Abstract: A method of treating biomass material e.g. straw, comprises heating the biomass material to a treatment temperature below a temperature at which the material would undergo combustion, washing the biomass material, and partially redrying the washed material thereby to produce a material which may be used as a substitute for peat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nutrient rich humus material produced by a process wherein solids in an aqueous slurry of the excrement are precipitated in a solids ecoreactor, the treated slurry is passed to a bioreactor wherein soluble phosphorus is precipitated with metallic salts, the slurry is aerobically and anaerobically treated to form an active biomass that actively bioconverts remaining soluble phosphorus and the aqueous slurry containing bioconverted phosphorus is recycled to said solids ecoreactor wherein the at least a portion of slurry is bioconverted and recovered as a beneficial humus material.

Abstract: This invention is a method to produce a substitute for peat moss comprising:mixing in a mixer adsorptive cellulosic material with an effective amount of an inoculum containing cellulose degrading microorganism such as lignin cellulose degrading bacteria upon anaerobic fermentation and manure municipal waste or similar waste, manufactured feedstock or a blend of these,transferring said mixture to a chamber,allowing the temperature of said mixture to rise in said chamber until said cellulosic material changes color, thenaerating said mixture to remove water vapor, ammonia and other gases in an exhaust gas and then removing said mixture from said chamber for use as a substitute for peat moss and other uses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a improved process for the biological transformation of phosphorus and nitrogen containing animal waste excrement into ecologically manageable materials by a process wherein solids in an aqueous slurry of the excrement are precipitated in a solids ecoreactor, the treated slurry is passed to a bioreactor zone where it is soluble phosphorus is precipitated with metallic salts, the slurry is aerobically and anaerobically treated to form an active biomass that actively bioconverts remaining soluble phosphorus and the aqueous slurry containing bioconverted phosphorus is passed to a polishing ecoreactor zone wherein the at least a portion of slurry is bioconverted to a beneficial humus material.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling methane fermentation of organic materials including a main fermentor, sensors associated with the main fermentor for measuring physical-chemical measurements of organic material in the main fermentor, a computer for processing the measurements by using a fermentation model. An additional computer transforms the data of fermentation model into data which affects the operation of the main fermentor. A device is also provided to enable small-scale experimentation in order to adjust the characteristic parameters of the fermentation model incorporated in the computer. The installation allows to maintain the fermentor in optimum biological conditions with a minimum of measurements.

Abstract: Novel methods for biodegrading nitroaromatic compounds present as contaminants in soil or water using microorganisms are disclosed. Water is treatable directly; dry soil is first converted into a fluid medium by addition of water. The preferred method comprises two stages, each employing microorganisms: a fermentative stage, followed by an anaerobic stage. The fermentative stage is rapid, wherein an inoculum of aerobic and/or facultative microorganisms ferments a carbohydrate added to the fluid medium, exhausting the oxygen in the fluid medium and thereby inhibiting oxidative polymerization of amino by-products of the nitroaromatics. In the subsequent anaerobic stage an inoculum of a mixed population of anaerobic microorganisms completes the mineralization of the contaminant nitroaromatics, using the remaining carbohydrate as a carbon and energy source.

Abstract: The present invention provides for reusable waste recovery. The method of the present invention is to provide one or more cells. A substantially impermeable liner is positioned into the one or more cells. An impermeable domed structure is erected over the cell. Waste material and cover soil is added to the cells. The waste material and cover soil is added to the cells such that when each of the cells are filled, the ratio of waste material to cover soil is from about 1:5 to about 10:1. The cells, including the waste material and cover soil, are covered with a substantially impermeable cover after which the impermeable domed structure is moved to another cell. The decomposition of the waste is controlled and monitored in the cells. After a period of time, the material within the one or more cells is recovered and recycled. The cell can then be reused for further waste disposal.

Abstract: Method for processing vegetable, fruit and garden waste, indicated as VFG-waste, in which, after a pre-sorting has taken place, the waste (3) is brought into a washing-separating device (4), in which, with the help of water, the waste is separated into a coarse organic fraction (6) which is composted and into a residual fraction (7). The coarse fraction contains particles larger than 2 up to 4 mm. The residual fraction (7) is separated into an inert fraction (11) for recovering sand (13) therefrom, and into a fraction (15) consisting of liquid containing a fine organic fraction (17) and substances dissolved and colloidally divided in the liquid. The fraction (15), obtained from the residual fraction (7) after removing the inert fraction (11) therefrom, is subjected to an anaerobic stabilization.

Abstract: A continuous process is described for the preparation of fertilizers from animal waste consisting of the following steps:a) anaerobic fermentation of waste up to BOD.sub.5 of 300-2000,b) treatment with HNO.sub.3 up to pH 1-2,c) treatment with Ca(OH) up to pH 6.5-7 and S.A.R. index<6, with the addition of small quantities of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 before or after step c).

Abstract: A process and an installation for utilizing organic substances are proposed, in which the substances are correspondingly comminuted and processed by mixing and reaction stages to utilizable compost.The installation essentially comprises a heatable fermenter with a stirrer located therein. In order to obtain an approximately closed process circuit the comminuted substances are supplied as so-called fresh material by a supply shaft to a conveying shaft constructed as a heat exchanger and undergo corresponding heating therein. Through further supply of fresh material the already heated fresh material is supplied to the fermenter and mixed therein by the stirrer accompanied by further heating.The fermented matter formed in the fermenter, on supplying further fresh material, can be admixed in a specific ratio as so-called bacterial inoculum with the fresh material throughout the process circuit.

Abstract: There is described a method for the manufacture of fodder and/or soil improving agents by anserobic or serobic fermentation of environmental disturbing aquatic plants, specifically water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), which, if desired, have been comminuted.

Abstract: Disclosed are a process and an apparatus for compositing organic waste in two consecutive retting steps, the first of which is anaerobic and the second aerobic. In each step, the material to be decomposed is aerated with fresh air under pressure and the resulting spent waste gases are aspirated as spent air. The spent air (AL.sub.2) obtained from the second step of the process-the post-decomposition or retting step is mixed with fresh air (FL) used in the decomposition or first step, as shown in the drawing. The invention is particularly intended for use in with the so-called "retting processes" wherein fibers are soaked or exposed to moisture to promote loosening of the fiber from woody tissues by bacterial action. Generically, the term implies a rotting or injuring by exposure to moisture. The retting process can also involve a chemical treatment and its main object is to make possible gathering and baling of black inner fibers; as defined in Webster's "Third New International Dictionary.

Abstract: Lignocellulosic material such as agricultural residues, e.g. straw and bagasse, can be converted into products that can be easily transformed into feeds, fuels, and soil improver. The reactor described herein affords simple efficient transformation of lignocellulosics to acidic organic liquid, heat, and ligneous sludge residue in a typical use. The acidic organic liquid may be used as the main component in the production of SCP, the heat may be used subsequently for heating or drying, and the ligneous sludge, when dewatered, used as soil improver or as fuel.

Abstract: A process for converting municipal garbage into organic compost material is described.In the first step of this process, a mixture of cellulosic refuse material and earthworms is provided.In the second step of the process, the mixture of refuse material and earthworms is maintained at a moisture content of from about 45 to about 92 weight percent and a temperature of from about 0 to about 54 degrees centigrade for from about 3 to about 8 months.

Abstract: A foliar spraying agent which is capable of increasing yield and improving quality of plant is obtained by grinding vegetable humus containing 50 to 80% by weight of water, contacting the resulting ground vegetable humus with air sufficiently to activate the ground product and extracting the activated product with water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for composting of organic matter. A ram advances the entire mass of organic matter within the composting chamber to create an evacuated space in the composting chamber, which evacuated space is of substantially greater volume than the volume of an incremental inlet space. The incremental inlet space is a space in the composting chamber defined by a projection of an inlet opening into the composting chamber. After the creation of the evacuated space, a new charge of organic matter is fed through the inlet opening. The ram then moves this new charge of organic matter into the evacuated space in the chamber to join the existing mass of organic matter already in the chamber. The ram also lightly compresses the new charge to a predetermined density or porosity. Typically, the extent of compressive force applied to the new charge is less than that required to move the entire mass of organic matter through the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anaerobic digestion of fish wastes and production of useful by-products including fertilizer and biogas. The method includes grinding up the fish wastes and adding liquid to create a suspension of up to 25% solids; optionally adding lipase to break down the fish oil; and anaerobically digesting the fish suspension over a period of approximately 20 days at a temperature in the range of 35.degree.-55.degree. C. with mixing provided by recirculation or other means. After digestion, the suspension is pumped to a secondary chamber for storage, further breakdown by mechanical means such as agitation or recirculation, centrifugation to remove suspended solids, production of an enhanced fertilizer by the addition of seaweed, urea, nitrogen, potash and chelated micronutrients, deodorization, by the addition of potassium permanganate, treatment to reduce the B.O.D. or evaporation to reduce liquid.

Abstract: A process for converting municipal garbage into organic compost material is described.In the first step of this process, a mixture of shredded cellulosic refuse material and earthworms is provided. A substantial portion of the shredded cellulosic refuse material is derived from paper and/or cardboard refuse.In the second step of the process, the mixture of refuse material and earthworms is maintained at a moisture content of from about 45 to about 92 weight percent and a temperature of from about 0 to about 54 degrees centigrade for from about 4 to about 8 months.

Abstract: In a method and device for drying and conditioning poultry manure or similar pasty materials in the form of particles, selective micro-organisms are, in a microbiological phase, fixed onto stable moulded carrier element, added to the past material to be treated, optimum climatic conditions being generated with air conditioned for the activity of the micro-organisms. Released heat as well as water vapor are evacuated. In the case of a temperature drop, the microbiological phase is substituted by an air stream drying which is terminated when the desired dessication degree is obtained. The device comprises a closed cylindrical tank (1) wherein there is arranged a suspended mounting which may vibrate vertically and which is comprised of two cylindrical coaxial air-tight mantels (14,15) between which are distributed the carrier elements for the selective microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the reduction in the quantity of low activity organic wastes from nuclear power plants. This is accomplished using anaerobic fermentation in a bioreactor. The waste from the nuclear power plant is subjected to a pretreatment such as comminution and suspension, hydrolysis and/or physical dispersion, such as by a irradiation, heat treatment or the equivalent. The pretreated waste is subjected to anaerobic decomposition in a bioreactor, the anaerobic decomposition taking place in two stages, namely an acid stage and a methane stage. The gases produced in the decomposition process are conducted from the methane stage to a gas burning stage and the undecomposed waste is removed, concentrated and packed in barrels or the like for storage.

Abstract: A process for treating waste material is disclosed wherein the initial steps are performed in the dry stage including the removal of dirt, metallic and glass materials, and separation of the dry materials and thereafter passing the materials through a horizontal rotary pulp separating mechanism which delivers to a pulper and to an anaerobic process chamber.

Abstract: Municipal sludge is converted from an environmental problem into soil amendment and electricity. Methane, produced in an anaerobic digester (2), is used partially to generate electricity and partially to dry the concentrated sludge in a rotary dryer (7). Excess heat from the dryer is used to maintain the temperature in the digester at approximately 105.degree. to 130.degree. F. Heavy metals are removed so that the dried sludge can be safely used as a soil amendment.

Abstract: A process for recovery of energy from waste and residues is disclosed. The residues, after sieving, are subjected to bacterial digestion in a methanization reactor and the solid phase of the digestate is then subjected to incineration in a furnace supplying a heat recuperator, the furnace being supplied with complementary combustible by the methane coming from the digester, while the circuit of the fumes downstream of the recuperator is used for heating by at least one secondary circuit, the magma in the course of treatment in the digester and/or the sludge separated from the digestate before recycling thereof towards the digester.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for processing of organic materials containing nitrogen compounds, where the organic material undergoes an anaerobic digestion with simultaneous liberation of biogas which contains methane and carbon dioxide. The liquid product obtained after anaerobic digestion is, according to the invention, heated to boiling temperature, ammonia bonded as carbonate which is distilled off, and the tail product from distillation is further processed to the valuable product and clear water or is discharged as prepurified waste water. During the processing to the valuable product in the form of organo-phophate-lime concentrate, the tail product of distillation is alkalized by lime and carbonized with carbon dioxide. Biogas or carbon dioxide obtained by distillation may be used in carbonation.

Abstract: A resource recovery utility is provided comprising a landfill having a continuous wall surrounding the perimeter thereof and a containment structure extending completely over the landfill affixed to the continuous wall. Refuse can be introduced into the landfill and compacted therein and at least a portion of the compacted refuse can be removed therefrom. Methane generated by anaerobic bacterial digestion of organic materials contained in the refuse can be removed and recovered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the simultaneous treatment of solid or semi-solid organic waste and liquid organic waste with a view to the simultaneous production of compost and biogas.According to this process, said liquid organic waste is subjected to a liquid-solid separation, the liquid phase from this separation is subjected to anaerobic fermentation in at least one closed digester, the solid phase from said liquid-solid separation is mixed with said solid or semi-solid organic waste, the resulting mixture is subjected to aerobic fermentation at the periphery of said digester and in contact therewith and mud, clarified liquid and gas are respectively discharged from said digester whereas compost from the aerobic fermentation of said solid or semisolid waste is recovered at the periphery of said digester.

Abstract: In the mesophile production of biogas, the temperature of the liquid used during anaerobic, methanogenic, fermentation is raised to the required temperature (about 35.degree. C.) by aerobically prefermenting solid substrate at substantially ambient temperature and of appropriate moisture content to raise its temperature to a temperature greater than that required for the anaerobic, methanogenic, fermentation. Thereafter flooding the fermenting solid substrate with the liquid at substantially ambient temperature to increase the temperature of the liquid by heat exchange, and then removing the liquid and storing it in a heat insulated environment to reduce the moisture content of the solid substrate to a suitable degree. The above steps of aerobic prefermenting and flooding are repeated until the liquid has reached the required temperature, and then leaving the liquid in situ to enable anaerobic methanogenic fermentation to take place.

Abstract: To reduce the accumulation of undesirable solid material within an anaerobic digester, new slurry for digesting is injected into the digester at locations extending across the horizontal width at one end, parallel to a zone of floating solids in a concentration of solid material between ten and twelve percent, with a momentum of at least 0.1 pound-foot per second. Liquid is taken out of the digester across a trough extending across the width of the digester. Bubbles are broken above the liquid level of the digester by a sieve or surfactant or combination of the two.

Abstract: A low solids aqueous suspension of organic waste is treated in at least four, e.g., six serial anaerobic zones at a temperature of less than 40.degree. C. and under quiescent conditions to provide methane, fertilizer and a clean liquid effluent.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing compost and composting compositions having a high nitrogen content and being particularly advantageous for use as fertilizers, said process utilizing petroleum sludge and an organic biomass which preferably contains wood industry residue and organic waste products.

Abstract: A method for the processing of fecal waste by treatment with mineral clay, characterized in that:A. a smectite clay, enriched with aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, specific for the digestion of fecal waste, and with plant preparations which promote the increase of said microorganisms, and lime, is allowed to digest the fecal waste; andB. an acid phosphate is added to the fecal waste treated in this manner, after addition of the enriched smectite clay and shortly before use of the treated waste as a fertilizer.

Abstract: The manure, which has been previously finely ground, is diluted (3) so as to form a liquid mixture containing not more than 4% of solid material. This mixture is fed into a bioreactor (6) of which the gas is used to feed the burner (11) of a dryer (10) in which the manure particles are dried. Before and after passage of the mixture into the bioreactor, filaments and fibres are separated (4,9). At least part of the liquid separated in the second separator (9) is recycled (13) in the initial liquid mixture. The energy of the water vapor from the drying is used to activate the bioreactor (16). The residual liquid not recycled is subjected to a nitrifying/de-nitrifying treatment (15). The residual mud may be collected (23) and mixed with the dried product, as well as the fibres and filaments eliminated. The mud, the filaments and the fibres, rich in proteins, may be used directly as foodstuff for cattle. The other residual product are appropriate for use as fertilizers.

Abstract: A low solids aqueous suspension of organic waste is treated in at least four, e.g., six serial anaerobic zones at a temperature of less than 40.degree. C. and under quiescent conditions to provide methane, fertilizer and a clean liquid effluent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method wherein solid organic waste originating from plants or animals or both, is digested by an anaerobic fermentation, that is less labor, time and space consuming than the conventional aerobic fermentation method, and may be performed with waste that has not to be subjected to a pre-treatment wherein a slurry having a rather low solids content is prepared.

Abstract: Ethanol (C.sub.2 H.sub.5 OH) is produced efficiently by employing a drive-through pit in which carbohydrate-containing material is fermented by hydrolyzing agents such as enzymes. The configuration and depth of the pit are such as to permit conventional farm vehicles to have ready access to the pit, thereby enabling the pit to be loaded and unloaded conveniently. The pit is insulated on its sides and bottom and is closed at the top by a heat-insulating cover. The pit is heated to assist the fermentation process. After several days of heating, the pit is drained through a sediment trap and the filtered pit drainage is separated into concentrated ethanol and a mixture of water and enzymes. The solid residue left in the pit is removed for use as feed or fertilizer. The separated water and hydrolyzing agents are stored in a reservoir for subsequent flooding of the pit when a new quantity of carbohydrate-containing material is added to the pit.

Abstract: A method for composting decaying material by first treating the material to produce a decayable carbon/nitrogen ratio and continuously and countercurrently aerating the decaying material in a first step to produce a biologically active material and then introducing the biologically active material to a second step wherein it is discontinuously aerated at controlled intervals. The process produces a hygienically unobjectionable humus material in a continuous and industrially efficient manner.

Abstract: Improved method for the production of bio-gas incorporating a magnetic field to situate magnetotactic bacteria in the reactive zone of a bio-gas producing digester.

Abstract: The manure, which has been previously finely ground, is diluted (3) so as to form a liquid mixture containing not more than 4% of solid material. This mixture is fed into a bioreactor (6) of which the gas is used to feed the burner (11) of a dryer (10) in which the manure particles are dried. Before and after passage of the mixture into the bioreactor, filaments and fibres are separated (4,9). At least part of the liquid separated in the second separator (9) is recycled (13) in the initial liquid mixture. The energy of the water vapor from the drying is used to activate the bioreactor (16). The residual liquid not recycled is subjected to a nitrifying/de-nitrifying treatment (15). The residual mud may be collected (23) and mixed with the dried product, as well as the fibres and filaments eliminated. The mud, the filaments and the fibres, rich in proteins, may be used directly as foodstuff for cattle. The other residual product are appropriate for use as fertilizers.

Abstract: Production of methane from a substrate comprising an organic material, by way of example in a process by means of a culture of anaerobic and preferably thermophile microorganisms, which in a processing chamber (8) is brought into contact with the organic material and in which the generated gas is collected. The substrate is introduced into an ante-chamber (7) for pretreatment which is provided with a heating device (28) with the substrate heated in the ante-chamber to at least the temperature that it is intended to have during the process or preferably to a higher temperature, whereafter it is transported to said processing chamber (8) to be brought into contact with the culture of microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to deodorization of excrement by Lactobacillus strains in cultivation of said strains with S-, N- or C-compounds which are odoriferous components of said excrement and/or certain amino acids.

Abstract: Method for treatment of biochemical waste which comprises adding acid to the biochemical waste to adjust pH (power of hydrogen ion) thereof, heating the adjusted biochemical waste, adding alkali thereto to neutralize the waste, and treating with anaerobic digestion.

Abstract: Organic wastes, such as animal manure, are fed into an elongated digester tank at one end thereof in slurry form. The slurry slowly moves to the other end of the tank for subsequent disposal. During the residence time in the tank decomposition of the waste occurs yielding methane gas and carbon dioxide. A cover over the digester collects the gas generated. A heat exchange arrangement causes transverse stirring of the slurry as it passes through the tank enhancing the decomposition process. Scum suppressors on the surface of the slurry prevent interference with the formation and release of the methane gas. The settling of solids is controlled by the use of gas jets disposed along the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: A system and a process for producing methane gas by anaerobic digestion of feed materials containing suitable organic materials. The system includes a plurality of digestion modules arranged primarily in series. Each digestion module is positioned with its slurry inlet port at a slightly lower elevation than the slurry outlet port of the preceding digestion module. The number of digestion modules is dependent upon the particular feed material to be digested. Each digestion module can be sampled and controlled independently. The process includes grinding and pulping the feed material, mixing the feed material with a liquid to prepare a slurry, charging the initial digestion module with slurry and transferring the digesting slurry to the next successive digestion module and subsequently to each successive digestion module after predetermined time periods until the digestion process has been completed. The liquid is separated from the digested slurry for recycle through the system.

Abstract: In the disclosed method, organic waste material of a water content of at least about 50% and a solid content of at least about 15% is biologically digested into compost. The organic waste material contains a flora of different species of microorganisms having different oxygen consumption requirements and different metabolism. The organic waste material is introduced into an aerating reactor with top inlet and bottom discharge so as to form an air permeable material column in the reactor. Air, which may be enriched with oxygen, is blown through the column in an upward direction without mechanical agitation of the column. Since the flora of microorganism species present in the material has different oxygen consumption requirements and different metabolism, the air flow is controlled in such a way that the microorganisms can settle at distinct levels within the reactor space where the environmental conditions are most favorable.

Abstract: A solar heated anaerobic digestor is provided, adapted to utilize organic material capable of decomposing to produce methane gas and a liquid fertilizer. The sealed anaerobic digestor is wrapped with a layer of heat absorptive material followed by a series of abutting removable panels of insulative material. Insulative panels may be temporarily removed to expose the heat absorptive material to solar radiation and may be replaced when the solar radiation diminishes. A layer of transparent material wrapped in outwardly spaced relation around the insulatng panels is capable of transmitting solar radiation while providing protection against environmental elements. Additional heating means extending into the digestor provide auxiliary heat as required.

Abstract: Biodegradable organic wastes are crushed and then fed to a first cell A of a treatment unit in which they are mixed with liquid recirculated from the discharge end of that unit to form a sludge. After oxygenation in cell A, and following the establishment of an anaerobic atmosphere in that cell by the introduction of carbon dioxide, part of the sludge passes by gravity into a lower-level second cell B for prefermentation with evolution of carbon dioxide. Subsequently, part of the contents of cell B is transferred -- again by gravity -- to a third cell C, at a still lower level, where fermentation with generation of methane takes place. The methane production is continued thereafter in a fourth cell D at the lowest level, the latter containing a potash solution in which the accompanying carbon dioxide is dissolved while the methane is recovered.

Abstract: Domestic refuse containing inorganic and organic material is treated to separate off the inorganic material, after which the organic material, with sewage sludge, is assimilated in a digestor by a microorganism to produce a combustible gas, and a dilute slurry emerging from the digestor is dewatered to recover a self-binding concentrated slurry or cake containing long fibres suitable for use in the production of boards, paper, or fuel, for instance. The more dilute slurry which results from the dewatering is concentrated, and is then useful as a soil conditioner or animal feedstuff.

Abstract: A waste treatment system and method for anaerobic fermentation of animal excreta. The system includes a collection gutter for containing the excreta until a predetermined portion becomes liquified. When the liquid excreta reaches a predetermined level it passes from the gutter into one end of an elongated, collapsed bag. The bag progressively fills, the liquid excreta being maintained at a temperature conducive to fermentation. After a predetermined degree of fermentation has been achieved, the liquid excreta is tapped off for use as fertilizer. Gases formed in the process are vented off and can be burned to provide heat for maintaining the liquid excreta at the desired fermentation temperature.

Abstract: A composting method which produces complete aerobic digestion and pasteurization of animal and other solid organic waste materials is effected in an open top, elongate, composting vessel, for producing an odor free, pasteurized, organic fertilizer, mulch or animal feed supplement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating wastewater such as sewage are disclosed. Designed principally for complete on-site wastewater treatment and disposal, the system separates wastewater into liquid wastes and solid wastes by filtration, treats the liquid wastes with a mild oxidizing agent and disperses them into unsaturated ground. The solid wastes are periodically removed, along with used portions of the paper filter medium and delivered, in the case of sewage, to a composting area where the still-fresh solids can be aerobically composted. Preferred and particularly advantageous embodiments of a filtering system, a sewage delivery system, a vacuum generating system, and a liquid level sensor, each of which may be used with the invention, are disclosed.