Co-composting process and apparatus for treating solid waste and sewage sludge

An apparatus for processing solid organic waste material and sludge comprising:

• a. a vessel having a cylindrical wall having an axis and two opposing end walls, which cylindrical wall and end walls define a chamber, said vessel having opening means, mixing means, gas input means, water input means, temperature control means, and gas output means, said opening means for receiving solid organ waste material and sludge, and discharging one or more biodegradation products;
• said mixing means for forming an admixture of solid organic waste material and sludge, for forming admixture of one biodegradation products and microorganisms, for bringing said admixture in contact with gases and water and to provide temperature uniformity throughout said vessel, said mixing means cooperating with the rotation of said vessel to distribute solids throughout said vessel upon receiving solids within said chamber from opening means and to propel said solids to said opening means to discharge said solids from said vessel;
• said gas input means, water input means, and temperature control means for imposing one or more growth conditions within said vessels, said gas output means for discharging gases from said vessel;
• vessel rotating means for rotating said vessel about said axis in cooperation with said mixing means to direct movement of said solids within said vessel;
• said vessel for receiving solid organic waste material and sludge within said chamber, said mixing means forming a first of said solid organic waste material and sludge, admixture and said vessel imposing first growth conditions, said first growth conditions comprising a temperature of 160.degree. to 185.degree. F., gaseous water in a concentration of 25 to 40%, and sufficient oxygen to promote growth of thermophilic microorganisms, said thermophilic microorganism biodegrading said admixture to form a thermophilic biodegradation product, and said vessel for receiving a mesophilic microorganism through said opening means, said mixing means forming a second admixture comprising said thermophilic biodegradation product and said mesophilic microorganism, said vessel for imposing second growth conditions on said second admixture to promote growth of said mesophilic microorganisms, said second growth conditions comprising a temperature of 145.degree. to 162.degree. F., gaseous water of 25 to 45%, and sufficient oxygen to support growth of mesophilic microorganisms to form a mesophilic biodegradation product comprising an organic material which is from said chamber.