Effects of Recirculation of Exhaust Air in Rotary Drum Composter on Composting Properties and Energy Consumption

Soyoz C., Ekinci K., Kilic S.

WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION, vol.12, no.7, pp.3645-3656, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 12 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s12649-020-01249-1
  • Journal Name: WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, Compendex, INSPEC, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.3645-3656
  • Keywords: Rotary drum composting, Recirculation of exhaust air, Decomposition rate, Kinetics, OLIVE-MILL POMACE, CONSORTIUM, MATURITY, WASTE, RATIO
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Rotary drum composting appears to be a good option for decentralized composting. While aiming to transform the feedstock organic matter into stable humic compounds, composting should also take into account energy conservation. This experimental study quantified the impacts of exhaust air of a 0.38 m(3)fully-automatic rotary drum composter on output parameters, decomposition rates, and energy consumption per loss of organic matter. Decomposition rates of labile and recalcitrant parts were evaluated using a multi-component kinetic model. The recirculation processes of exhaust air in the rotary drum composting enhanced the decomposition rates and maintained a better heat retention. In particular, the rotary drum composter with the dynamic gas recirculation system led to more matured material according to final C/N and NH4+-N/NO3--N ratios, and germination index as well as to less energy consumption per loss of organic matter in reaching the stabile humus compounds in the final material as fast as possible.