Method and apparatus for solids processing
AssigneeGhd, Inc.
InventorStephen W. Dvorak
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatuses and methods for anaerobic digestion of high-solids waste are provided. The methods may include and the apparatuses may be used for moving the solid waste in a corkscrew-like fashion through a closed container. The method may further include moving the high-solids waste into contact with a heating device to facilitate the corkscrew-like movement. Other methods and apparatuses may use at least one of a partition and a conduit from which liquid or gas is discharged.
Claims13
A method for the anaerobic digestion of high-solids waste, the method comprising:
- providing a closed container including
- a first passage in which the waste material flows in a first direction, the first passage having first and second ends, the first end including an inlet for waste material, and
- a second passage in which the waste material flows in a second direction opposite the first direction, the second passage having first and second ends, the second end including an outlet, the first passage being separated from the second passage by a divider, the second end of the first passage being adjacent the first end of the second passage, and the first end of the first passage being adjacent the second end of the second passage;
- and
- using a heating device positioned in the first or second passage to induce the high-solids waste to move in a corkscrew-like fashion through at least one of the first passage and the second passage;
- further comprising using gas to facilitate the corkscrew-like flow path.
A method for the anaerobic digestion of high-solids waste, the method comprising:
- providing a closed container including
- a first passage in which the waste material flows in a first direction, the first passage having first and second ends, the first end including an inlet for waste material, and
- a second passage in which the waste material flows in a second direction opposite the first direction, the second passage having first and second ends, the second end including an outlet, the first passage being separated from the second passage by a divider, the second end of the first passage being adjacent the first end of the second passage, and the first end of the first passage being adjacent the second end of the second passage;
- and
- using a heating device positioned in the first or second passage to induce the high-solids waste to move in a corkscrew-like fashion through at least one of the first passage and the second passage;
- wherein the first passage and the second passage are separated by a center wall, the container has outside walls, and the center wall and outside walls are substantially planar and vertical.
A method for the anaerobic digestion of high-solids waste, the method comprising:
- positioning a liquid diffuser or gas diffuser in an anaerobic digestion container;
- and
- using the diffuser to move the high-solids waste in a corkscrew-like flow path through at least a portion of the container, wherein a first passage and a second passage are separated by a center wall, the container has outside walls, and the center wall and outside walls are substantially planar and vertical.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.