Abstract: The present invention relates to an anaerobic process for biogas upgrading and hydrogen utilization comprising the use of acidic waste as co-substrate. In this process, H2 and CO2 will be converted to CH4, which will result in lower CO2 content in the biogas. The invention relates to both in situ and ex situ methods of biogas upgrading. The invention further relates to a bioreactor comprising hollow fibre membranes.

Abstract: The Earthginuity Composting System is an organic waste composting system. It consists of three steps/components. The first step is using a free-standing cylindrical tube that goes in the kitchen. Organic waste goes into the tube. The second step is the Phase 1 Bin. It is a square-shaped plastic bin that sits on raw earth, and it's about thirty three gallons in volume. It has drainage holes at the bottom and two pegs protruding from the front to serve as “anchors” for dumping. The final component is the two Earth Grids. They are three by three feet, sandbox-like squares with NO bottoms and liquid-tight lids. The lack of a bottom to the Earthgrids allows for sitting on raw earth to attract ground bugs/bacteria. The lids have rain holes. You can open, close, and empty the Earth Grids with a Shepherd's Staff (hooked pole).

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes a contact tank having a first inlet configured to receive wastewater to be treated, a second inlet configured to receive activated sludge, and an outlet, a dissolved air flotation unit having an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the contact tank, a biological treatment unit having a first inlet in fluid communication with an effluent outlet of the dissolved air flotation unit and an outlet, an anaerobic digester having an inlet and an outlet, a floated solids conduit providing fluid communication between the solids outlet of the dissolved air flotation unit and the inlet of the anaerobic digester, and a thickener having an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the anaerobic digester, a first outlet in fluid communication with the inlet of the anaerobic digester, and a second outlet.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a food waste recycling appliance having a hollow reservoir which can collect liquid generated during a cycle of operation, drain the collected liquid, and provide an air flow path for the removal of odors.

Abstract: An air extraction system is provided for a motor vehicle. That air extraction system includes an air extractor having an air flow control valve and an actuator operatively connected to the air flow control valve. Further the system includes a controller configured to activate the actuator and open the air flow control valve when a closure of the motor vehicle is opened thereby mitigating a vacuum-effect otherwise created in the passenger cabin of the motor vehicle. Such a system is particularly effective in mitigating moon roof draw down on moon roof equipped motor vehicles. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A system for the continuous production of a liquid fertilizer is provided. The system operates by feeding a compost material at a continuous rate to an extractor. The extractor uses a belt system to convey the compost along a path. Sprayers above the belt spray water or similar liquid water based substance onto the compost. The water absorbs nutrients and other components of the compost and is then drained through the belt to a receptacle to store the liquid fertilizer.

Abstract: An aerated compost tea brewer (ACTB) is an apparatus for brewing compost tea from an aqueous compost mixture using either or both air and water pumps to circulate and aerate compost tea.

Abstract: A planter in the form of a tower planter having an internal vertical composting capability is provided. The planter has a hollow, vertical, outer cylindrical barrel with a plurality of openings formed about its cylindrical side. A hollow inner cylindrical composting tube having a plurality of perforations formed in its cylindrical wall is provided. The space formed between the inner tube and barrel wall is filled with growing medium. The inner tube is filled with compost material. A removable container is placed at the bottom of the tube and barrel, said container adapted to capture water draining out from the tube and barrel, as well as periodically receiving compost from the compost tube.

Abstract: A composting system is provided that uses gravity and natural thermal convection to yield a compact, modular, plug-flow compost reactor requiring minimal aeration and agitation energy. The compost reaction takes place in a self-supporting containment unit which is mounted at an angle with respect to its supporting base pad such that minimal external energy is required to mix and transport the composting material during its residence time within the container. The system uses natural convection to supplement external energy in the introduction of air into and through the material. Furthermore, the configuration of the containment unit and its supporting structures allow rapid deployment of compost facilities with minimal permanent civil work and minimal space requirements in a manner that enables subsequent relocation of the equipment.

Abstract: The method and apparatus according to the present invention concentrate the formation of the biotechnical product to active site in the reactor, where the production is accelerated to extreme speeds by altering the conditions. To achieve this, anabolic, catabolic or overflow metabolic reactions can be utilized. The aim is to implement production so that carbon dioxide emissions in particular are minimized The products are e.g. 2,3-butanediol, butanol, ethanol, acetone, organic acids, methane or hydrogen gas and other fuels or compounds necessary for chemical or material production.

Abstract: A garbage to fertilizer conversion system for converting garbage to fertilizer. The garbage to fertilizer conversion system generally includes a processing machine that separates the garbage into compostable and non-compostable materials. A magnetic separator removes ferromagnetic materials from the compostable material. An auger assembly moves and discharges the compostable material to form a pile. A heater is located under the pile to heat the pile and form a composted material. A three stage screen separates the composted material into three sizes. A dryer receives the composted material and discharges a dried composted material. A trommel screen separates the dried composted material into a small sized material useable as fertilizer and a medium sized material useable as potting soil.

Abstract: A mixing vessel (10) for containing a liquid, comprises a chamber having a lower chamber portion and an upper chamber portion wider than the lower portion, gas inlet means (14) for supplying gas to the lower portion and means for redirecting rising gas (24), such that, in use, rising gas in the form of bubbles, initially rises substantially vertically and is redirected in a substantially horizontal direction by the means for redirecting rising gas.

Abstract: The present invention provided a compact anaerobic digestion system to converts household waste biomass materials to methane rich biogas and concentrated compost slurry of about 9 to 40% solids for agriculture soil applications.

Abstract: A mixing vessel (10) for containing a liquid, comprises a chamber having a lower chamber portion and an upper chamber portion wider than the lower portion, gas inlet means (14) for supplying gas to the lower portion and means for redirecting rising gas (24), such that, in use, rising gas in the form of bubbles, initially rises substantially vertically and is redirected in a substantially horizontal direction by the means for redirecting rising gas.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a ventilation group that is capable of causing reversal of a gas flow according to two opposite directions, and that can be applied, in particular, to plants for the aerobic treatment of organic wastes through a phase of fermentation/bio-oxidation performed by means of forced air.

Abstract: The use of a malodor control composition in a home composting appliance helps to eliminate malodor emitting from compostable materials contained in the appliance during the composting process.

Abstract: An apparatus for decomposing kitchen waste by the use of vermiculture includes a container. A conduit is disposed along a bottom of the container and is attached to a spigot that exits from the container. A plurality of fluid collection openings are arranged in spaced-apart rows along a bottom of the conduit and in a cluster proximate the spigot. Gravel or other means for producing a volume for the collection of an effluent is provided along the bottom of the container up to the uppermost height of the conduit, which is sloped downward toward the spigot. A screen is placed over the conduit and gravel. A starter material is placed over the screen and provides a habitat for a preferred species of earthworm which are then added.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein disclose a system for brewing compost tea. The system includes a bucket that has an opening and a handle. A lid defining a plurality of holes and is configured to cover the opening in the bucket. An air pump is coupled to the lid. At least one air hose is coupled to the air pump and received through one of the holes. At least one air stone is coupled to the at least one air hose. The air pump is operable to cause air bubbles to be expelled from the at least one air stone to facilitate aeration of a compost tea mixture contained by the bucket.

Abstract: A composter having a downwardly open container (1) which stands on the ground (2) and has a filling opening which is arranged on the top side and can be closed by a lid (9). An unventilated upper chamber (10), which is arranged beneath the filling opening, opens laterally into a ventilated vertical shaft (13) which extends downward in the container (1) and is bounded at the lower end by a horizontally arranged lower plate (14) which is arranged between the shaft (13) and a downwardly open, ventilated lower chamber (17) which reaches down as far as the lower end of the container (1), and next to which in the container casing there is arranged a closable lateral removal opening. The lower plate (14) can be pivoted about a horizontal pivot (15) and is coupled to a movement mechanism which is to be actuated by hand and has a handle (18) arranged on the outside of the container (1).

Abstract: A composting apparatus comprising a container for receiving material to be composted a base member in the apparatus for supporting material to be composted and the compost when formed, the base having a curved lower wall and an upper opening to define a volume for receiving a drainage medium, a leachate chamber formed in the wall so that when leachate forms, the leachate is able to flow through the medium into the chamber; and an outlet from the chamber for supplying the leachate to the outside of the container.

Abstract: There is provided a garbage separating apparatus including an input unit having an inlet opening through which garbage is input, a crushing unit configured to crush garbage input through the inlet opening, a filtering chamber having an outlet opening and a perforation member provided with a plurality of holes for allowing separation of the garbage crushed by the crushing unit, a food waste collection chamber for accommodating, among the crushed garbage, food waste having passed through the perforation member, and a sweeper device configured to move, among the crushed garbage, impurity garbage remaining on the perforation member to the outlet opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for producing Class A biosolids. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method comprising digesting waster material by anaerobic digestion, and yielding Class A biosolids. In still yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for anaerobic digestion of waste material to produce Class A biosolids. In still yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for anaerobic digestion of waste material comprising a mixing chamber, a digester, a heating pit, and an effluent pit.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for processing organic matter that is produced in a poultry farm. The organic matter produced by the plurality of birds is removed from one or more containers that house the plurality of birds. The method further includes treating a first amount of organic matter of the organic matter in a thermal processor to produce inorganic matter. Thereafter, the inorganic matter and a second amount of organic matter of the organic matter are consumed in one or more photo bioreactors for growing one or more photosynthesis organisms.

Abstract: A rotating drum that is made from a plurality of panels that are connected to form sub-cylinders that, in turn, are connected to form a drum cylinder. Drum heads are connected at both ends of the drum cylinders. The drum may be rotated using rotational means. In one preferred embodiment the rotational means is a tangential rotational drive system that engages drive tires that are positioned between sub-cylinders. A method for fabricating rotating drums. A business method of mass production of and/or distribution of rotating drums.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for anaerobic digestion of waste fibrous material and the recovery of nutrients are provided. Methods, systems, and apparatuses disclosed herein provide mechanisms to release dissolved gases from anaerobic digester effluent. Methods, systems and apparatuses disclosed herein can recover one or more nutrients from anaerobic digested effluent using a range of temperatures, aeration rates, aeration times, pH ranges, and settling times.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for the pressurised recirculation of organic material comprising a reactor vessel (12) capable of being pressurised and in which both anaerobic digestion and aerobic composting of organic material may occur, the reactor vessel (12) having both an inlet (14) and an outlet (16) for organic material, together with a conveyor means (18, 20, 22, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34 and 36) to convey organic material to the inlet (14) and from the outlet (16), whereby organic material may be transferred between the outlet (16) and the inlet (14) to achieve recirculation and rearrangement thereof whilst maintaining a pressurised state. A method for the pressurised recirculation of organic material is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering thermal energy from boiler stack exhaust gases and using the thermal energy in biomaterial processing. The apparatus and method include means to improve the boiler's operation and reduce emission of certain regulated compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and systems for the production of fermentative products such as ethanol and butanol. The present invention also provides methods for separating feed stream components for improved biomass processing productivity.

Abstract: A renewable energy system includes a digester assembly having an outer tube with an input region and a digestion region. The input region extends above grade and is configured to receive liquid waste. At least a portion of the digestion region is positioned below grade and configured to receive the liquid waste and to anaerobically digest the liquid waste with microorganisms to supply renewable byproducts, such as methane, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and/or carbon dioxide-rich water. The digester assembly can include two or more deformable tubes that are configured to move liquid through the outer tube by alternatingly compressing one another. In one embodiment, the deformable tubes are configured to replenish waste liquid and to deliver liquid byproducts. In another embodiment, the deformable tubes are configured to exhaust air, such as for delivery of gas byproducts and fostering an anaerobic environment.

Abstract: Animal feeds comprising fungal mass and proteinaceous material and methods for bioconverting cellulosic materials to produce the same are described. Also described are apparatuses for use in the methods.

Abstract: A bio-chamber and a method of making organic fertilizer from poultry manure. The bio-chamber has a chamber body that defines a receiving chamber and an aeration chamber. The aeration chamber underlies the receiving chamber and is divided therefrom by a partition. The partition has a plurality of holes formed therein. An oxygen probe and a temperature probe are positioned inside the receiving chamber. An air blower is connected to the aeration chamber and is operable to blow air therein. The method comprises: mixing the poultry manure with a carbon carrier; loading the mixture into the receiving chamber; monitoring the temperature and the oxygen concentration of the mixture; aerating the mixture; and regulating the temperature and the oxygen concentration by adjusting the operation of the air blower. The temperature and oxygen concentration are regulated to provide conditions that permit aerobic bacteria to propagate and biodegrade the mixture.

Abstract: The proposed invention is an in-situ system for aerobic heat treatment of biodegradable organic waste, comprising a bioreactor made up of a dish-shaped decomposition chamber. The decomposition chamber has a lid at the top through which an air extraction device is connected. The air extraction device enables fresh air to enter the decomposition chamber and a preparation for a device supplies the biodegradable organic waste. The decomposition chamber is also connected to a system of pipes which convey a hot fluid from the supply tank into a plurality of minitubes located longitudinally on the inner perimeter of the decomposition chamber, and into a shaft that forms part of the mixing mechanism. A centrifugal pump conveys the same fluid, which is now “cold”, from inside the minitubes and shaft to a solar collector, to heat it, before delivering it to a storage tank for subsequent recirculation.

Abstract: A three stage, multiple phase anaerobic digestion system and method designed to separate the biological phases, optimize microbial activity in each phase, and significantly increase system reliability and energy production. The system physically separates the biological phases of anaerobic digestion based on particle size, particle density, and solubility of metabolic products. The system allows a complex multi-phased biological system to develop without the need for excessive control or operator intervention.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for increasing fermentation rates of microbes via biostimulation are provided. Electrodes are preferably positioned along an interior or exterior of a tube-shaped component to administer electromagnetic/electric pulses to a solution comprising a microbe. Systems can advantageously be used in new biofuels production plants, or in existing biofuels production plants without the need for significant retrofits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for producing electric power and fertiliser. The method comprises the steps of: (a) combusting biomass to produce energy for the generation of electric power and an exhaust gas; (b) producing a liquor from compounds extracted from the exhaust gas; and (c) producing a fertiliser by composting organic materials in the presence of the liquor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering thermal energy from boiler stack exhaust gases and using the thermal energy in biomaterial processing. The apparatus and method include means to improve the boiler's operation and reduce emission of certain regulated compounds.

Abstract: An hydrolysis stage of an anaerobic digestion (AD) process includes supercritical treatment in a reactor (R1). The treatment may use sub-stoichiometric oxygen so that there is not full oxidation. Effluent from the supercritical treatment may be used to pre-heat the organic matter in-feed to the supercritical treatment. There may be a second supercritical treatment in a second reactor (R2). This may have full stoichiometric oxygen, to oxidise the solids from the first reactor (R1) effluent. Furthermore, it provides heat for pre-heating its own in-feed and also that for the first reactor (R1). The output from the hydrolysis may be only clarified liquid, leading to particularly efficient downstream AD processes. The second supercritical treatment rector may oxidise also fed-back solids from the final stage of the AD.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems that can provide independent energy generation as well as systems for the generation of other useful products, such as chemicals. In addition, the systems and methods can provide ways of harnessing the potential of biomass feedstock to generate of multitude of products including green crude, biogas, electricity, heat, fatty acids, biodiesel, ammonia, and chemical products. In many cases, the systems and methods herein utilize anaerobic microorganisms, including aquatic and ruminant organisms, to digest material and create products.

Abstract: A prefabricated, multi-modal, bio-mimicry system that can be quickly deployed.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for the production of fertilizer from organic waste comprises a microbial digester configured to digest the organic waste, wherein the digestion of the organic waste produces a digestate having a liquids component and a solids component. A spray dryer module is provided for receiving the digestate and reducing moisture content in the digestate to produce a substantially dry fertilizer product. In further aspects, methods and fertilizer compositions are provided.

Abstract: A rotary composter having a fuselage member where a drive system is configured to rotate the fuselage member where the end caps are substantially stationary and do not rotate and the fuselage member has a plurality of longitudinally extending slats contained therein.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and process for treating biomass bearing material including municipal solid waste (MSW). The apparatus includes a reaction vessel configured for rotation and steam injection, with helically arranged auger vanes attached to the internal walls of the vessel, a self aligning door. Embodiments includes various of a heated jacket, modified raised projections on the top edge of the auger vanes, a modified door, modified door sealing assembly, and a process of quick charging the interior of the vessel with steam.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a column reactor for producing nitrate nitrogen as an inorganic nutrient from an organic material including: filling a container with a carrier comprising rockwool, vermiculite, pearlite, zeolite, sand, glass, ceramic, urethane, nylon, melamine resin, cedar chips, bog moss, filter paper or agar; adding thereto microorganisms capable of conducting a multiple parallel mineralization by mineralization of an organic material to produce nitrate nitrogen; subsequently adding 0.01 to 20 g in terms of dry weight of an organic material with respect to 1 L of the carrier, the organic material comprising fish-based soluble fertilizer, fish flour, oil cake, raw garbage, corn steep liquor, rice bran, soybean flour, plant residue, milk, powdered milk or livestock manure; and leaving the resultant material at rest until nitrate nitrogen starts to be produced in an effluent during a washing of the carrier by addition of water to discharge the effluent from the carrier.

Abstract: A composting apparatus and composting methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a composting apparatus includes a housing having walls defining an interior working chamber. The working chamber is separated vertically from a second, lower collection chamber by a grid floor. Immediately below the grid floor is an agitator shaft with perpendicularly disposed agitator arms. Rotation of the agitator shaft extends the agitator arms through the horizontal spaces in the grid floor into the underside of vermicompost material in the working chamber. Horizontal movement of the agitator mechanism disrupts the underside of vermicompost to cause material to fall into a drawer in the lower collection chamber.

Abstract: A composter comprising a container for receiving material to be composted, an aerator within the container having at least one opening for allowing air to pass from the aerator into the container, a base structure defining a floor on which the composting material sits above a leachate tank located under the floor, an air flow path through the base structure for providing air from outside the composter to the aerator and to openings located in the floor above the leachate tank to facilitate aerobic decomposition of the composting material.

Abstract: A composting apparatus and method is described. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical drum which is horizontally rotatably supported. A hopper is disposed at a feed end of the drum for receiving organic waste material in soft or hard form. A material shredding mechanism and a grinding mechanism are rotatably secured in the hopper and driven in counter-rotation for shredding and grinding the organic waste material and feeding it into an inlet opening of the drum. A series of material mixing and conveying vane assemblies are secured spaced-apart inside the drum and define sub-composting compartments therebetween. The material mixing and conveying vane assemblies have a plurality of vanes secured in spaced-apart relationship and project interiorly towards a central longitudinal axis of the drum and are oriented at a common angle to mix, further shred and displace shredded and ground material from the inlet opening towards the rear discharge end of the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of organic matter with worms, includes a receptacle with a side wall at least a portion of which is downwardly tapering to facilitate compression of organic matter as organic matter is processed, an upper entry aperture for loading the receptacle with the organic matter and worms, a lower discharge aperture for discharging compressed material including castings and organic matter, and a base lid adapted to releasably close the discharge aperture and to permit removal of the compressed material from the receptacle.

Abstract: An economical method for recovering nitrogen from liquid waste using autotrophic organisms and minimal energy inputs and without chemical additives. Solids are separated from anaerobically digested liquid waste. The resulting translucent liquid is introduced to a culture of autotrophic microorganisms in the presence of natural or artificial light, thereby accumulating biomass and producing a liquid effluent with elevated pH. The elevated-pH, liquid effluent is heated and stripped of ammonia, thereby producing a water vapor and stripped ammonia gas stream. The water vapor ammonia gas stream is condensed to form a liquid/ammonia condensate. The autotrophic microorganisms are advantageously cultivated in a photobioreactor comprising a plurality of axially spaced-apart, growth plates mounted for rotation to a shaft. The pH of the culture is adjustable within a preferred range of 8.0 to 10.5 by adjusting the light intensity and rotational speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for production of a biogas by anaerobic digestion of organic material, the apparatus comprising: a digester chamber defining: a gas generating zone and a gas collecting zone. A biogas outlet is defined in the gas collecting zone, and one or more nozzles is/are arranged to spray a gas cooling liquid into the gas accommodated in the gas collecting zone so as to cool the gas. A collecting member is arranged in the gas collecting zone to collect the gas cooling liquid when sprayed from the one or more nozzles towards the collecting member so as to prevent the gas cooling liquid from entering the organic material. The collecting member is arranged to cause the collected gas cooling liquid to flow into a liquid based safety valve.

Abstract: An inexpensive, portable and modular anaerobic digester assembly, comprising: an outer container; a primary anaerobic digester container or vessel positioned within the outer container; and one or more secondary gas collection containers or vessels positioned within the outer container.