With Other Organic Material Patents (Class 71/13)
-
Patent number: 6808636Abstract: A method for reducing sludge viscosity of a sewage sludge having a solids concentration of at least 10% (w/w). The method comprises the steps of increasing the pH of the sludge to 9.5-12.5%, at least one step selected from subjecting the sludge to a holding step of at least one day and adding inorganic or organic chemicals to facilitate viscosity reduction, followed by incubating the sludge at temperature up to 100° C., and subjecting the sludge to a shearing or disintegration step. The method provides sludge, especially concentrated sludge, that is more readily pumped or transported.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Lystek International Inc.Inventors: Owen P. Ward, Henry Burd
-
Patent number: 6800109Abstract: An organic waste treatment process, for treating pathogen containing organic sludge and producing pathogen free liquid acidic fertilizer. Concentrated sulfuric acid is added to the organic sludge on a one-to-one basis with solids contained within the sludge. The concentrated sulfuric acid reacts with the organic sludge to neutralize pathogens by carbonizing the sludge, pasteurizing the sludge through heat of hydration, and chemically disinfecting the sludge through the production of sulfur dioxide. An efficient acidic liquid fertilizer is created by neutralizing the pathogens, by reacting with phospholipids and proteins to create phosphoric acid and nitric acid, and by a reduction in mass and volume through the production of waste gases that are allowed to escape.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Inventors: Adelbert Carlen, Manuel Diaz
-
Patent number: 6777469Abstract: Aqueous or solid nitrogen containing compound compounds are produced by heating urea with wet solid sewer sludge thereby producing a urea-urea condensate-sewer sludge composition in a process to dry out the sewer sludge. The urea reacts with itself and with the compounds in the sewer sludge. The urea and/or urea condensate reacts with the sulfur containing compounds thereby reducing the odor from heating the sewer sludge. The urea-urea condensate-sewer sludge composition is useful as a bio-fertilizer, may be utilized to fight grass, forest, building fires, flame retard other flammable organic material by applying it on or incorporating it in these flammable organic materials and may be reacted with aldehydes to produce resins. Carbonization auxiliaries, such as phosphorus containing compounds, metal containing compounds that will accelerate carbonization, heat reflector, surfactant and fillers may be added to or reacted with the aqueous or solid urea-urea condensate-sewer sludge composition.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Inventor: David H. Blount
-
Patent number: 6776914Abstract: A process for treating liquid septage and other biosolids having the steps of placing a known amount of liquid septage in a tank, mixing in a sufficient quantity of alkaline material to raise the pH to a desired level, flocculating the septage, storing the pH adjusted septage for a predetermined period of time, thickening the septage, de-watering the septage, and pasteurizing the resultant liquid effluent and de-watered solids cake. The process for treating liquid septage and biosolids disclosed by the current invention meets the Class A vector attractant reduction and pathogen reduction requirements mandated by the U.S. EPA. The end product of septage and other biosolids treated using the process disclosed by the current invention can be sold as fertilizer, and utilized without any additional permits.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Inventor: Roger A. Hickey
-
Patent number: 6767381Abstract: Method of producing compost tea by passing an aqueous solution over and through a basket containing compost. This flow leaches and washes microorganisms and nutrients from compost and other organisms and nutrient-rich materials from the basket into the culture tank. The culture tank collects and cultures microorganisms and nutrients, creating compost tea. Compressed air is used to provide circulation instead of mechanical pumps, which can injure the organisms as they pass through.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2001Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Inventor: Theodore C. Huhn
-
Patent number: 6758879Abstract: An improved process for enhancing the plant nutrient value of relatively low analysis organic waste material (e.g., sewage sludge) involves treating the waste material with an acid and base in a pipe-cross reactor. The process more particularly involves mixing the waste material with water to form a slurry (or initially taking the waste material as a slurry); pumping the slurry to a pipe-cross reactor for reaction with a base, acid, and water to form a melt; spraying the melt onto a recycling bed of fines in a granulator, and flashing off the water contained in the melt as steam; rolling the melt onto recycled fine particles in a granulator to form granulated particles; and drying these granulated particles to form an enhanced plant nutrient value composition (e.g., a fertilizer or soil conditioner having a greater “NPK” value than the original relatively low analysis organic waste material).Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Unity, Inc.Inventors: Gary D. Greer, Gary L. Dahms
-
Patent number: 6752849Abstract: Disclosed is a method of disinfecting and stabilizing organic wastes wherein organic waste is intimately mixed with one or more mineral by-products to produce a mixture having a pH of less than about 9. The mixture is heated and dried to produce a stable, granular bio-mineral product that may be used for example, as a fertilizer, soil amendment or as a soil substitute. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the heat for heating and/or drying the mixture is provided by residual heat in at least one of the one or more mineral by-products. Also provided are stable, granular bio-mineral products formed by the methods of the present invention and fertilizers, soil amendments, and soil substitutes that include these stable, granular bio-mineral products. Further provided are systems for disinfecting and stabilizing organic waste, and systems for making a stable, granular bio-mineral product.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: N-Viro International CorporationInventors: Terry J. Logan, Ervin L. Faulmann
-
Patent number: 6752848Abstract: A method of disinfecting and stabilizing organic wastes where organic waste is intimately mixed with one or more mineral by-products to produce a mixture having a pH of less than about 9. The mixture is heated and dried to produce a stable, granular bio-mineral product that may be used for example, as a fertilizer, soil amendment or as a soil substitute. Also provided are stable, granular bio-mineral products formed by the methods of the present invention and fertilizers, soil amendments, and soil substitutes that include these stable, granular bio-mineral products. Further provided are systems for disinfecting and stabilizing organic waste, and systems for making a stable, granular bio-mineral product.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: N-Viro International CorporationInventors: Terry J. Logan, Ervin L. Faulmann
-
Patent number: 6585900Abstract: A process for the treatment of sludge which produces a dry sludge free of pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms enriched with nitrogen which can be used as a fertilizer, and which uses as raw materials: elemental sulfur, formaldehyde, ammonia, urea, chlorine, and sulphuric acid, and comprises the steps of feeding the sludge into a pre-dryer into which is fed a hot gas stream containing sulfur trioxide produced by the combustion and catalytic oxidation of sulfur with air and finally completely drying the sludge by feeding it into an ammoniator.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventor: José Cabello-Fuentes
-
Patent number: 6528569Abstract: The invention provides processes for producing solid, water-soluble or water-dispersible compositions comprising non film-forming materials, such as water-soluble agrochemical electrolytes, supported by film-forming polymers. The water-soluble agrochemical electrolytes can be salts of glyphosate. The processes comprise (i) preparing film-forming aqueous media containing (a) film-forming polymers; (b) water-soluble materials which are non film-forming; (c) water-miscible solvents in which the film-forming polymers are soluble and, optionally, (d) solid fillers, and thereafter (ii) drying the film-forming aqueous media to form the solid compositions. The invention also provides compositions produced by these processes.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Syngenta LimitedInventors: Mrinalini Sachin Oza, Rowena Roshanthi Landham
-
Patent number: 6503287Abstract: A soil distribution system, and particularly a method of blowing topsoil, using an improved topsoil blend and specialized equipment, onto selected surfaces, including sloped surfaces. The topsoil blend may be placed either via traditional or selected placement means including placement by blowing the mixture into place. The topsoil blend may be blown through a manipulatable distribution line onto the surface, including areas which may be substantially inaccessible. A selected aerobic compost tea may be combined with the soil distribution operations such that the tea is distributed and intermixed with the soil as the soil is blown into place. Greensand may be distributed over the surface prior to blowing the soil in place and the soil is then distributed over the layer of greensand.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2000Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Inventor: Hendrikus Schraven
-
Patent number: 6458179Abstract: A new and improved fertilizer is disclosed herein. The method for producing the fertilizer produces a substantially odor free fertilizer that produces substantially larger plants than the known fertilizers. The fertilizer includes shredded rubber, coal dust, Canadian peat, trace minerals, organic surfactant, and Nature's Blend. The invention also includes a method for producing a substantially odor free fertilizer that includes the steps of mixing rubber with an organic material, adding carbon, adding peat, adding trace minerals, and adding a surfactant.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Inventor: Nick Puskarich
-
Patent number: 6419722Abstract: A process for making an artificial soil includes first combining the volume percentages of the following substances: 1-99% materials suitable for use as a blending base; 1-99% cellulose; 0.01-60% bio-solids; 0.01-10% calcium in any form; 0.01-10% charcoal or it's equivalents; and 0.05-5% ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, or calcium nitrate. The above substances are ground until a homogeneous mixture is obtained, after which the artificial soil can be either blended in place or manufactured at one location and transported to another location for use.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Inventor: Paul Thomas Adam
-
Patent number: 6398840Abstract: A process for treating sludge comprising the addition of sulphuric acid and anhydrous ammonium to the sludge inside a granulator in order to produce an exothermic reaction which generates sufficient heat to evaporate the water contained in the sludge, thus eliminating all the pathogen and non pathogen microorganism, and producing a dry product having a low pH, free of polluting agents and a high commercial value.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Inventors: Pedro Orta-Castro, José Cabello-Fuentes
-
Patent number: 6387146Abstract: The invention relates to a granular fertilizer for plants, the grains of said fertilizer containing spores and/or mycellium of at least one type of mycorrhizal fungus in sufficient amounts to ensure symbiosis.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Maltaflor Düngergesellschaft mbHInventors: Mario Protzmann, Harald Böckem
-
Patent number: 6383246Abstract: The present invention provides a composting accelerator for a plant-derived material, which accelerator comprises wheat bran and/or low-grade flour powder and an organic waste matter and/or organic fertilizer, and optionally a specific composting assistant; and a compost producing process comprising adding, to a plant-derived material, wheat bran and/or low-grade flour powder and an organic waste matter and/or organic fertilizer and optionally a specific fertilization assistant and carrying out composting.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Nisshin Flour Milling Inc.Inventors: Ryoichi Konishi, Ken Kanzaki, Kenzo Okada
-
Patent number: 6302936Abstract: A process for making an artificial soil includes first combining the volume percentages of the following substances: 5-95% materials suitable for use as a blending base; 5-95% cellulose; 0.5-50% bio-solids; 0.1-10% calcium; 0.1-5% charcoal; and 0.5-4% ammonium nitrate or sulfate. The above substances are ground until a homogeneous mixture is obtained, after which the artificial soil can be either blended in place or manufactured at one location and transported to another location for use.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Inventor: Paul Thomas Adam
-
Patent number: 6231631Abstract: Compost of the present invention has a weight ratio (C/N) of carbon (C) to nitrogen (N) of 9.5 or less on completion of a compost treatment. Further, a method of the present invention for producing the compost comprises the steps of providing a compost material having the weight ratio (C/N) of carbon (C) to nitrogen (N) of 10.5 or less, and carrying out the compost treatment of the compost material by maintaining water content thereof substantially at 30-60%. Thus, the present invention provides the compost excellent in fertilizing activity and the production method thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1998Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: NKK CorporationInventor: Kazuyoshi Suzuki
-
Patent number: 6197081Abstract: A method for treating infectious organic waste material such as dewatered sewage sludge, mixed organic wastes and animal waste. The method includes mixing the infectious organic waste material with a comminuted organic fibrous material to provide a reaction mixture. An oxidizing agent is an optional additive. The reaction mixture is heated in a hyperbaric reactor vessel at an elevated pressure and temperature for a time sufficient to create saturated steam and to produce a substantially denatured product containing inactivated pathogenic agents. The denatured product is dehydrated to produce a free-flowing solid product that may be used in various agricultural, industrial or commercial applications. Odor is controlled so that malodorous compounds are not released to the atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Erick Schmidt
-
Patent number: 6159263Abstract: An improved process for enhancing the plant nutrient value of relatively low analysis organic waste material (e.g., sewage sludge) involves treating the waste material with an acid and base in a pipe-cross reactor. The process more particularly involves mixing the waste material with water to form a slurry (or initially taking the waste material as a slurry); pumping the slurry to a pipe-cross reactor for reaction with a base, acid, and water to form a melt; spraying the melt onto a recycling bed of fines in a granulator, and flashing off the water contained in the melt as steam; rolling the melt onto recycled fine particles in a granulator to form granulated particles; and drying these granulated particles to form an enhanced plant nutrient value composition (e.g., a fertilizer or soil conditioner having a greater "NPK" value than the original relatively low analysis organic waste material).Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1999Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: Unity, Inc.Inventors: Gary D. Greer, Gary L. Dahms
-
Patent number: 6076301Abstract: In the process of the invention, the seed to be treated, a predetermined amount of solid matrix material and a predetermined amount of water are admixed and the mixture allowed to stand, preferably in a container which allows entry of air but which reduces evaporation losses, for example, a closed metal container with a small top opening, for a time and at a temperature sufficient to enhance resultant plant vigor, i.e., enhance emergence, growth of yield characteristics, but short of that which would cause the seed to sprout. Faulty seeds may be separated by size and systemic resistance to disease can be induced.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1999Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Kamterter II LLCInventor: John Alvin Eastin
-
Patent number: 6027543Abstract: A method for removing a heavy metal from sludge, including the step of putting the sludge into contact with a treating liquid to dissolve the heavy metal contained in the sludge into the treating liquid. The treating liquid is formed of either A or B, where (A) is an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid, and (B) is an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid containing at least one of B1 and B2, where (B1) is at least one acid other than phosphoric acid, and (B2) is at least one oxidant. The concentration of the phosphoric acid in the treating liquid is 3% by weight or more. Alternatively, the sludge is put into contact with the treating liquid at a temperature of 40.degree. C. or higher.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1997Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Shiro YoshizakiInventors: Shiro Yoshizaki, Tahei Tomida
-
Patent number: 6007719Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treatment of high concentrated waste water from animal husbandry, human excretion and other high organic waste. This process includes warming, anaerobic digestion, separation with ultra filtration (UF)/reversed osmosis (RO) membranes. The residual solution after RO separation is the raw material of liquid fertilizer for water culture and foliar spray.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Seuk Won YooInventors: Seuk Won Yoo, Kyu Seung Lee
-
Patent number: 5984992Abstract: An improved process for enhancing the plant nutrient value of relatively low analysis organic waste material (e.g. sewage sludge) involves treating the waste material with an acid and base in a pipe-cross reactor. The process more particularly involves mixing the waste material with water to form a slurry (or initially taking the waste material as a slurry); pumping the slurry to a pipe-cross reactor for reaction with a base, acid, and water to form a melt; spraying the melt onto a recycling bed of fines in a granulator, and flashing off the water contained in the melt as steam; rolling the melt onto recycled fine particles in a granulator to form granulated particles; and drying these granulated particles to form an enhanced plant nutrient value composition (e.g. a fertilizer or soil conditioner having a greater "NPK" value than the original relatively low analysis organic waste material).Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Unity, Inc.Inventors: Gary D. Greer, Gary L. Dahms
-
Patent number: 5974734Abstract: In the process of the invention, the seed to be treated, a predetermined amount of solid matrix material and a predetermined amount of water are admixed and the mixture allowed to stand, preferably in a container which allows entry of air but which reduces evaporation losses, for example, a closed metal container with a small top opening, for a time and at a temperature sufficient to enhance resultant plant vigor, i.e., enhance emergence, growth of yield characteristics, but short of that which would cause the seed to sprout. Faulty seeds may be separated by size and systemic resistance to disease can be induced.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Kamterter II, LLCInventor: John Alvin Eastin
-
Patent number: 5910050Abstract: In the process of the invention, the seed to be treated, a predetermined amount of solid matrix material and a predetermined amount of water are admixed and the mixture allowed to stand, preferably in a container which allows entry of air but which reduces evaporation losses, for example, a closed metal container with a small top opening, for a time and at a temperature sufficient to enhance resultant plant vigor, i.e., enhance emergence, growth of yield characteristics, but short of that which would cause the seed to sprout. Faulty seeds may be separated by size and systemic resistance to disease can be induced.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1997Date of Patent: June 8, 1999Assignee: Kamterter II, LLCInventor: John Alvin Eastin
-
Patent number: 5905039Abstract: A logistic method for transporting and handling materials in a tunnel composting plant, as well as the plant itself includes bringing materials for tunnel composting to the plant. The materials are unloaded into intermediate collection points and compostable material is treated from the materials brought also according to the current recipe. The composting materials are transferred to a composting tunnel that is free at the time, and after composting the composted material is transferred from the composting tunnel to a heap of finished material at its own collection point. Composted material is transported from the heap of finished material to the desired point of use. According to the method, essentially all of the handling of all the materials at the plant is carried out using a wheeled loader, equipped with a mixing and crushing bucket.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1996Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Vam Vapo Wastech Ltd OyInventors: Kari Mutka, Kauko Isomottonen
-
Patent number: 5853590Abstract: A method of treating sludge to provide a stable product for use as a beneficial soil or fertilize for agricultural lands is disclosed which includes the steps of:(a) mixing sludge with at least one alkaline material in an amount sufficient to raise pH of the mixture to a level of at least 12 and to increase percent of solids in the mixture to at least 40% by weight, and such that odorant sludge organics and inorganics are bound to adsorbent particles of the alkaline material,(b) aerating and drying the mixture by agitation and heating to stabilize the mixture and increase the percent solids to at least 50% by weight, and(c) pasteurizing the dried mixture at a temperature at or above 52.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Medical College of OhioInventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
-
Patent number: 5853450Abstract: The method of treating wastewater or bioorganic sludges containing odor, animal viruses, pathogenic bacteria, and parasites to produce a bioactive but stabilized product that is useful as a soil substitute or as a fertilizer which can be applied directly to lands which consists essentially of the following steps: mixing said sludge with at least one alkaline material, wherein the amount of added material mixed with said sludge is sufficient to raise the pH of said mixture to pH 12, and raise the conductivity to disinfect and stabilize the sludge, and adding green waste at different process locations so that a biological action occurs converting the greenwaste into a soil-like granular product with improved odor over that of the treated municipal sludge alone or a composted greenwaste alone.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Medical College of OhioInventors: Jeffrey C. Burnham, Frederick H. Kurtz
-
Patent number: 5755852Abstract: The invention relates to a nutrient rich humus material produced by a process wherein solids in an aqueous slurry of animal excrement are settled or precipitated in a solids ecoreactor, the slurry may be treated before and/or after settlement in the ecoreactor by passing to a bioreactor wherein soluble phosphorus may be precipitated with metallic salts, the slurry is aerobically and anaerobically treated to form an active biomass that actively bioconverts remaining soluble phosphorus, nitrogen and organics, and the aqueous slurry containing bioconverted phosphorus is recycled to said solids ecoreactor and/or discharged, and at least a portion of slurry is bioconverted and recovered as a beneficial humus material.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: Bion Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Jere Northrop
-
Patent number: 5645623Abstract: A process for disposal of organic waste containing large quantities of fat or oil. A sample of the waste is decomposed in soil containing ample quantities of nutrients required for decomposition, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus. Resulting test data indicates how much nutrient material is required for decomposition, and how much, and when, nutrient material is released to the soil after decomposition. The waste is then incorporated into soil in a field, and nutrients are applied to induce a rapid decomposition phase in which soil organisms absorb and immobilize the applied nutrients to decompose the waste and a subsequent mineralization phase in which the soil organisms release nutrients to the soil. A crop is appropriately selected and planted to begin absorbing significant quantities of soil available nutrients during the mineralization phase.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1995Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Assignee: Organic Resource Management Inc.Inventor: R. Paul Voroney
-
Patent number: 5628144Abstract: In the process of the invention, the seed to be treated, a predetermined amount of solid matrix material and a predetermined amount of water are admixed and the mixture allowed to stand, preferably in a container which allows entry of air but which reduces evaporative losses, for example, a closed container with a small top opening, for a time and at a temperature sufficient to allow the seeds to imbibe water from the matrix and come to a water content equilibrium sufficient to enhance resultant plant vigor, i.e., enhance emergence, growth or yield characteristics, but short of that which would cause the seed to sprout. The seeds and matrix may be inoculated with beneficial microorganisms during priming. Moreover, inoculate seeds and matrix may be used to inoculate soil.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1995Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Assignee: Kamterter Products, Inc.Inventor: John A. Eastin
-
Patent number: 5626644Abstract: The invention relates to a improved process for the biological transformation of phosphorus and nitrogen containing storm water runoff into ecologically manageable materials by a process wherein aqueous storm water runoff is passed to a bioreactor where soluble phosphorus is precipitated with metallic salts, the aqueous fluid is aerobically and anaerobically treated to form an active biomass that actively bioconverts remaining soluble phosphorus and nitrogen, and the aqueous fluid containing bioconverted phosphorus and nitrogen is passed to an ecoreactor wherein at least a portion of the biomass is bioconverted to a beneficial humus material.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1995Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Assignee: Bion Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Jere Northrop
-
Patent number: 5603744Abstract: A process is disclosed for establishing optimum soil conditions by biologically disintegrating minerals in the presence of Ca compunds, clay and protein- and lignocellulose-containing organic vegetable waste, as well as protein-containing organic animal waste. The process includes the following steps: a) finely crushing a mixture of minerals containing at least potassium, magnesium, phosphate and silicate, all in insoluble form; b) subjecting the vegetable and animal organic waste to an usual preliminary crushing step; c) micronizing the organic waste, preferably while homogeneously mixing it with the mixture of minerals; and d) fermenting the mixture of micronized organic waste and finely crushed minerals in the presence of finely crushed Ca-compound and clay, in microbially appropriate conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1994Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Inventor: Rudolf K urner
-
Patent number: 5557873Abstract: A method of converting industrial, domestic or other sludge, into a pelletized or granular fertilizer, as well as a sludge converter for practicing the method. The sludge is dewatered to form sludge cake solids which are dried in a dryer, and then sorted with a sorter into a sorted product comprising oversized, undersized, and standard sized product. Oversized product containing fibrous material is reduced in size by grinding in a hammermill. A portion of the sorted product is recycled for mixing and sizing in a mixer with the dewatered sludge cake solids. To control dust and odors, cyclones and a condenser remove a substantial portion of the gaseous particulate matter and condensable gases from the converter, and any remaining noncondensates are burned in the heat source flame. A waste oil burning heat source supplies heat energy to the dryer.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1995Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: PCL/SMI, A Joint VentureInventors: Bart T. Lynam, Ronald V. Peterson
-
Patent number: 5538529Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1994Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Assignee: Bion Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Jere Northrop
-
Patent number: 5527464Abstract: A method of handling the waste from a community begins with the collection of raw sewage and the separate collection of other bio-degradable solids. The raw sewage is separated into a liquid component and a sludge component. The sludge component of the sewage is combined with the bio-degradable solids in a single bio-mass and adjusted to a relatively dry bio-mass of at least 22-33 percent solids. Fermentated aerobically until a temperature of 60.degree.-65.degree. C. is reached, the ferment is then anaerobically fermentated to produce a high grade manure.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1994Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Inventors: Istvan Bartha, Sandor Heredy
-
Patent number: 5527373Abstract: A process includes the steps of: introducing, in a sequential manner and at a predetermined frequency, a substrate of organic waste substances by loading from above inside at least one cylindrical container of circular, polygonal or other cross-section having a vertical axis and at least one transverse horizontal dimension of which is small, in other words of the order of 1 m or even less, the vertical walls of which are at least partially made from a non-gastight material, such as a porous or aerated material; introducing into this pile or windrow lumbricids which will climb upwards; withdrawing, in a sequential manner and at a predetermined frequency, the lower substrate layer of previously lumbricid-composted organic material, this withdrawal causing the substrate to be lowered sequentially, under gravity, at a speed at most equal to that at which the lumbricids climb; and, removing the substrate of previously lumbricid-composted organic material.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1990Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: Naturba Inc.Inventor: Andre R. Chareyre
-
Patent number: 5501718Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1995Date of Patent: March 26, 1996Inventor: William E. Bandurski
-
Patent number: 5472472Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1993Date of Patent: December 5, 1995Assignee: Bion Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Jere Northrop
-
Patent number: 5466273Abstract: A method of treating organic material which includes admixing organic material with water and an acid, the acid equivalent to 5-12% by total weight 100% sulfuric acid; increasing the pH of said admixture, while simultaneously introducing up to 5% by weight of steam; and heating and drying the basified admixture. The resultant material makes excellent plant food, fertilizer, or soil conditioner. Various modifications are possible, e.g., during the first step, steam may be introduced in an amount of up to 40% by weight of the final product. Also, during the first step, carbonate-free calcium may be included in the admixture of the first step. After the alkalinization step, nutrients such as lime, dolomite, rock phosphate, potash, ammonium nitrate, and/or urea may be added to the admixture. The resulting material can be granulated, extruded or pelletized.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1994Date of Patent: November 14, 1995Inventor: Larry V. Connell
-
Patent number: 5443613Abstract: A high analysis suspension fertilizer containing predetermined amounts of nitrogen and other inorganic plant nutrients is produced from a low plant nutrient-containing organic material, such as animal manure or sewage sludge, by first preparing an aqueous initial suspension of the organic material by admixing with a sufficient amount of water for the organic material to be uniformly dispersed throughout the initial suspension and admixing with the initial suspension a sufficient amount of an acid, such as sulfuric acid, for reacting with the organic material and transforming it into colloidal form, the weight ratio of the acid to the total weight of the organic material in the initial suspension being within the range of about 0.2 to about 2 and the weight ratio of the acid to the total dry weight of the organic material being within the range of about 0.5 to 5.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1994Date of Patent: August 22, 1995Inventor: Elmo C. Robinson
-
Patent number: 5430237Abstract: A method of solidifying oil base shale cuttings and used drilling mud on site by thoroughly mixing the shale cuttings and drilling mud with an activated lime mixture to form a uniform dispersion of the lime mixture throughout the composite. Water from the drilling mud or from water added as needed activates the admixed lime causing a reaction which generates substantial heat and steam. The generated heat will dry the mixture and neutralize its acidic components producing an environmentally safe end product which may be cultivated into a ground surface without the need for special storage pits or the like.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1994Date of Patent: July 4, 1995Inventor: Terry F. Sharp
-
Patent number: 5417861Abstract: A method for treating bioorganic or raw or treated wastewater sludge so that a stability based upon achieving a significant microbial population, conductivity level and percent solids, is developed rapidly, is provided for indefinitely and is independent of climatic conditions. A dewatered sludge that has not been treated (i.e., raw) or a sludge that has been treated to a PSRP level or a sludge that has been treated to a PFRP level, i.e., pasteurized or sterilized sludge when still in a wet condition, i.e., between 12%-30% solids, or when in a dry condition, i.e., between 30-60% solids, is mixed with alkaline adsorptive materials to reduce odor, to increase the percent solids and to facilitate granulation, is adjusted to a mildly alkaline pH, and is adjusted to an ionic conductivity which will allow the sludge to mature rapidly when seeded with a beneficiating microbial flora. This process will reduce the pH or a high alkaline treated sludge, e.g., often above pH 12, to a physiological pH of between 7 and 9.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1993Date of Patent: May 23, 1995Assignee: N-Viro International CorporationInventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
-
Patent number: 5393317Abstract: A method and apparatus for making organic based fertilizer, the method including mixing organic material with phosphate, potash, or other inorganics and water if necessary. Acid is mixed with the organic and inorganic material mixture and the resulting mixture is permitted to cure for a sufficient period of time to allow the acid to chemically break down the material of the mixture. A first quantity of ammonia is then added to the mixture, and a second quantity of ammonia is added to the mixture to produce the finished fertilizer product. Quantities of the various ingredients are adjusted to provide a fertilizer that has a desired percentage make-up of the major fertilizer elements for a specific crop.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1991Date of Patent: February 28, 1995Assignee: Reland Industries, Inc.Inventor: Elmo C. Robinson
-
Patent number: 5385673Abstract: A method of treating wastewater biosolids by destruction of pathogens and indicator organisms to meet or exceed USEPA Process to Further Reduce Pathogens standards. The method first depresses the pH to below 5, followed by pH increase to 12 or higher, causing an exothermic reaction and heat of hydration. The mixture is placed within a confined volume to maintain the temperature at or above 55.degree. C. for at least two hours. The mixture can be dewatered for a higher percent solid characteristic. The material is then tested and if test results indicate, the material is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for human contact. The biosolid materials are suitable for general nutrient values with minimal regulatory restriction and other beneficial uses.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1992Date of Patent: January 31, 1995Assignee: Hazen and Sawyer, P.C.Inventor: Robert E. Fergen
-
Patent number: 5336290Abstract: The invention relates to a method of recycling contaminated soil so as to form a balanced non-contaminated soil with an increased water-holding capability. More particularly the invention combines two waste products, namely hydrocarbon-affected soil and activated sewage sludge, in order to create a useful non-waste product having high marketability. The combination, or mixing, of those waste products is done either by land farming and/or by composting. In the latter case the hydrocarbon-affected soil also acts as an insulating blanket over the compost, and that blanket itself is subsequently added into the compost after the curative process has dissipated the contaminants.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1991Date of Patent: August 9, 1994Inventor: David B. Jermstad
-
Patent number: 5302179Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a useful soil product from contaminated soil and sludge is disclosed, and wherein the contaminated soil is heated in a primary treatment unit to a temperature above the vaporization temperature but below the auto ignition temperature of the contaminates, so as to volatilize the contaminates. The volatilized contaminates are then delivered to a secondary treatment unit where they are heated to a temperature sufficient to be converted to non-toxic products, such as carbon dioxide and water. The hot purified soil produced in the primary treatment unit is conveyed to a mixing chamber, and sedimentary sludge is also conveyed to the mixing chamber, and during mixing, heat energy is transferred to the sludge so as to heat and substantially sterilize the sludge, and to thereby produce a useful soil product.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1991Date of Patent: April 12, 1994Assignee: Astec Industries, Inc.Inventor: Larry R. Wagner
-
Patent number: 5275733Abstract: A method for treating wastewater sludge so that a stability based upon achieving a significant microbial population, conductivity level and percent solids, is developed rapidly, is provided for indefinitely and is independent of climatic conditions. A dewatered sludge that has not been treated (i.e., raw) or a sludge that has been treated to a PSRP level or a sludge that has been treated to a PFRP level, i.e., pasteurized or sterilized sludge when still in a wet condition, i.e., between 12%-30% solids, or when in a dry condition, i.e., between 30%-60% solids, is mixed with alkaline adsorptive materials to reduce odor, to increase the percent solids and to facilitate granulation, is adjusted to a mildly alkaline pH, and is adjusted to an ionic conductivity which will allow the sludge to mature rapidly when seeded with a beneficiating microbial flora. This process will reduce the pH of a high alkaline treated sludge, e.g., often above pH 12, to a physiological pH of between 7 and 9.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1992Date of Patent: January 4, 1994Assignee: N-Viro Energy Systems Ltd.Inventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
-
Patent number: RE38238Abstract: A method of decontaminating wastewater sludge to a level that meets or exceeds USEPA Process to Further Reduce Pathogens standards, wherein lime or kiln dust and/or other alkaline materials are mixed with wastewater sludge in sufficient quantity to raise the pH of the mixture to 12 and above for a predetermined time and drying the resulting mixture.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: N-Viro International Corp.Inventors: John P. Nicholson, Jeffrey C. Burnham