Compost effluent gas condition regulation comprises controlled displacement of microbial methane by fresh air

摘要

A closed- circuit organic waste disposal process generates a combustible gas by-product by controlled alternating use of anaerobic and aerobic zones. The zones are created in the waste substrate by controlled gas venting, combined with a continual regulated discharge of effluent combustible gas to a waste gas treatment assembly. The air circulating within the treatment plant is enriched with methane formed by microbial action, creating the conditions for combustion without the introduction of additional fuel. Following methane enrichment, the mixture of air and methane is continually replaced by oxygen and surrendered to a gas holder. Fresh air is continually admitted to the composting reactor chamber at a controlled rate, displacing microbial methane. Methane formation is further regulated by moisture control. The effluent gas methane content is monitored by sensors and the value measure is used as the prime regulating parameter.