Process and apparatus for removing ash and inorganic compounds from cattle manure

Abstract

In reclaiming nutrients from manure, steps are taken to remove both insoluble and soluble ash components, thereby preventing their buildup to possibly dangerous levels when the reclaimed nutrients are used as recycled feed. After initial milling of the manure to a predetermined size, it is mixed with water or reflux brine to form a slurry. The manure-water slurry is released onto an inclined belt having a riffled surface moving in an upward direction while the slurry stream moves along a gravity path opposite the belt movement. The belt discharges ash at its upward side along with a small amount of fibers, feed mix, kernels, grains, and other organic matter. In this manner a major part of the undesirable inorganic, insoluble ash and a small amount of nutrient materials are removed from the manure. Alternatively, a centrifugal bowl classifier, an oscillating or pulsating jig screen, or preferably a shaking or concentrating table with riffles may be used.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.