Biomaterial process and apparatus
AssigneeFreeland Horticulture Limited
InventorsGeorge Aitchieson Norman LONGMUIR, Patricio Christian HUDSON
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention relates to a process of manufacturing a growing medium from an initial material which is a by-product of a composting process and comprises a mixture of oversize biodegradable material and contaminants. The process comprises: removing contaminant objects from the initial material; removing mineral contaminants from the initial material; and subsequently defibrating the remaining material to produce a growing medium.
Claims41
A process of manufacturing a growing medium from an initial material, wherein said initial material is a by-product of a composting process and comprises a mixture of oversize biodegradable material and contaminants, the process comprising:
- removing contaminant objects from the initial material;
- removing mineral contaminants from the initial material;
- and
- subsequently defibrating the remaining material to produce a growing medium.
(canceled)
Apparatus for manufacturing a growing medium from an initial material, wherein said initial material is a by-product of a composting process and comprises a mixture of oversize biodegradable material and contaminants, the apparatus comprising:
- means for removing contaminant objects from said initial material;
- means for removing mineral contaminants from said initial material;
- and
- a defibration unit configured to defibrate the remaining material to produce a growing medium.
A defibrating unit for manufacturing a growing medium from a biodegradable material, comprising a feed screw and a surface, the feed screw being rotatable to urge biodegradable material against said surface, wherein the surface comprises a recess having edges, the biodegradable material being defibrated as it is urged against said surface and as it interacts with said edges of the recess.
(canceled)
A growing medium manufactured from an initial material which is a by-product of a composting process and comprises a mixture of oversize biodegradable material and contaminants, the growing medium comprising a defibrated material having a bulk density of between 100 kilograms/cubic metre and 300 kilograms/cubic metre.
(canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.