Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology – Miscellaneous
Patent
1982-09-28
1987-10-06
Warden, Robert J.
Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology
Miscellaneous
435287, 165 87, 165 92, C12M 102, C12M 100, F28F 506
Patent
active
046983104
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to an apparatus for fermentation of organic material, which is transported substantially horizontally through a fermentor.
An apparatus for this kind is known, for example from the French Patent Specification No. 732738. According to this the material is pushed through the fermentor by gaseous pressure and is heated under its way through the vessel by an internally heated, rotatable pipe coil, which is provided peripherally with blades for stirring the material.
This invention relates to an improvement of the known device with the object to increase the heating efficiency and is characterized by a rotatable screw, provided with blades, which screw carries out the horizontal transport, and by a device for internal heating of the screw blades, at least along a part of the screw elongation.
The advantage with said screw is that its blades given a large heat transfer area and that this area moves in relationship to the material, which is transported and mixed by the screw. These both circumstances give rise to the desired improvement of the heat transfer efficiency.
A further advantage with the invention lies in the following circumstance. For instance when fermenting manure anaerobically gas bubbles containing methane are developed. These lift solid particles to the manure surface, so that there is formed a solid mat. The good mixing, that the screw carries out, prevents the formation of this mat and makes the gas bubbles get free from the particles and collect in the upper part of the fermentor. From there the gas can be discharged.
A further advantage with the transport screw is, that this will efficiently prevent solid material from being accumulated in the fermentor plugging this with the time. The design of the screw makes it prevent the formation of short circuit flows, which could mean lower efficiency in the fermentation process. As the heat requirement of the fermentation process normally prevails in the start end of the fermentor, where the organic material is fed, it can be sufficient to heat the transport screw blades substantially at the inlet of the fermentor. Setting of the desired temperature, for instance 35.degree. C. for anaerobic fermentation, can be done by regulating the temperature and/or the flow of the medium, that is used for heating, such as warm water.
A further improvement of the heating of the content of the fermentor can be obtained by one or a plurality of pipes, oriented in the axial direction of the screw and preferably rotatable with the screw, provided for internal heating. These pipes can be fastened to the screw at the periphery, serving to carry the screw.
It may be desirable to inoculate the material, entering the fermentor, with microorganisms to accelerate the start of the fermenting process. According to one further characterizing feature of the invention this can be achieved by designing the fermentor with a space, located outside the periphery of the screw, which stretches along the screw, which space allows recirculation of fermented material to the material inlet to the fermentor. The recirculation is carried out automatically by returning part of the material, that has reached the gable of the fermentor at the outlet end for the material, moving it outside the screw periphery back towards the inlet side.
The invention shall now be explained more in detail, reference being made to the enclosed drawing, which shows, by way of example, an embodiment of the apparatus in question. To be more exact
FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the fermentor and
FIG. 2 a cross sectional view of the same apparatus, seen from the left. It is provided that methane gas shall be produced by anaerobic fermentation of manure.
FIG. 1 just shows the both ends of an elongated closed fermentor 1. This is provided with a not shown external heat insulation. Manure is fed through a pipe 2 to an inlet chamber 3, provided with a cap 4, in order that the inner parts of the chamber may be available if needed. From a bottom space 5 in the chamber 3 manure flows fur
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patent: 3616747 (1971-11-01), Lapeyre
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patent: 4025394 (1977-05-01), Young
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Product bulletin, "`Holo-Flite` Processor", the Western Precipitation Corporation, Los Angeles, 10/51.
Carlsson Torsten L. T.
ster Ake R.
Wikholm Bert S.
Alfa-Laval AB
Deck Randall E.
Hapgood Cyrus S.
Warden Robert J.
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