Patent Application
20230071928
In general, the present invention pertains to systems and methods of recycling organic waste and utilizing the products thereof. In particular, the invention relates to a systems and methods of controllable separation between recyclable organic waste from a garbage disposal unit and graywater sewage from a kitchen sink, in a continuous manner.
Household organic waste makes up a considerable percentage of total waste. This waste is typically thrown out with the rest of the garbage, requiring transport and space in dumps. Such waste is occasionally used for the purposes of producing compost, saving the transport and space requirements, as well as providing a source of rich soil. Hence improved system and methods for combined biogas and fertilizer production from such waste organic waste shall entail an environmental benefit.
Previous attempts include method and device, disclosed in international patent application PCT/ES2010/070120, publication number WO/2010/100309, used for the recycling and exploitation of biodegradable domestic waste produced in the dwellings of a community, by means of prefabricated biogas-production plants, in order to produce electricity and fertilizer and to heat water. The waste is ground in a grinder provided in the kitchen sinks and is conveyed, by means of a network separate from the sewage network, to a biogas-production plant formed by digesters, where biogas is produced by means of anaerobic digestion.
It is believed that the current state of the art is represented by the following patent literature: US2018119035, WO0100342, CN109351044, CN206669864U, CN1924459, CN109681945, CN111140900, CN112879986 and JPH05345198.
CN206669864U that is believed to present the closest prior art discloses a kind of novel household heating equipment, including water heater, the water heater outside are provided with circulation pipe, and the circulation pipe includes water-supply-pipe and radiating tube, methane cooker, the methane cooker are arranged at below the water heater, indoor methane-generating pit, the indoor methane-generating pit are connected by connecting tube with the methane cooker, solar heater, the solar heater are connected by the water-supply-pipe with water heater, water pump, the water pump are arranged at water entering section, controller, the controller electrically connect with the methane cooker, solar heater and the water pump. CN206669864U is used as indoor heating equipment by novel energy, the energy is used as by the use of biogas and solar energy, requirement of the people to indoor temperature can be met, and, the water in water heater is preheated when sunny by solar heater, can make it is indoor when needed a suitable temperature range is maintained in the long period, the consumption of marsh gas raw materials can also be reduced.
CN206669864U that is also believed to present relevant prior art discloses a light and wind heating system, which comprises solar heater, wind generator, memory battery, controller, light control discharge switch, methane furnace, methane pool, prepare power and tube, wherein, the solar heater is set with one heat exchanger and one memory exchanger with one end set with temperature sensor and power socket; other end is set with water back tube, light control discharge switch and shower water switch and the memory exchanger is located with rack electrical heater.
US2018119035 discloses a method and system for processing waste material to form a biogas and/or ethanol are disclosed herein. The method of US2018119035 comprises subjecting waste material to separation according to specific gravity, to thereby obtain a fraction which is a separated lignocellulose; and processing the separated lignocellulose to obtain the biogas and/or ethanol. The system of US2018119035 comprises at least one separator configured for separating materials in waste material according to specific gravity to obtain a first fraction comprising a low density material and a second fraction comprising a high-density material; and a bioreactor or bioreactor system configured for processing the separated lignocellulose to thereby obtain the biogas and/or ethanol. The separator in US2018119035 contains an aqueous liquid selected such that a portion of the waste material sinks and another portion does not sink upon contact with the aqueous liquid.
The following summary of the invention is provided in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects and features of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention and as such it is not intended to particularly identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below.
The invention was made in view of the deficiencies of the prior art and provides systems, methods and processes for overcoming these deficiencies. According to some embodiments and aspects of the present invention, there is provided a system of controllable separation between recyclable organic waste and graywater sewage comprises: a general kitchen purpose sink, configured for draining both the graywater sewage and the recyclable organic waste; a garbage disposal unit, operationally connected to the general kitchen purpose sink, configured for processing the organic waste into a semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid; a discharge pipe, operationally connected to the garbage disposal unit, configured for discharging the semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid and the graywater sewage from the garbage disposal unit; an anaerobic digester, configured for processing the semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid into a biogas; a domestic sewage system, configured for receiving the graywater sewage; a separation module, operationally connected to the discharge pipe, configured for controllably separating the semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid from the graywater sewage. According to some embodiments and aspects of the present invention, the separation module comprises: a mechanical separation system comprises a bifurcation module; an inlet configured for receiving inflow of the semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid and the graywater sewage from the discharge pipe, and introducing the inflow to the bifurcation module; at least one first outlet configured for controllably releasing the semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid from the discharge pipe into the anaerobic digester; at least one second outlet configured for controllably releasing the graywater from the discharge pipe into the domestic sewage system. According to some embodiments and aspects of the present invention, the separation module comprises a hydraulic separation system comprises: an inlet configured for receiving the semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid and the graywater sewage from said discharge pipe; at least one first outlet configured for controllably releasing the semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid into the anaerobic digester; at least one second outlet configured for controllably releasing graywater into the domestic sewage system; a pump module configured for actively pumping the semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid from the inlet via at least one first outlet and into the anaerobic digester. According to some embodiments and aspects of the present invention, the system of controllable separation between recyclable organic waste and graywater sewage comprises: a heater module, operationally connected to the anaerobic digester, configured for using up the biogas produced by the anaerobic digester; a controller, configured for controlling an ignition mechanism and a discharge of the biogas from the anaerobic digester; an actuation mechanism, operationally connectable to a top face of the anaerobic digester and to the controller, configured for opening an outflow of the biogas from the anaerobic digester to the heater module.
In some embodiments, the garbage disposal unit comprises a grinding mechanism for processing the organic waste into the semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid.
In some embodiments, an anaerobic digestion processes occurring in the anaerobic digester resulting a positive pressure therein, mainly of methane gas.
In some embodiments, the heater module is configured for heating water in residential households.
In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism comprises at least one sensor configured to detect that the anaerobic digester vertically reaches a predefined elevational level.
In some embodiments, upon detecting by said at least one sensor of the actuation mechanism that said anaerobic digester has reached a predefined elevational level, the actuation mechanism opens the outflow of biogas from the anaerobic digester to the heater module.
In some embodiments, at least one sensor of the actuation mechanism includes a magnetic relay and/or an optical sensor and/or an electrical switch and/or a microswitch.
In some embodiments, the heater module includes a burner comprising a safety shut-off valve configured to block a renewal of biogas flow to the heater module when the burner does not produce a sufficient flame.
In some embodiments, the controller is configured for controllably igniting the burner of the heater module.
In accordance with some aspects and embodiments of the present invention, a method for controllable separating recyclable organic waste from graywater sewage comprising: providing a general kitchen purpose sink; draining both the graywater sewage and the recyclable organic waste; providing a garbage disposal unit; processing the organic waste into a semiliquid mixture or slurry of round organic matter and fluid; discharging the semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid and the graywater sewage from the garbage disposal unit; providing an anaerobic digester; releasing the semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid to the anaerobic digester, thereby processing the semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid into a biogas; releasing the graywater sewage to a domestic sewage system; providing a separation module; separating the semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid from the graywater sewage; releasing the biogas from the anaerobic digester into a heater module; using up the biogas produced by the anaerobic digester; controlling an ignition mechanism and a discharge of the biogas from the anaerobic digester.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises grinding the organic waste by the garbage deposal unit.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises mixing the ground organic with fluid.
In some embodiments, in which separating the semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid from the graywater sewage comprises separating the semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid from the graywater sewage based on the time domain.
In some embodiments, in which releasing the graywater sewage to the domestic sewage system comprises closing at least one first outlet and at least one second outlet of the mechanical separation system by at least one mean selected from the group consisting of: moving a baffle into a closed position, a closing valve.
In some embodiments, in which releasing the graywater sewage to the domestic sewage system comprises closing at least one first outlet and at least one second outlet of the hydraulic separation system by a pump module.
In some embodiments, in which releasing the graywater sewage to the domestic sewage system is synchronized after a preset delay after activating of the garbage disposal unit.
In some embodiments, in which releasing the graywater sewage to the domestic sewage system is performed after a preset delay after processing the organic waste into the semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground matter and fluid.
In some embodiments, in which releasing the biogas from the anaerobic digester into a heater module comprises controllably igniting a burner of the heater module.
In some embodiments, in which releasing the biogas from the anaerobic digester into a heater module is performed upon reaching by the anaerobic digester a present elevational level.
In some embodiments, further comprises opening an outflow of the biogas from the anaerobic digester to the heater module.
The term garbage disposal unit, as referred to herein is to be construed as a device, usually electrically powered, installed under a kitchen sink between the sink's drain and the trap. The disposal unit shreds food waste into pieces small enough generally less than 2 mm (0.079 in) in diameter to pass through plumbing.
The term general purpose sink and/or kitchen sink as referred to herein is defined as a sink typically used for both graywater sewage and organic waste.
The term separation as referred to herein is defined as the separation of semiliquid mixture, slurry, ground organic matter or a fluid, from graywater sewage and feeding thereof into an anaerobic digester.
The term graywater as referred to herein is to be construed as a domestic wastewater generated in households or office buildings from streams without fecal contamination, i.e., all streams except for the wastewater from toilets. Sources of greywater include sinks, showers, baths, washing machines or dishwashers.
The term continuous manner as referred to herein is defined as allowing the continuous evacuation of both graywater sewage and ground organic matter and fluid.
The terms pliable or pliant, as referred to herein, are to be construed as having high tensile strength and capable of being efficiently elastically flexed or bent but not being resilient and incapable of being efficiently stretched or expanded. The term tensile or tensile strength, as referred to herein, is to be construed inter alia as a shortcut of the known term ultimate tensile strength, frequently represented acronym as UTS, meaning an intensive property of a material or structure to withstand loads tending to elongate, namely to resist tension, defined as the maximum stress that a material can withstand while been stretched or pulled before sustaining breaking, substantial deformation and/or necking before fracture, such as nylon, relating to essentially non-ductile materials, having UTS value ranging between about 600 and 1000 MPa or more, but not including rigid or stiff materials. In the present context, materials having rigidity modulus, otherwise referred to as the shear modulus, value of 4800 MPa or more are considered as rigid but not tensile, because such materials are incapable of being efficiently elastically flexed or bent. Stiff materials, such as steel, are defined as having rigidity modulus value well exceeding 4800 MPa.
The terms elastic or resilient, as referred to herein, are to be construed as having tensile strength lower than aforesaid tensile strength of pliable or pliant material and optionally being capable of efficiently stretching or expanding, relating inter alia to essentially ductile materials, having UTS value lesser than about 600 MPa.
The terms sheet or fabric, as referred to herein, is to be construed as including inter alia any spun-melt or non-woven fabrics.
The terms matching and/or matchable as referred to herein is to be construed as a cross-sectional area and/or shape of a component is equal or essentially similar to a cross-sectional area and/or shape of another component. It should be acknowledged that the component need only to be similar in the cross-sectional areas and/or shapes, to satisfy the term matching/matchable, so long as the cross-sectional areas can be mated or the combination will fit into and/or occupy essentially the same lateral space.
The term modular, as referred to herein, should be construed as a stand-alone unit. The term modular inter alia means a standardized unit that may be conveniently installed or deployed without significant impact to the environment. The term modular, however, doesn't necessarily means providing for ease of interchange or replacement. The term modular is optionally satisfied by providing for ease of at least onetime deployment or installation.
The term readily connectable, as referred to herein, should be construed as a standardized unit that may be conveniently connected to other components of the system. The term readily connectable, however, doesn't necessarily mean readily disconnectable or removable. The term readily connectable is optionally satisfied by providing for ease of at least onetime connection or coupling.
In the specification or claims herein, any term signifying an action or operation, such as: a verb, whether in base form or any tense, gerund or present/past participle, is not to be construed as necessarily to be actually performed but rather in a constructive manner, namely as to be performed merely optionally or potentially.
The term substantially as used herein is a broad term, and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers without limitation to being largely but not necessarily entirely of that quantity or quality which is specified.
The term essentially means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, stages and or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, the stages and/or the parts do not materially alter the basic and new characteristics of the composition, method or structure claimed.
As used herein, the term essentially changes a specific meaning, meaning an interval of plus or minus ten percent (±10%). For any embodiments disclosed herein, any disclosure of a particular value, in some alternative embodiments, is to be understood as disclosing an interval approximately or about equal to that particular value (i.e., ±10%).
As used herein, the terms about or approximately modify a particular value, by referring to a range equal to the particular value, plus or minus twenty percent (+/−20%). For any of the embodiments, disclosed herein, any disclosure of a particular value, can, in various alternate embodiments, also be understood as a disclosure of a range equal to about that particular value (i.e. +/−20%).
As used herein, the term or is an inclusive or operator, equivalent to the term and/or, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise; whereas the term and as used herein is also the alternative operator equivalent to the term and/or, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
It should be understood, however, that neither the briefly synopsized summary nor particular definitions hereinabove are not to limit interpretation of the invention to the specific forms and examples but rather on the contrary are to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention.
The present invention will be understood and appreciated more comprehensively from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown merely by way of example in the drawings. The drawings are not necessarily complete and components are not essentially to scale; emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles underlying the present invention.
Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with technology- or business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the effort of such a development might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
In accordance with some embodiments, reference is now made to
As shown particularly in
Referring particularly to
Grinder 20 shown in
The aforementioned feeding sub-assembly is employed for processing an organic waste into a semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid, by grinding the organic waste (e.g. by grinder 20) and mixing the ground organic with fluid, controllably supplied via tap 30. The semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid is then fed into pliable collapsible anaerobic digester 50 through inlet pipe 27, which is connected to the outlet of sink 24. In one embodiment, anaerobic digester 50 is fed with fluids in a non-limiting manner including: water, grey water and slurry overflow fluid.
In some embodiments, alternative or additional sink (not shown), other than of sink 24, is used for animal droppings which are optionally utilized by lightweight assemblable appliance 10, typically without grinding. In such cases, there is a soaking treatment, in the alternative or additional sink or in a separate container.
Inlet pipe 27, shown in
In an embodiment, multiple structural elements (not shown), such as flanges or pipe fittings, are attached to anaerobic digester 50 surfaces. In one embodiment, at least one inlet pipe 27 and or at least one slurry overflow outlet pipe 34 is/are connected to anaerobic digester 50 with such structural elements (not shown). In an embodiment, gas outlet pipe 59 is connected to anaerobic digester 50 with a structural member. In an embodiment, at least one sludge outlet pipe 40 is connected to anaerobic digester 50 with such a structural element.
It is noted that the anaerobic digestion processes occurring in pliable anaerobic digester 50 resulting a positive pressure therein, mainly of methane gas. Therefore a dedicated means is employed for feeding the aforementioned semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid into digester 50 under pressure. Various means are contemplated for accomplishing an effective feeding-in of the aforementioned semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid under pressure via inlet pipe 27, while preventing a backflow of gaseous or liquid contents out from anaerobic digester 50, in a non-limiting manner include: a screw pump, a piston manipulated by handle 26 or unidirectional valve disposed in inlet pipe 27.
In some embodiments, a piston manipulated by handle 26 includes a circumferential mitral skirt-like element, facilitating essentially unidirectional displacement of the aforementioned semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid relatively to the piston. In some embodiments, a handle 26 includes a floatation element (not shown) essentially lighter than the aforementioned semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter, thereby spontaneously driving handle 26 in an upward direction. In some embodiments a handle 26 further includes a plug (not shown), adapted for purposefully sealing the output of sink 24, while handle 26 is in a downward position; thereby providing for thwarting backflow leakage of the gas from anaerobic digester 50 as well as for controllably preventing advancement of the aforementioned semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter into inlet pipe 27 and allowing an aerobic pretreatment of aforementioned semiliquid mixture sink 24 for a predefined period of time.
In one embodiment, inlet pipe 27 is connected to a sidewall of anaerobic digester 50, such that the opening in the wall of anaerobic digester 50 is below the midline of the height of anaerobic digester 50.
As shown particularly in
Sub-compartments 52A to 52C shown in 1B and 1D are adapted to encompass overflow of liquid fertilizer or slurry resulting the digestion processes in anaerobic digester 50. Liquid fertilizer or slurry is optionally spilled over, from slurry overflow outlet pipe 34, embodies a siphon configuration, extending from a sidewall of anaerobic digester 50 into sub-compartment 52A. Sub-compartments 52A to 52C, which are exposed to the ambient environment, are adapted to accommodate particular types of plants and microorganisms that function as a bio-filter. In one embodiment, the particular types of plants and microorganisms that are capable of reducing sulfur compounds in liquid fertilizer or slurry resulting the digestion processes in anaerobic digester 50; thereby preventing a notorious odor. Sub-compartment 52C optionally includes overflow outlet flange or pipe fitting 37, which is optionally further furnished with nozzle 36, adapted to controllably spill over any excessive liquid fertilizer or slurry resulting the digestion processes from sub-compartment 52C. Sub-compartments 52A to 52C are optionally furnished with sealable drainage apertures 38, adapted to allow conveniently emptying sub-compartments 52A to 52C upon opening of drainage apertures 38. In some embodiments, however there is at least one compartment such as 52A that functions as the bio-filter.
Posterior portion 16 further includes a sludge outlet draining pipe 40, shown in 1B and 1D, extending from a bottom portion of a sidewall of anaerobic digester 50, adapted for drainage of sludge and/or slurry resulting the digestion processes in anaerobic digester 50. Sludge outlet draining pipe 40 is preferably furnished with sealable cap or baffle 41, adapted for controllably opening/resealing sludge outlet draining pipe 40. Sludge outlet draining pipe 40 is pliable, allowing elevating the terminal portion thereof, thereby preventing the flow from anaerobic digester 50.
Lightweight assemblable appliance 10 comprises assemblable structural scaffolding 42 shown in 2B and 2C. Structural scaffolding 42 comprises a plurality of arcuate structural members 44 and a plurality of linear structural members 46, interconnected by connectors 48. Structural scaffolding 42 is assemblable from a compact kit-of-parts comprising arcuate structural members 44, linear structural members 46 and connectors 48. Structural scaffolding 42 is characterized by a relatively light weight and by compactness of the kit-of-parts used for assembling it; thereby rendering assemblable appliance 10 suitable for shipment and transportation in a rather compact disassembled form. Structural scaffolding 42 comprises at least one structural member adapted for suspending pliable collapsible anaerobic digester 50, as elaborated infra.
In one example, connectors 48 are embodied within terminal portions of structural members 44 and 46 and comprise an integral part of structural members 44 and 46. Structural members 44 and 46 thus interlock within each other, for instance by female and male endings of members 44 and 46; whereby multiple parts are connectable directly, without employing any individual connector 48 parts. In one embodiment, structural members 44 and 46 are profiles designed to provide increased bending strength. In one embodiment a couple of linear structural members 46 are provided as a singular L-shaped member. In another embodiment structural members form a closed shape such as a rectangle or ellipse.
Referring particularly to
Anaerobic digester 50 shown in
Pliable collapsible anaerobic digester 50 shown in
It is noted that the suspension tabs, such as tabs 58 shown in
In some embodiments, anaerobic digester 50 is suspended by straps and/or harness-like flexible structure (not shown), which are connected to structural scaffolding 42. In yet another embodiment, tab 58 comprises an extension of anaerobic digester 50 threaded into a slot in structural members 46.
Pliable collapsible anaerobic digester 50 shown in
In some embodiments, pliable collapsible anaerobic digester 50 comprises a plurality of tension struts, extending between surfaces of said essentially closed structure. In one embodiment, the tension struts are vertical and/or horizontal tension struts 76A and 76B, shown in
In some embodiments, vertical and/or horizontal tension struts 76A and 76B as well as optionally the interior surface of the sidewalls of anaerobic digester 50 are furnished with a plurality of minute support structures, such as hair, fins or protrusions used to increase the interior surface area of anaerobic digester 50. The increase in surface area improves the distribution of bacteria throughout the fluid in digester 50. Bacteria have a tendency to sink, over time, to the lower fractions of the digester. The digester typically includes mechanisms used to stir the content fluid so that the bacteria rises and is more uniformly distributed throughout digester 50. The addition to the surface area on the vertical and/or horizontal tension struts 76A and 76B as well as optionally on internal walls of digester 50 postpones such sinking and thus renders the bacteria more productive.
Referring particularly to
It is noted that resilient gas tank 60 shown in
In some embodiments, resilient gas tank 60 shown in
Referring particularly to
In one embodiment, ballast bags 80 shown in
In other embodiments assemblable appliance comprises appliance 10A, shown in
Lightweight assemblable appliance 10A, shown in
Lightweight assemblable appliance 10A shown in
The aforementioned feeding sub-assembly is employed for processing an organic waste into a semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and water, by grinding the organic waste (e.g. by grinder 20A) and mixing the ground organic matter with water. The semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and water is then subjected to an aerobic pretreatment, for about 24 hours, prior to been fed into pliable collapsible anaerobic digester 50A through inlet pipe 27A, which is connected to the outlet of aerobic pre-treatment tank 21.
Lightweight assemblable appliance 10A shown in
Structural scaffolding 42A is assemblable from a compact kit-of-parts comprising arcuate structural members 44A, linear structural members 46A as well as optionally connectors (not shown) and/or longitudinal beams 90. Structural scaffolding 42 is characterized by a relatively light weight and by compactness of the kit-of-parts used for assembling the same; thereby rendering assemblable appliance 10A suitable for shipment and transportation in a rather compact disassembled form, frequently requiring less than a single marine shipment payload container.
Structural scaffolding 42A shown in
Assemblable appliance 10A shown in
Pliable collapsible anaerobic digester 50A shown in
It is noted that the suspension tabs, such as tabs 58A shown in
Posterior portion of assemblable appliance 10A, at the rear of anaerobic digester 50A, comprises aerobic bio-filter 94 shown in
Assemblable appliance 10A shown in
In other embodiments, lightweight assemblable appliance 10B, shown in
Lightweight assemblable appliance 10B, shown in
Lightweight assemblable appliance 10B includes working surface 11 shown in
Lightweight assemblable appliance 10B comprises structural scaffolding 42B shown in
Assemblable appliance 10B comprises anaerobic digester 50B shown in
In an embodiment pliable collapsible anaerobic digester 50B comprises elongated suspension tabs 58A attached along edges of anaerobic digester 50B. In an embodiment, elongated suspension tabs 58A are attached on surfaces of anaerobic digester 50B. Structural members 46B are threaded into elongated suspension tabs 58B, thereby rendering anaerobic digester 50B suspendable from structural scaffolding 42B.
It is noted that the suspension tabs, such as tabs 58B shown in
Posterior portion of assemblable appliance 10B, at the rear of anaerobic digester 50B, comprises filter 35 shown in
Assemblable appliance 10B shown in
In accordance with some embodiments, reference is now made to
Referring particularly to
Consequently, upon filling-up anaerobic digester 102 with semiliquid mixture or slurry or ground organic matter or any type of fluid for that matter, in a non-limiting manner including water, grey water and slurry overflow fluid, and/or upon forming positive pressure in gas tank 104, pliant structured exoskeletal envelope 120 is expanded and shaped-up by the pressure exerted from within by digester 102 and tank 104, to assume an erected or deployed confirmation, shown in
Upon filling-up anaerobic digester 102 with content and forming positive pressure in gas tank 104, pliant structured exoskeletal envelope 120 confers structural firmness to appliance 100, due to a normal counterforce to the force exerted by the faces of digester 102 and tank 104 on exoskeletal envelope 120, somewhat resembling the structural firmness of a wheel tire (not shown) conferred by the expansion of the inner tube (not shown). Pliant exoskeletal envelope 120 embodies a structured shape, configured to accommodate anaerobic digester 102 and gas tank 104, so as to limit their expansion to a maximal predetermined size.
Pliant exoskeletal envelope 120 is preferably made of woven or fibrous fabric, having high tensile strength and capable of being efficiently flexed or bent but incapable of being efficiently stretched or expanded. In some embodiments, pliant structured exoskeletal envelope 120 co-molded or welded with anaerobic digester 102 and/or gas tank 104, to form a monolithic constituent, in which anaerobic digester 102 and/or gas tank 104 are non-detachable pliant structured exoskeletal envelope 120. In other embodiments, pliant structured exoskeletal envelope 120 is an individual constituent distinct from anaerobic digester 102 and/or gas tank 104.
Anaerobic digester 102 comprises anterior flange 124, configured for connecting and mounting anterior inlet assembly 106, implementable for feeding semiliquid mixture, slurry, ground organic matter or a fluid, into anaerobic digester 102. Anterior flange 124 preferably comprises a feeding mechanism, such as a diaphragm or mitral valve (not shown), configured to sustain advancement of semiliquid mixture, slurry, ground organic matter or a fluid, fed into anaerobic digester 102, from anterior inlet assembly 106 but concurrently configured to prevent backflow of the contents from digester 102 into anterior inlet assembly.
Anaerobic digester 102 comprises posterior flange 126, configured for connecting and mounting posterior outlet assembly 108, implementable for draining grey water or overflow slurry fluid from anaerobic digester 102 as well as preferably for conducting the biogas produced by the anaerobic processes in digester 102 to gas tank 104 via conduit 138. Anaerobic digester 102 comprises anterior opening with removable plug 124, configured for occasionally depleting the sludge that may accumulate in digester 102, as a part of maintenance of lightweight assemblable appliance 100.
In order to yet further facilitate an increased pressure inside gas tank 104, appliance 100 further comprises at least one pressure forming mechanism. Embodiments of pressure forming mechanisms in a non-limiting manner include gravitational and/or bias driven devices. Examples of gravitational devices include array of ballast bags or pockets 110, fillable with ballast substance (not shown), configured to facilitate increased pressure by exerting gravitational force onto inside gas tank 104.
Examples of bias driven devices include elastic tension straps 112, comprising an elastomeric material, connected to respective elements attached to the bottom of appliance 100, configured to facilitate increased pressure by exerting tensile strain force onto inside gas tank 104. Notably a combination of gravitational and/or bias driven devices is equally contemplated by this disclosure.
Referring particularly to
Posterior outlet assembly 108 comprises slurry overflow outlet portion 130 and gas ducting portion 132. Slurry overflow outlet portion 130 comprises chlorinator 144, chlorinator filling port 140 and slurry overflow nozzle 146. Slurry overflow nozzle 146 is disposed downstream to chlorinator 144, so that any overflow of slurry from digester 102 to outlet portion 130 passes through chlorinator 144, thereby rendering the fluids outflowing from slurry nozzle 146 non-virulent and biologically safe for the environment or use for irrigation in agriculture.
Gas ducting portion 132 of posterior outlet assembly 108 further comprises biogas filter 134, configured for absorbing sulfurous compounds from the biogas produced in anaerobic digester 102. The biogas filter 134 optionally comprises activated carbon or activated charcoal, which is replaceable from the top opening covered by plug 142. Gas infiltrating through biogas filter 134 is supplied into gas piping 138. Gas piping 138 extends from gas ducting portion 132 of posterior outlet assembly 108 to gas inlet 136 of gas tank 104. Gas piping 138 further extends to a gas-powered consuming appliance (not shown). Gas piping 138 further optionally extends into slurry overflow outlet portion 130. Gas piping further 138 optionally comprises check valves, configured to conduct the biogas only in one direction, and/or safety valves, configured to conduct the biogas only above a predetermined pressure threshold.
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
In accordance with some embodiments, reference is now made to
Appliance 200 further comprises pliant structured exoskeletal envelope 220 for anaerobic digester 202 and pliant structured exoskeletal envelope 221 for gas tank 204. Pliant structured exoskeletal envelops 220 defines a frusto-pyramidal shape, where anaerobic digester 202 is accommodated, whereas pliant structured exoskeletal envelope 221 defines a frusto-pyramidal shape, where gas tank 104 is accommodated. Pliant structured exoskeletal envelopes 220 and 221 respectively confine digester 202 and tank 204, thereby limiting the expansion thereof.
Consequently, upon filling-up anaerobic digester 202 with semiliquid mixture or slurry or ground organic matter or any type of fluid for that matter, in a non-limiting manner including water, grey water and slurry overflow fluid, and/or upon forming positive pressure in gas tank 204, pliant structured exoskeletal envelopes 220 and 221 are expanded and shaped-up by the pressure exerted from within by digester 202 and tank 204, to assume an erected or deployed confirmation, shown in
Upon filling-up anaerobic digester 202 with content and forming positive pressure in gas tank 204, pliant structured exoskeletal envelope 220 and 221 confer structural firmness to appliance 200, due to a normal counterforce to the force exerted by the faces of digester 202 and tank 204 on exoskeletal envelopes 220 and 221, somewhat resembling the structural firmness of a wheel tire (not shown) conferred by the expansion of the inner tube (not shown). Pliant exoskeletal envelopes 220 and 221 embody structured shapes, configured to accommodate anaerobic digester 202 and gas tank 204, so as to limit their expansion to a maximal predetermined size.
Pliant exoskeletal envelopes 220 and 221 are preferably made of woven or fibrous fabric, having high tensile strength and capable of being efficiently flexed or bent but incapable of being efficiently stretched or expanded. In some embodiments, pliant structured exoskeletal envelopes 220 and 221 are co-molded or welded with anaerobic digester 202 and/or gas tank 204, to form a monolithic constituent, in which anaerobic digester 202 and/or gas tank 204 are non-detachable pliant structured exoskeletal envelopes 220 and 221.
In some embodiments, pliant structured exoskeletal envelopes 220 and 221 are co-molded or welded with anaerobic digester 202 and/or gas tank 204, so that envelopes 220 and 221 as well as digester 202 and/or gas tank 204 comprise composite materials. An instance of composite material used for manufacture the complex of exoskeletal envelope 220 and anaerobic digester 202 is a multilayered PVC sheet with embedded nylon or other polymeric pliable fibers.
In some embodiments, pliant structured exoskeletal envelopes 220 and 221 are a unified singular pliant structured exoskeletal envelope, such as envelope 120 shown in
Anaerobic digester 202 comprises anterior flange 224, configured for connecting and mounting anterior inlet assembly 206, implementable for feeding semiliquid mixture, slurry, ground organic matter or a fluid, into anaerobic digester 202. Anterior flange 224 preferably comprises a feeding mechanism, such as a diaphragm or mitral valve (not shown), configured to sustain advancement of semiliquid mixture, slurry, ground organic matter or a fluid, fed into anaerobic digester 202, from anterior inlet assembly 206 but concurrently configured to prevent backflow of the contents from digester 202 into anterior inlet assembly.
Anaerobic digester 202 comprises posterior flanges 226, configured for connecting and mounting posterior outlet assembly 208, implementable for draining grey water or overflow slurry fluid from anaerobic digester 202 as well as for conducting the biogas produced by the anaerobic processes in digester 202 to gas tank 204. Anaerobic digester 202 comprises anterior opening 222 with removable plug, configured for occasionally depleting the sludge that may accumulate in digester 202, as a part of maintenance of lightweight assemblable appliance 200.
In order to yet further facilitate an increased pressure inside gas tank 204, appliance 200 further comprises at least one pressure forming mechanism. Embodiments of pressure forming mechanisms in a non-limiting manner include gravitational and/or bias driven devices. Examples of gravitational devices include array of ballast bags or pockets 210, fillable with ballast substance (not shown), configured to facilitate increased pressure by exerting a gravitational force onto gas tank 204.
Examples of bias driven devices include elastic tension straps 212, comprising an elastomeric material, connected to respective elements attached to the bottom of appliance 200, configured to facilitate increased pressure by exerting tensile strain force onto inside gas tank 204. Notably a combination of gravitational and/or bias driven devices is equally contemplated by this disclosure.
Anterior inlet assembly 206 comprises feeding conduit 214, which is optionally made of solid, stiff or firm material, capable of supporting its own weight. Feeding conduit 214 terminates with inlet funnel 216, preferably coverable by pivoting and preferably biased lid (not shown). In some examples feeding conduit 214 is made of flexible or pliant material, incapable of supporting its own weight, in such cases inlet funnel 216 is supported by a bipod (not shown) structure.
Posterior outlet assembly 208 comprises slurry overflow outlet portion 230 and gas ducting portion 232. Slurry overflow outlet portion 230 preferably comprises a chlorinator (not shown) with a chlorinator filling port and a slurry overflow nozzle. The slurry overflow nozzle is disposed downstream to the chlorinator (not shown), so that any overflow of slurry from digester 202 to outlet portion 230 passes through the chlorinator (not shown), thereby rendering the fluids outflowing from the slurry nozzle non-virulent and biologically safe for the environment or use for irrigation in agriculture.
Gas ducting portion 232 of posterior outlet assembly 208 further comprises biogas filter (not shown), configured for absorbing sulfurous compounds from the biogas produced in anaerobic digester 202. The biogas filter (not shown) optionally comprises activated carbon or activated charcoal, which is replaceable from the top opening covered by a plug (not shown). Gas infiltrating through a biogas filter (not shown) is supplied into gas piping (not shown). The gas piping (not shown) extends from gas ducting portion 232 of posterior outlet assembly 208 to the gas inlet (not shown) of gas tank 204. The gas piping (not shown) further extends to a gas-powered consuming appliance (not shown). The gas piping (not shown) further optionally extends into slurry overflow outlet portion 230. The gas piping further (not shown) optionally comprises check valves, configured to conduct the biogas only in one direction, and/or safety valves, configured to conduct the biogas only above a predetermined pressure threshold.
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
In some embodiments, system 500 further comprises garbage disposal unit 504. Garbage disposal unit 504 is operationally connected to general kitchen purpose sink 502. In some embodiments, graywater and organic matter, as well as other fluid or waste flowing through the drain to of general kitchen purpose sink 502, are directed into garbage disposal unit 504, in which the organic waste may be processed and/or ground and/or shredded into a semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid, using a grinding and/or shredding mechanism of garbage disposal unit 504. The processed ground organic waste and graywater sewage may then be discharged from garbage disposal unit 504 into associated discharge pipe 506.
It is known in the art, for instance from abovementioned US2018119035, separation between the waste material fraction and the aqueous liquid fraction, so that the waste material flows to the anaerobic digester. Notably in prior art, during the separation process, the waste material as well as the liquid fractions both come out respectively of the waste material outlet and the aqueous liquid outlet.
Contrary to the prior art, according to some embodiments and aspects of the present invention, the separation is done selectively on the timeline. In some embodiments and aspects of the present invention, there is no separation between fractions, but rather there is synchronization of the direction of the graywater sewage or of the ground organic matter and fluid or slurry, to either one of the outlets of the bifurcation module. Accordingly, only either one of the outlets of the bifurcation module is active in a given moment, in a mutually exclusive manner. In some embodiments and aspects of the present invention, the liquid fertilizer and slurry do not outflow from the outlets of the bifurcation module simultaneously, contrary to the prior art where both fractions outflow from both outlets simultaneously.
In some embodiments, system 500 further comprises separation module 508. Separation module 508 is configured for separating the semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid from the graywater sewage. In some embodiments, semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid is separated from the graywater sewage by separation module 508 to enter anaerobic digester 510, whereas the graywater is separated from the mixture by separation module 508 and subsequently drained into domestic sewage system 512. It is noted that the anaerobic digestion processes occurring in anaerobic digester 510 resulting a positive pressure therein, mainly of methane gas. In some embodiments, separation module 508 is connected to a controller configured for operating separation module 508 in the extraction mode, upon the activation of garbage disposal unit 504 and/or after a predefined period of time, such as a preset delay, subsequently to activating garbage disposal unit 504.
In some embodiments, system 500 further comprises biogas consuming appliance 514. Biogas consuming appliance 514 is operationally connected to anaerobic digester 510. Biogas consuming appliance 514 is preferably configured for using up the biogas produced by anaerobic digester, typically to heat water in residential households. In some examples, biogas consuming appliance 514 is an air heater module, water heater module or stove burner. In other embodiments, biogas consuming appliance 514 of system 500 comprises a biogas storing device, such as a gas tank, optionally with a dedicated compressor.
In some embodiments, system 500 further includes controller 516. In some embodiments, controller 516 is configured for controlling the ignition mechanism and/or discharge of gas, for controllably activating and/or igniting the burner of biogas consuming appliance 514. In some embodiments, controller 516 is configured for controlling the compressor of the gas tank.
In some embodiments, system 500 further comprises actuation mechanism 517. In some examples, actuation mechanism 517 is operationally connectable to the top face of anaerobic digester 562 as well as to controller 516. In some examples, actuation mechanism 517 comprises at least one sensor configured to detect that anaerobic digester 562 vertically reaches a predefined elevational level. Upon detecting by the sensor of actuation mechanism 517 that anaerobic digester 562 has reached a predefined elevational level, actuation mechanism 517 opens the outflow of the gas from anaerobic digester 510 to biogas consuming appliance 514. In some examples, the sensor of actuation mechanism 517 includes a magnetic relay, optical sensor, electrical switch, microswitch, etc. In other examples, actuation mechanism 517 comprises at least one pressure sensor configured to detect that the pressure of gas in anaerobic digester 562 reaches and/or exceeds a predefined threshold.
In some embodiments, upon detecting by the sensor of actuation mechanism 517 that anaerobic digester 562 has reached a predefined elevational level and/or exceeds a predefined threshold, additionally to the outflow of gas from anaerobic digester 562 actuation mechanism 517 ignites a spark thereby turning on the burner of biogas consuming appliance 514 and/or the compressor of the gas tank. In some embodiments, the burner further comprises a safety shut-off valve. The safety shut-off valve is configured to block a renewal of gas flow to the biogas consuming appliance 514 when the burner does not produce a sufficient flame.
Reference is now made to
In some embodiments, mechanical separation system 518 includes bifurcation module 520. Bifurcation module 520 of mechanical separation system 518 comprises inlet 522. Inlet 522 is configured for receiving inflow of semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid and/or graywater sewage from discharge pipe 506 and introducing the inflow to bifurcation module 520.
In some embodiments, bifurcation module 520 forms an integral part of garbage disposal unit 504. Therefore in such embodiments discharge pipe 506 and inlet 522 are integrated into a combined subsystem, including garbage disposal unit 504 combined together with bifurcation module 520.
In some embodiments, bifurcation module 520 of mechanical separation system 518 further comprises outlets 524A and 524B. Outlet 524A is configured for releasing semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid from discharge pipe 506 into anaerobic digester 510. Outlet 524B is configured for releasing graywater from discharge pipe 506 into domestic sewage system 512.
In some embodiments, bifurcation module 520 of mechanical separation system 518 further comprises baffle 526. Baffle is configured for selectively blocking outlets 524A and/or 524B. In some embodiments, such as when garbage disposal unit 504 is activated, an actuator exerting a driving force moves baffle 526, in the direction of arrow 528, towards outlet 524B, thereby controllably releasing semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid from discharge pipe 506 into anaerobic digester 510. In some embodiments, such as when garbage disposal unit 504 is deactivated, baffle 526 moves in the direction of arrow 530, towards outlet 524A, thereby typically by default releasing graywater sewage from discharge pipe 506 into domestic sewage system 512.
In another embodiment, bifurcation module 520 comprises a pair of controllable valves and/or baffles. The controllable valves and/or baffles are positioned in each of outlets 524A and 524B. The controllable valves and/or baffles are configured for controllably open and/or close the flow through outlets 524A and/or 524B. In some embodiments, such as when garbage disposal unit 504 is activated, an actuator controllably opens the valve of outlet 524A and closes the valve of outlet 524B, thereby releasing semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid to anaerobic digester 510. In some embodiment, when garbage disposal unit 504 is deactivated, the actuator controllably closes the valve and/or baffle of outlet 524A and opens the valve and/or baffle of outlet 524B, thereby typically by default releasing graywater into domestic sewage system 512.
In yet another embodiment, bifurcation module 520 comprises a single controllable valve and/or baffle and typically a relatively low overflow pipe arrangement. The controllable valve and/or baffle is positioned in outlet 524A, whereas typically the relatively low overflow pipe arrangement is positioned in outlet 524B. The controllable valve and/or baffle is configured for controllably open and/or close the flow through outlet 524A. In some embodiments, such as when garbage disposal unit 504 is activated, an actuator controllably opens the valve of outlet 524A, thereby releasing semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid to anaerobic digester 510, by a means of gravitational force. In some embodiment, when garbage disposal unit 504 is deactivated, the actuator controllably closes the valve and/or baffle of outlet 524A, so that the graywater from outlet 524B typically overflow the relatively low overflow pipe arrangement, thereby typically releasing graywater into domestic sewage system 512.
Reference is now made to
Referring to
In some embodiments, outlet 536B is disposed at a higher elevational level than outlet 536A. Therefore, semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid and graywater sewage flowing through inlet 534 by default flows downwards towards outlet 536A. In some examples, such as when garbage disposal unit 504 is activated and hydraulic separation system 532 is in the extraction mode, pump module 538 actively pumps semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid from inlet 534 via outlet 536A and into anaerobic digester 510. In other examples, pump module 538 comprises a controllable baffle and/or valve, such as when garbage disposal unit 504 is activated and hydraulic separation system 532 is in the extraction mode, the baffle and/or valve of pump module 538 is controllably opened, whereby semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid from outlet 536A spontaneously falls through pump module 538 into to anaerobic digester 510, by the virtue of gravitational force.
However, when garbage disposal unit 504 is deactivated and hydraulic separation system 532 is in the idling mode, pump module 538 or the baffle and/or valve of pump module 538 is sealed up, whereby the graywater by default flow from inlet 534 via outlet 536B into domestic sewage system 512, by the virtue of gravitational force.
In another embodiment, shown in
In another embodiment, shown in
In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to
In some embodiments, method 600 further at step 602 of collecting organic waste and/or graywater sewage from a kitchen sink. In some embodiments, method 600 includes step 604 of processing the organic waste into a semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground matter and fluid. In some embodiments, step 604 is achievable by grinding the organic waste, for instance by a garbage deposal, and mixing the ground organic with fluid, such as tap water.
In some embodiments, method 600 further includes step 606 of controllably separating semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid from the graywater sewage. In some embodiments, step 606 of controllably separating semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid from the graywater sewage comprises separating semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid from the graywater sewage based on the time domain. In some embodiments, method 600 further includes a step 608 of releasing graywater sewage to the domestic sewage system. In some embodiments, step 608 is achievable by closing the outlet, such as by a moving a baffle into a closed position and or closing valve or pump module, allowing releasing of semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid to the anaerobic digester.
In some embodiments, method 600 further proceeds to step 610 of releasing semiliquid mixture or slurry of ground organic matter and fluid to the anaerobic digester. In some embodiments, step 608 is synchronized and/or performed after a preset delay after the activating of garbage disposal unit and/or step 604.
In some embodiments, method 600 further includes step 612 of releasing the biogas from the anaerobic digester into a heater module. In some embodiments, step 612 of releasing the biogas from the anaerobic digester into a heater module further comprises controllably igniting the burner of the heater module. In some embodiments, step 612 of releasing the biogas from the anaerobic digester into a heater module is performed upon reaching by the anaerobic digester a present elevational level.
Wherever in the specification hereinabove and in claims hereunder it is noted that the pliable collapsible anaerobic digester, such as digesters 50, 102 or 202, including or comprising an inlet pipe, gas outlet pipe, slurry overflow outlet pipe or sludge outlet draining pipe—it should be construed that the pliable collapsible anaerobic digester includes or comprises merely a preparation on the surface thereof and/or inside the wall thereof as well as an additional element for relatively easily mounting and/or attaching an inlet pipe, gas outlet pipe, slurry overflow outlet pipe or sludge outlet draining pipe thereto, whereas the inlet pipe, gas outlet pipe, slurry overflow outlet pipe or sludge outlet draining pipe are not provided or attached to the digester.
Within the specification hereinabove inter alia the following numerals were used to denote the particular constituents in the appended drawings:
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art of the invention that various features and/or elements elaborated in the context of a specific embodiment described hereinabove and/or referenced herein and/or illustrated by a particular example in a certain drawing enclosed hereto, whether method, system, device or product, is/are interchangeable with features and/or elements of any other embodiment described in the specification and/or shown in the drawings.
Moreover, skilled persons would appreciate that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims which follow:
The present application claims domestic priority from provisional application 63/280,261 filed Nov. 17, 2021. The present application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 16/622,084 filed Dec. 12, 2019, which is a 371 of PCT/IB2018/054643 filed Jun. 25, 2018 and continuation of Ser. No. 15/632,367 filed Jun. 25, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 14/899,620 filed Dec. 18, 2015, which is a national phase of international PCT application IB2013/061160 filed Dec. 19, 2013, claiming domestic priority from provisional application 61/916,246 filed Dec. 15, 2013 and Paris convention priority from international PCT application IB2013/001272 filed Jun. 18, 2013. The contents of the all the aforementioned cross-reference to related applications are incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63280261 | Nov 2021 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16622084 | Dec 2019 | US |
| Child | 18055515 | US | |
| Parent | 15632367 | Jun 2017 | US |
| Child | 16622084 | US |
