Systems and methods for digestion of solid waste
First Claim
1. A method for decomposition of organic matter into biogas and compost, the method comprising:
- (a) loading solid organic waste into a waste processing tank;
(b) during one or more series of anaerobic hydrolysis and gasification stages;
(i) spraying percolation liquid over the solid organic waste in the waste processing tank during a first anaerobic hydrolysis stage in which anaerobic bacterial hydrolysis takes place;
(ii) recirculating a first portion of the percolation liquid after it passes through the solid organic waste in the waste processing tank and, without first passing the first portion of the percolation liquid through a biogas reactor, spraying the first portion of the percolation liquid over the solid waste during the first anaerobic hydrolysis stage;
(iii) pumping a second portion of the percolation liquid into the biogas reactor tank for generation of biogas during a first gasification stage;
(iv) pumping percolate liquid out of the biogas reactor tank following the first gasification stage, for spraying over the solid organic waste in the waste processing tank during a second and/or subsequent hydrolysis stage; and
(c) following all anaerobic hydrolysis and gasification stages, ventilating the waste processing tank for composting of the solid organic waste under aerobic conditions.
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Abstract
This invention relates generally to systems and methods for digestion of solid waste that simplify solids handling. In certain embodiments, anaerobic methane extraction takes place for a period of time (e.g., from 1 to 4 weeks), after which an aerobic composting process begins in the same chamber. The organic waste remains in place and oxygen (e.g., in air) is forced into the chamber for an additional period of time (e.g., from 2 to 4 weeks). At the conclusion of the aerobic phase, the process yields a rough compost product that is stable and pathogen free. The rough compost can be further processed and blended to create high value engineered soils.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for decomposition of organic matter into biogas and compost, the method comprising:
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(a) loading solid organic waste into a waste processing tank; (b) during one or more series of anaerobic hydrolysis and gasification stages; (i) spraying percolation liquid over the solid organic waste in the waste processing tank during a first anaerobic hydrolysis stage in which anaerobic bacterial hydrolysis takes place; (ii) recirculating a first portion of the percolation liquid after it passes through the solid organic waste in the waste processing tank and, without first passing the first portion of the percolation liquid through a biogas reactor, spraying the first portion of the percolation liquid over the solid waste during the first anaerobic hydrolysis stage; (iii) pumping a second portion of the percolation liquid into the biogas reactor tank for generation of biogas during a first gasification stage; (iv) pumping percolate liquid out of the biogas reactor tank following the first gasification stage, for spraying over the solid organic waste in the waste processing tank during a second and/or subsequent hydrolysis stage; and (c) following all anaerobic hydrolysis and gasification stages, ventilating the waste processing tank for composting of the solid organic waste under aerobic conditions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification