of a set of panels and panel holders; at least one sink having a drain into which organic material is deposited;
• a plunger adapted to push or assist pushing of slurry into the digester tank, said plunger equipped with floats;
• At least one non-household organic material such as manure or animal dumping
• a grinder at the throat of said drain adapted to grind said organic material into a slurry
• a flexible tank serving as an anaerobic digester in fluid communication with said drain adapted to receive said slurry and non-household organic material and to facilitate a population of anaerobic bacteria which decomposes said materials into a liquid part and a gaseous fraction
• a flexible tank serving as a gas reservoir in fluid communication with said digester adapted to collect gas therefrom and store said gas; said gas tank is been pressured by at least one weight placed upon it;
• gas distribution means adapted to distribute said gas from said gas reservoir
• At least one filter comprising at least one air pump and bacteria substrate.
• a rigid container 1001 built from panels and panel holders 1002 for easy assembly and disassembly, shipping and storing.
• the panels may be contain isolating materials, internally or externally.
• the rigid container containing at least two flexible container made from Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastic, rubber, silicone, para-aramid synthetic fiber or the like that allows complete sealing of fluids and solids.
• At least one flexible container serves as a digester tank 1003 and at least one flexible container serves as a gas container 1004.
• the at least one container serves as a gas container is located higher than the At least one container serves as a digester tank.
• the at least one container serves as a digester tank 1003 may be equipped with at least one intake pipe 1008 and at least one overflow pipe 1009. Both pipes ends lower than the height of the tank.
• the pipe ends 15 cm below the top of the container serves as a digester tank.
• the at least one overflow pipe external opening is located higher than the bottom of the at least one container serves as a gas container.
• the pipe ends 15 cm above the bottom of the container serves as a gas container.
• an opening for disposing of sludge and mud 1005 is provided beside the bottom of the at least one container serves as a digester tank.
• the opening is a long PVC pipe; when not in use the pipe is rolled onto itself (much like a fire hose pipe).
• At least one weight 1007 is laying on top of the flexible gas container 1004 hence creating pressure.
• the at least one weight's weight is calculated so that the pressure will not be high enough to create an overflow.
• the weight create pressure in the gas tank however the gas cannot escape to the digester tank and out due to the fact that the intake pipe and overflow pipe are located below the top of the digester tank.
• the at least one weight is comprised of a set of rigid containers that may be filled with the appropriate amount of material, such as sand or dirt.
• a plunger 2002 is provided within the intake pipe.
• the plunger may be submerged in the liquid that exist in the intake pipe. Once released, the plunger will move upward and float, when pushed down it will move all the floating portions of the waste downward into the digester.
• the plunger will be made out of floating materials and in different embodiments the plunger will be equipped with floats.
• a manual grinder 2003 will be provided.
• the grinder will comprise an handle 2004 connected to an axle 2005 on which metal discs 2006 are provided.
• the discs will have a tooth 2007 going through a comb-like metal piece 2008 , hence grinding all that passes through the grinder.
• At least two sinks are provided.
• the first at least one sink is adapted to be used with household waste 2009 and is equipped with a grinder.
• the second at least one sink is adapted to be used with non-household organic waste 2010 such as animal waste, manure etc.
• said sinks will be placed one by the other with a trapeze or triangle casing 2011 whereby the grinder is located within the trapeze or triangle hence creating a one-piece household and non-household waste disposal location.
• a filter for disposing of the characterize sulfur smell and in order to stabilize and prepare the liquid part to be used in an hydroponic growing systems.
• the filter contain an air pump and bacteria substrate, hence the sulfur goes through a reduction process and the rest of the organic metirial goes through ammonification and mineralization processes producing NH4+ and NH3. Later the a nitrification process produce N02 and N03 which are suitable for agriculture.
• a complete hydroponic agriculture growing system is in fluid connection with the system hence supplied with said liquids on a regular basis.

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• Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
• Biochemistry (AREA)
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• Processing Of Solid Wastes (AREA)
• Fertilizers (AREA)

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Cited By (5)

Citations (6)

• 2013
  • 2013-06-18 WO PCT/IB2013/001272 patent/WO2013190361A1/fr not_active Ceased

Patent Citations (6)

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