Abstract: A process for recovering organics and inorganics from waste material with a specific object of preparing the separated organic fraction for the production of ethanol wherein rigid organic matter becomes soft when subjected to heat and pressure. The process is carried out by first, feeding the waste material into a perforated container mounted within a closed chamber. Next, the waste material is agitated and subjected to heat and pressure which sterilizes it and softens the organics contained therein. After heating under pressure, the pressure is suddenly released from the chamber which forces the softened organics outwardly of the container, thus separating them from the inorganics for further processing to recover fuels and animal feed supplements.

Abstract: Process for inhibiting formation of nitrosamines in nitro herbicide formulations containing (a) materials having nitrosatable nitrogen functional groups and (b) nitrosating agents or precursors thereof, comprising admixing with one or more ingredients of such formulations, prior to formation of nitrosamines, nitrosamine retarding amounts of at least one monoalkanolamine of the formula: ##STR1## where n is a whole number in the range of 0-5; R and R' are independently H or an alkyl group containing 1-5 carbon atoms; or at least one acid salt of said monoalkanolamines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing compost material on a storage surface in which a layer of material is produced from strips which are placed with their longitudinal edges adjacent one another and wherein at least one additional layer of compost material is placed on the adjacent strips. In the course of depositing the layers of compost material, hard substances are removed therefrom. The compost material is deposited by a rake-type conveyor member which is capable of being raised and lowered. An aerating device can be provided to loosen the compost material and a pressing device can be provided to produce compact units from the compost material. An aerating system including aerating lances which are movable into and from the compost material can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the environment protection and, more specifically, to microbiological processes for recultivation of industrial refuse heaps.The process of the present invention involves treatment of the heaps with fertilizers resulting from purification of production-communal waste waters, followed by treatment with a humic preparation containing a culture of the mold fungus Aspergillus niger. Then plowing of the ground is effected with a subsequent sowing with seeds of perennial plants. The heap surface sown with said seeds is inoculated with a bacterial preparation containing a culture of ammonifying and nitrifying bacteria.During the period of the plant sprouting and tillering inoculation is effected by means of a bacterial preparation containing a culture of azotobacter and phosphate-dissolving bacteria. All these bacteria are recovered from said refuse heaps, wherefore they are already adapted thereto.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a novel process of composting refuse or refuse/sewage-sludge mixtures by thermal retting by piling refuse to form a first layer of a predetermined height, maintaining an area below the first layer accessible to atmosphere, and retaining the same under atmospheric conditions for a predetermined period of time until the same has solidified and become self-supporting through entanglement of the retted refuse, thereafter forming a second layer atop the first layer, maintaining the second layer under similar conditions for a similar predetermined period of time, and repeating such layering until a stack is formed, and thereafter removing the stack or portions thereof for further utilization only after the uppermost layer has become completely solidified and self-supporting through entanglement of its completely retted refuse.

Abstract: A biological degradation process for the treatment of organic containing waste-matter for producing a waste-matter sludge material, the process containing a step for contacting microorganisms with the organic-containing waste matter, which comprises adding to said step a microbial activity-enhancing concentration of a mineral composite consisting essentially of glacial deposit. Other mineral composites may also be used. The invention also relates to an improved waste-matter sludge material.

Abstract: A biological toilet and an organic material recycling method in which human liquid and solid waste (i.e., excrement) and cellulosic material and, optionally, kitchen waste (i.e., food and paper scraps and the like kitchen garbage) are deposited into a receptacle and carried by pressure differential into a recycling or composting container wherein, by the application of environmental factors, including moisture, air, warmth and certain bacteria and worms (such as Eisenia Foetida, the red worm) and other wormlike organisms, the organic material is composted or digested and reacted upon to produce a pleasant smelling, uniform, well granulated substantially neutral, active, compost-like plant nutritional material available for easy distribution.

Abstract: A method for composting solid waste material wherein, in initial treatment stages an optimum particle size is developed at a comminution station. Following an initial air classification arrangement, heavy inorganic materials are segregated to the extent that aluminum, glass and paper characterized products are removed for recycling purposes. A characterizing feature of the invention resides in the development of an optimized moisture content or digestible classified size optimized material at a relatively early stage prior to maceration developing a pulpous substance for digestion. A pug-mill arrangement is utilized for adding optimized moisture prior to digestion and maceration and a cage mill is utilized for the maceration stage of the process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating waste material wherein after comminution, the relatively hard material such as glass, brick, and ceramic in finely divided condition together with finely divided soft material is separated and removed to a recirculating composter.Disclosed is a composter having a plurality of upright perforated pipes for discharge of the gaseous products of decomposition.

Abstract: This relates to the treatment and purification of refuse by composting in the form of thermal retting. Conventional refuse is treated by the addition of moisture, preferably in the form of sludge, after which it is crushed in a mill and is screened in tube screens with large particles being removed and discarded, intermediate particles being returned to the crushing mill, and small particles being delivered for composting. Metals, particularly ferrous metals, are removed from each of the three classes of screened material and are salvaged.

Abstract: A process for drying organic waste, such as sewage sludge, by contacting the organic waste with hot vapors. In the preferred embodiment, adsorption of hydrocarbons vaporized during the drying step is achieved by mixing recycled dried solids into the drying zone effluent stream. The drying zone effluent stream is then separated into vapor and solids streams, with a portion of the solid stream being recycled as the adsorbent. The unrecycled portion of dry solids is preferably extruded in a separate operation to form compacted granules having good flow characteristics and suitable for application by commercial fertilizer spreaders. In another embodiment, a vapor stream derived from the drying zone effluent stream is contacted with the dry solids downstream of the solids-vapor separation zone to effect the adsorption of hydrocarbon vapors.

Abstract: A compost container including a base section for receiving fertilizer sap, and an upper compost containing section having multiple compartments for receiving decomposable garbage and waste mounted on the base section. A floor divides the upper section from the base section for retaining the decomposable garbage and waste in the upper section but permits the fertilizer sap to gravitate therethrough to the lower section. Access means are provided for adding the decomposable garbage or waste to the compartments, and for removing compost and fertilizer sap from the upper section and base section respectively.

Abstract: A portable compost container including a base section for receiving fertilizer sap and having outlet means to draw off the sap therefrom. A perforate inner section is supported by the base section into which decomposable garbage and waste is placed, the perforate section having access means to permit removal of compost from the lower portion thereof. An imperforate section is placed over the perforate section and is supported by the base section, the imperforate section being removable for ready access to the perforate inner section. A lid covers the container.

Abstract: A process for drying organic waste, such as sewage sludge, by contacting the organic waste with hot vapors wherein the dried material is plasticized and extruded to form compacted granules having good flow characteristics and suitable for application by commercial fertilizer spreaders. A plasticizer and an extrusion aid are added to the dried material prior to extrusion.

Abstract: A process for drying organic waste, such as sewage sludge, by contacting the organic waste with hot vapors. Partial dewatering of the organic waste is achieved by admixture with a recycled portion of dried solids followed by extrusion of the mixture. The resultant extrudate is then dried, and the unrecycled portion is extruded in a separate operation to form compacted granules having good flow characteristics and suitable for application by commercial fertilizer spreaders. A plasticizer and an extrusion aid may be added to the dried material prior to extrusion.

Abstract: The organic portion of solid municipal waste is converted into a liquid fuel suitable for use in internal- and external-combustion engines, a residue suitable for plant or animal nutrients and purified water by the process which comprises separation of the waste into a hydrolyzable fraction, hydrolysis of said fraction, saccharification, fermentation, distillation, and concentration.

Abstract: A process for composting waste material by controlling the amount of aeration, the pH value of the moisture content and the temperature of the material during composting. The resulting material has a pH value of approximately 7.3 and a moisture content within the range of 10-30%. The carbon-nitrogen ratio is also controlled to achieve a relative stable composted material as the output product.

Abstract: Fertilizers with controlled nutrient release produced from the treatment of solid waste with a phosphate to derive paper pulp and precipitated inks, coatings and waxes removed from the paper fibers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for biologically treating refuse or thickened sludge to form compost utilizes a vertical cylindrical chamber havng an upper inlet aperture and a lower outlet aperture. An axial shaft located within the chamber has mounted thereon a plurality of radial arms each having a plurality of gas distributor blades. Sets of arms are spaced axially along the shaft. The chamber wall is formed in part by a plurality of hollow, cylindrical exhaust ducts concentrically arranged and extending differing distances along the chamber side. The end of each duct is flared to form an exhaust aperture which extends around the entire chamber. Material to be treated enters the chamber at the upper inlet and fills the chamber. The rotating radial arms and blades distribute a treating gas mixture to the material, which gas is exhausted by the annular exhaust apertures and exhaust ducts.

Abstract: Municipal solid waste is treated by a method in which pollution of air, water and soil is minimized. Light, long fiber paper pulp which is in great demand and fertilizer which controllably releases its nutrients are recovered which render the treatment efficient and economical. The solid waste after removal of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, glass and other aggregates, is sonically pulped to prevent shearing of fibers using such chemicals that when subsequently phosphated, and xanthated if desired, will cause salts to precipitate with inks, coatings and waxes removed from the fibers to provide fertilizers with controlled nutrient release on the one hand and high quality paper pulp on the other.

Abstract: A method for converting organic waste materials into inert humus-like materials by charring the organic waste materials by heating and drying same in the presence of certain water-soluble inorganic acids, removing residual acid and other water-soluble contaminants by washing the crude char product with water, and utilizing the resulting inert material as a landfill. If desired, the humus-like char products can be reacted with an alkali at elevated temperatures, and the resulting alkali salts of humic-acid-like materials can be mixed with the soil to provide an improved and/or fertilized topsoil.