Automated composting process and reactor assembly for municipal refuse

摘要

In a process and assembly for recycling organic household refuse on a municipal scale and converting this to a product, the refuse is fermented in an enclosed reactor chamber (1) under anaerobic conditions with the controlled introduction (10) of water, using bacteria to generate biogas. Following fermentation, the resulting products, e.g. compost or fertiliser are de-watered, and the water recycled to the fermenter chamber (1). The by-product biogas is used to fuel an electricity generator from which effluent heat warms the fermenter reactor (1). After the fermentation and prior to de-watering, the fermentation products are subjected to anaerobic treatment to remove unpleasant odours.