[USCC] Forced Aeration

[dmhill@aol.com]

 Jean,
When I worked for the Baltimore City Composting Facility (in-vessel, biosolids composting), we used forced aeration for our fines (finished, screened) storage. Storage was on a paved surface that we retrofit with sub-grade, positive aeration troughs. Storage design was for approx. 900 cyds. in an area approx. 70 ft. by 30 ft. The 70ft. run was bisected by 5 aeration troughs, evenly spaced and each of which housed perforated PVC pipe covered with 2" minus wood chip. Each trough was individually powered by its own 2hp. blower. Individual blowers were used instead of a manifold system for several reasons: Better air flow control, the concept of redundancy (vs, "all or nothing" with system maintenance or in the event of equipment failure) and the increased economy from a zone approach - the facility produces ~300 yds./day and quite often has no more than 300 yds. in storage at any time, so we could turn off the unnecessary zones/motors. The system works well (infinitely better th
 an passive aeration!) but it was designed and implemented approx. 12 years ago and was a first attempt by the facility. There has been a lot of knowledge gained and a lot of technological advancement since that time. Yet, the concept is solid and can be done relatively inexpensively, yielding an excellent return on investment.

David Hill
CycleLogic Environmental Marketing and Consultation.
(301) 493-5180


 


 

-----Original Message-----
From: Koch, Jean <JKoch at presidiotrust.gov>
To: compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
Sent: Tue, 21 Aug 2007 6:20 pm
Subject: [USCC] Forced Aeration










Hi,

 

I am considering using forced aeration to maintain compost quality in a
storage pile. The compost is yard waste, grass clippings, and horse
manure. Does anyone have experience using forced air in an open or
covered pile for storage or to move immature compost to a more compact
space? Does anyone have schematics, plans, recommendations on blowers,
pipes, etc? Are there any composters using such systems in the San
Francisco Bay Area which I could visit? Thanks- any and all suggestions
are welcome!

 

Jean Koch

The Presidio Trust

jkoch at presidiotrust.gov

415.561.7639

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