GB291514A - Improvements relating to the production of fertilizers from vegetable refuse - Google Patents

Abstract

291,514. Jackson, J. March 2, 1927. M a n u r e s.-Vegetable refuse, including fruit refuse, is pulverized and delivered to a tank containing water with stirring means therein. The pulverized vegetable &c. matter rises to the surface and is passed over a rotating cylinder provided with wire mesh whereby the pulverized pulp is drained. The, material is then passed over an endless travelling belt and between rollers which express the remaining water. The dehydrated pulp is then ready to be conveyed for final drying, crushing, and screening, for use as a manure or, if suitable, as a food for animals, poultry, and the like. Apparatus for carrying out the invention consists of a water tank, Fig. 1, with stirring apparatus 6 driven by belts and pulleys connected with the main driving shaft 11. Pulverized vegetable refuse is fed to the tank and all heavy substances sink to the bottom and are periodically removed. The vegetable material floats through an adjustable gate 4<a> over a shoot 13 to a revolving drum 12. The drum is provided with wire gauze between flanges 12<a> whereby the refuse is filtered. The bearings 12<c> of the drum are preferably mounted on lever arms 14 pivoted at 14<a> and vibrated by ratchet wheels 16 on a spindle 17, driven from a shaft 9. The travel of the arm 14 may be regulated by an adjustable stop 19. The drum is belt driven, and is located over a trough 20 into which the extracted liquid from the refuse flows and is collected in a sump 22 but preferably, the trough delivers to a tank 23 with a perforated side 23<a>. In this way, all solid matter collects in the tank 23 and may be returned to the tank 4. The partially dehydrated material falls or is scraped by a plate 20<a> on to a travelling belt 24 of felt or other filter like material to pass between a pair of rolls 25, 25<a>, which crush the material and express the remaining water and juices. The upper roller 25 may be of larger diameter than the lower, and is preferably provided with a scraper 26. Means may be provided for adjusting the pressure on the upper roll by screws 31 in screw boxes in the standards, or said screws may work in boxes in levers 32 pivoted at 33 and connected by links 34 to a lever 36 pivoted at 37 and weighted at 38. The upper roll may be rotated by friction or be geared for that purpose. The pulped material is removed by a scraper 44 from the machine and may be delivered to trucks &c. Adjacent the lower roll 25<a> is an angular bar 46 whereby the band 24 takes a bend to loosen the adhesion of pulp. The band 24 is then washed by, for example, water issuing from perforated tubes 47, 48 against upper and lower faces of the band. The band may also be cleaned by a rotating beater 49 mounted on a shalt 49<a>. After being washed, the belt passes between rolls 50 which may be rubber-covered to remove water and dirt. The lower roller may be driven in timed relation to the rolls 25. The liquid obtained from the pulp which collects in the sewer 22 may be distilled for the recovery of alcohol if found economical.