Richard A Ryan

US Patent:

47988029, Jan 17, 1989

Filed:

Jul 28, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/078567

Inventors:

Richard M. Ryan - Southgate KY

International Classification:

C12M 100

US Classification:

435313

Abstract:

A plug-flow composting reactor including a longitudinal hollow chamber having a floor, a pair of oppositely disposed side walls, and a top wall. The reactor preferably includes an entrance structure and an exit structure mounted at opposite ends of the hollow chamber to thereby substantially close the reactor when desired. The floor of the chamber further includes a plurality of longitudinal slats slidably mounted for longitudinal reciprocation relative the side and top walls. The slats are located in parallel relationship to one another along the chamber, with adjacent slats preferably laterally spaced from one another by interposed aeration conduits. These aeration conduits provide aeration gases to the organic matter within the reactor. Vents for exhausting the aeration gases from the chamber are provided to ensure a predetermined flow of such gases through the chamber. Fluid pressure driven reciprocation cylinders are preferably provided to selectively, longitudinally reciprocate the adjacent slats within the chamber to thereby impose movement of organic matter through the reactor without substantially longitudinally compressing the same.