Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02413371 2002-12-03
WEAK ALKALINE ORGANIC FERTILIZER FROM ORGANIC WASTE INCLUDING
FOOD WASTE AND ITS MANUFACTURING METHOD
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[O1] The present invention relates to a weak alkaline organic fertilizer
manufactured
from organic waste including food waste and its manufacturing method.
Background of the Related Art
[02] Sulfur compounds (SOX) generated from combustion of fossil fuels react
with
OH- in the atmosphere into sulfuric acid (H2S04), which causes acid rain and
acid fog to
acidify soils and streams and leaches out calcium ions (Ca2+) from plants to
cause a biological
disorder of the plants.
[03] Due to repeated cultivation, mass production-originated farming and
continuous
application of chemical fertilizers, the farm land is over concentrated
phosphoric acid potassium
while soil nourishment necessary to the soil, such as organism, lime, silicic
acid or the like is
in poverty that is unbalanced ingredients. Further-more continuous application
of agricultural
chemicals against the damage from disease and harmful insects that weaken the
resistance and
strength of the plants causes to be an issue of safety.
[04] The more population explodes in the civilized life style, the more
organic waste
including food waste produces. Particularly, food waste causes a serious
environmental
contamination without rapid treatment because it has the high moisture content
and is
putrescible organics. The current treatment method primarily relies on land
reclamation or
cremation and partly on recycling as animal feeds or fertilizes. Land
reclamation or cremation
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CA 02413371 2002-12-03
are considered as an imperfect treatment due to secondary environmental
contamination, such
as seepage water, offensive odor, dioxin, chlorine gas or dusts, and the NIMBY
effect further
high expense. Moreover, land reclamation is prohibited according to the
related regulations
from the year of 2005. The recycling of the organic waste as animal feeds or
fertilizers is
mainly based on an anaerobic/aerobic digestion method and a microorganism-
based
fermentation method which has its own limitations such as longer time
requirement and the
difficulty to estimate the degree of decomposition. Futher-more due to
problems related with
seepage water, offensive odor, toxic saline matters, or mad cow disease of
plant-eating animals,
the conventional recycling method is hardly activated. Thus the food waste
treatment has
become a serious issue in the society.
[OS] The recent lime-based hydration method in which quick lime or dolomite is
mixed with organic waste including food waste for digestion enables to
economically treat the
organic waste on a large scale and is being widely attempted to apply in many
areas in the
aspect that the treated material neutralizes the acid soil improves,
supplements deficient
nutriments and improves the problems with the conventional treatment methods.
However, the
lime-based digestion method still has some problems in that the organic waste
is not completely
removed of the harmful saline matters and the lime-digested material is a
strong alkali having a
pH value of 12 to 13, which involves a difficulty in controlling the applied
amount of the
fertilizer, causes human diseases to the skin, eyes and respiratory organs
through direct contact
and destroys the plants and microorganism in soil. The lime-digested organic
waste is thus
required for aging for 2 to 3 months to stabilize the pH value to weak
alkalinity in order to
reduce the offensive odor. As such, the lime-based digestion method has not
been in practical
use with those unsettled problems.
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CA 02413371 2002-12-03
SUMM~~RY OF THE INVENTION
j06] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a
weak alkaline organic fertilizer manufactured from organic waste
including food waste and its manufacturing method that
substantially obviates unsettled problems from the limitations
and disadvantages of the conventional treatment.
[07] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for
manufacturing a
functional plant agent for garden plants or lawn in golf links, which method
includes mixing a
desalter with organic waste with agitating to completely de-compose saline
matters from the
organic waste, introducing a waste-drying exhaust gas having a high COZ
content generated from
lime hydration process, an exhaust gas from a lime calcining kiln, or a
separate COZ gas into a
mixer, a aging tank and a hydration tank in the reverse order to convert the
strong alkaline
calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)z) or magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)z) to the neutral
(weak
alkaline) salt of calcium carbonate(CaC03) and magnesium carbonate(MgC03)
through
carbonation, thereby making it possible to readily apply the organic waste
like a organic
manure on a large scale in a safe way, adding a deodorizing substances useful
to the plants to
eliminate the olfactory offensiveness of the organic waste and enhance the
plants' absorption of
calcium, and adding aqueous necessary inorganic minerals to prevent the
calcium deficiency of
the plants and increase the plant's resistance and growth.
[08] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set
forth in
part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to
those having ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from
practice of the
invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be
realized and attained by
the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims
hereof as well as the
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CA 02413371 2002-12-03
appended drawings.
[09] The manufacturing process of the present invention will be described as
follows.
[10] The organic waste including food waste collected is unloaded from trucks
into
an organic waste receiving hopper 1, removed of magnetic matters such as metal
by a magnetic
separator in a separating feed conveyor 2, removed of non-magnetic matters
such as wood,
plastic, vinyl or cloth through vibration and hand picking in a vibrating
separator 3, and cut by
a pulverizer 4. A desalter is stored in a desalter hopper 2-1 by a desalter
receiving elevator 1-l,
mixed with the organic waste, which is transferred to the pulverizer 4 by a
screw conveyor 3-1
and pulverized at the pulverizer. The pulverized organic waste is then pumped
into a storage
tank 6 by a transfer monopump 5 and agitated at 60 rpm at the storage tank 6
for acceleration of
desalting, as a result of which the saline matters contained in the organic
waste is completely
de-composed as an aqueous neutral salt, sodium sulfate Na2S04.
[1l] For calcareous materials, quick lime and burnt dolomite, the product from
a
lime andlor dolomite calcining kiln 60 or an ordered product loaded on trucks
is fed into a
Lime/ dolomite receiving hopper 8 and transferred to silos 11 and 13 by a
feeder 9 and bucket
elevator 10. The first additives-lime, quick lime and dolomite are fed into a
first
reactor(hydration tank) 16 in a defined amount by a bucket elevator 15 and
take place hydration
with the moisture in the organic waste fed into the first reactor 16 by the
monopump 7.
[12] The resulting material of the lime hydration is aged at a second
reactor(aging
tank) 17 and transferred to a mixer 18. The second additives are transferred
to the mixer 18 in a
defined amount by receiving elevators 19 and 22, additive hoppers 20 and 23,
and screw
feeders 21 and 22, and mixed with the aged organic waste so as to manufacture
a customized
organic fertilizer. The second additives include a siliceous material; a
carbon ingredient for
promoting the growth of microorganisms and plants, such as graphite, active
carbon or
CA 02413371 2002-12-03
charcoal; clays for supply of micronutrient element; zeolite or bentonite for
improving soil
cation exchange capacity; sawdust for control of moisture absorption; and
supplementary
organic matters such as farmyard manure or the like.
[13] The organic fertilizer thus manufactured is a strong alkaline fertilizer
(pH 12-13)
and thus dealkalized into a weak alkaline organic fertilizer that is safe and
beneficial to the soil
and plants even when it is applied in a large amount. For dealkalization, a
CO,-containing
exhaust gas from a calcining kiln, a fuel combustion gas from a dryer, or an
out=sourced
separate COZ gas is introduced into the mixer 18, the second reactor(aging
tank) 17 and the
first reactor(hydration tank) 16 in order by a strong blower and take place a
carbonation of the
hydrated lime and/or dolomite in the slurry form to produce a neutral saline
matter such as
CaC03 and/or MgC03 and thereby convert strong alkaline organic fertilizer to
weak alkaline
organic fertilizer.
[14] The mixer, the second reactor and the first reactor used for carbonation
are
closed type other than transfer connection route and exhaust pipes are to
provide the internal
environment like a pressure oven with high temperature and pressure by heat
and volume
expansion caused by an exothermic reaction and the strong alkalinity which
accelerate sterilize
pathogenics and hydration and aging. The exhaust gas and vapor discharged from
the first
reactor are strong alkaline and thus condensed at an exhaust gas chilling
tower 29 for the use
purpose as a neutralizer for acidic wastewater.
[15] The organic fertilizer prepared by mixing a variety of second additives
alone or
in combination with the organic waste weak-alkalized by the carbonation
reaction is transferred
in the form of a cake into a stock yard through conveyers 26 and 27 for
additional aging and
drying. From the stock yard, products can be shipped in the bulk form. The
product is
transferred to a hammer crusher for pulverization through a stock yard hopper
28 and a
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conveyer 32, a product tank 35 for storage by an elevator 34, and a packaging
unit 37 for
packaging by an extractor 36. Also, the product is transferred to a container
packaging unit 39
for packaging as a container bag by a screw conveyer 38, or to a mixer 43 for
being mixed with
third additives, including a functionality provider for functional organic
plant agent, a
neutralizer for overconcentrated phosphoric acid and potassium, a binder or
the like. These
third additives are fed into hoppers 40 and 41-1 by an receiving elevator 40,
transferred into the
mixer 43 by the screw conveyer and mixed with the product. The mixture is
transferred to the
packaging unit 37 or the container packaging unit 38, granulized at
granulation units 44 and 45,
dried at a rotary dryer 47, transferred into a production silo 53 for storage
by an elevator 52
and then packaged at a packaging unit 54 or container packaging units 55 and
56.
[16] In the manufacturing process, the exhaust gases(COz content: 10 to 15 % )
from
the rotary dryer 47 and that (C02 content: 25 to 30 %) from the calcining kiln
60 are drafted to
a blower and used as a raw material for carbonation.
[I7] Now, the present invention will be described in detail step by step.
[18] First Invention: Decomposing of saline matters contained in organic waste
including food waste.
[19] Saline matters are harmful ingredients for a soil conditioner or a
fertilizer that
harden the soil and deteriorate the plants' absorption of nutriment and
moisture. The saline
matters are also harmful to feeds for cattle and poultry. So far, there is no
economical desalting
technology for eliminating saline matters from organic waste. In these point
desalting from
organic waste is critical for recycling. A desalter including natural gypsum,
waste gypsum,
calcium carbonate and calcium chloride is mixed with the organic waste in the
slurry form and
the mixture is agitated at a speed of 60 rpm to completely eliminate the
saline matters from the
organic waste in the form of an aqueous neutral salt. The rnechanisrn for
desalting is defined as
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CA 02413371 2002-12-03
follows
[20J (a) Desalting with waste gypsum (CaS04)
Na+ . CI-
2NaCl + 2 )-i 2Na+ + 2C/- + 2)-" )' Na+ + )' CI-
2CaaSCi4 ~ 2Ca2+ + 2s042
Na+ _ .CI-
Cra2+ + )~ Na+ '~' eSO42 + ~ra2+ ~' ~:G,I_ "+. ~J~42_
-~ x ca2+ + 2Na+ + so~~- + ca2+ + ): so~2- + 2c1-
--> Na2SO4 + CaCl2 + }: Ca2+ + )_ S042
[21] (b) Desalting with calcium carbonate (CaC03)
2NaCi + 2 )~ -i 2Na+ + 2C1- + 2 )° -> )Na+ + );
2CaCOa -~ 2Caz+ + 2C032'
. Nat CI-
Ca~+ + ): Na+ + COs2' + Ca2+ + )'Ct_ + COs2'
-~ ): C8z+ + 2Na+ + C~32 + Ca2+ + )C~sa + 2C1"
--~ NaZCOs .+ CaCl2 + )Ca2'" + ): COa2-
[22] Second Invention: Dealkalization of strong alkaline organic waste.
An addition of quick lime and/or dolomite for hydration to the organic waste
produces a strong
alkaline fertilizer (pH 12-13). Applying such a strong alkaline organic
fertilizer destroys the
microorganisms living in the soil and does harm to the plants with a
difficulty in controlling the
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CA 02413371 2002-12-03
amount of the fertilizer to be applied. To lower the pH value and make it
possible to readily use
a large amount of such a fertilizer safely as a farmyard manure, the present
invention introduces
an exhaust gas containing 25 to 30 % of COZ from the Lime kiln, a fuel
combustion gas
containing 10 to 15 % of COZ from the dryer or an out sourced separate COZ gas
into the mixer,
the aging tank and the hydration tank, which are used as a reaction tank for
dealkalization to
convert the strong alkaline organic fertilizer to a weak alkaline organic
fertilizer through
carbonation. To maximize the dealkalization, a separate carbonation reactor is
installed right
after the hydration reactor to introduce COZ into the mixer, the aging tank,
the carbonation
reactor and the hydration reactor in order and thereby dealkalize the organic
fertilizer to have a
pH value of 8.50 to 11.00. The reason that the carbonation reactor is
installed is right after the
hydration reactor is to increase the water solubility of COZ and accelerate
the reaction between
COZ and the hydrated lime in a good fluidity state with to high water content.
The pH value is
controlled in terms of the reaction time. After the carbonation reaction, a
vibrating sieve or a
centrifugal hydroextractor may be used in order to reduce water content and
thus it is possible
to increase the dry efficiency. The mechanism of carbonation is defined as
follows:
[23] (a) Carbonation with lime (Ca(OH)2)
Reaction formula: Ca(OH) z + HZO + COZ ~ Ca2+ + 20H- + COZ(aq) + H20 -->
Ca2+ + HC03 + OH- -+- H20
-~ Ca2+ + CO32- + 2 H20 ~ CaCO3 + 2H20
G energy: DG = -265.80 - 56.69 x 2 - (-214.75 - 56.69 - 94.26)
- -13.48 < 0 (Forward reaction)
Enthalpy: ~H = -288.46 - 68.32 - (-235.70 - 68.32 - 94.05)
- -27.03 < 0 (Exothermic reaction)
- 27.03 kcal/mol = 27.03/74.09 x 1000
= 365 kcallkg- Ca(OH)2
= 27.03/100.09 x 1000 = 270 kcal/kg- CaC03
[24] (b) Carbonation with hard dolomite (Mg(OH)2)
Reaction formula: Mg(OH) Z + H20 + COZ -~ Mg2+ + 20H- + COZ (aq)
+ HZO ~ Mg2+ ..~- HCO3 + OH + HZO
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CA 02413371 2002-12-03
-~ Mg2+ + C032- + 2 H20 -~ MgC03 + 2H20
G energy: DG = -241.90 - 56.69 x 2 - (-199.30 - 56.69 - 94.26)
- -5.03 < 0 (Forward reaction)
Enthalpy: ~H = -261.90 - 68.32 x 2 - (-221.00 - 68.32 - 94.05)
- -15.17 < 0 (Exothermic reaction)
- 15.17 kcallmol = 15.17/58.33 x 1000
= 260 kcalJkg- Mg(OH)Z
= 15.17/40.32 x 1000 = 376 kcal/kg- Mg0
[25] Third Invention: Deodorization of organic waste including food waste.
[26] An addition of quick lime andlor dolomite to the organic waste causes a
hydration reaction by the moisture contained in the organic waste and
volatilizes an offensive
odor from the organic waste. Malodorous substances causing the offensive odor
of the. organic
waste, i.e., nitrogen compound and sulfur compound react with calcium for
chemical
deodorization. A physical deodorization is effected by the capture of the
malodorous substances
through vaporization-based drying and adsorption of the malodorous substances
into the pores
of the calcium compound. However, the physical deodorizing effect is
insignificant.
[27] To maximize the physical deodorizing effect, the present invention adds
zeolite,
active carbon or bentonite, which is inexpensive but has a high canon exchange
capacity (CEC),
into the mixer to strongly suppress the volatilization of the malodorous
substances in a physical
way for perfect deodorization and elimination of the aerobic disgust feeling.
The mechanism for
digestion and deodorization reaction using quick lime and dolomite is defined
as follows:
[28] 1. Hydration reaction
[29] (a) Hydration with quick lime(Ca0)
CA 02413371 2002-12-03
Reaction formula: Ca0 + x-120 --~ Ca(OH)2
G energy: ~G = -214.75 - (-144.25 - 56.69)
- -13.81 < 0 (Forward reaction)
Enthalpy: dH = -235.70 - (-151.80 - 68.32)
- -15.58 < 0 (Exothermic reaction)
- 15.58 kcal/mol = 15.58/56.08 x 1000
= 278 kcal/kg- Ca0
[30] (b) Hydration with magnesium oxide(Mg0)
Reaction formula: Mg0 + H20 ~ Mg(OH)2
G energy: 4G = -199.30 - (-136.00 - 56.69)
- -6.61 < 0 (Forward reaction)
Enthalpy: ~H = -221.00 - (-143.80 - 68.32}
- -8.88 < 0 (Exothermic reaction)
- 8.88 kcal/mol = 8.88/40.32 x 1000
= 220 kcal/kg- Mg0
[31] (c) Hydration with dolomite (0.418 Mg0 + 0.582 Ca0)
Reaction formula: CaMg(C03) 2 ~ Mg0 + Ca0 + 2C02 T
Molecular weight: 184.41 - 88.01 T -~ 40.32 + 56.08 + 88.01 T
Composition ratio: 100 % = 41.8 % + 58.2 % + 0
Enthalpy: ~H = 0.418 x 220 + 0.582 x 278
= 254 kcal/kg - hard dolomite
[32] 2. Deodorization
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CA 02413371 2002-12-03
[33] (a) Chemical deodorization (reaction with malodorous substances, i.e., N-
or S-
containing organic matters)
1 ) 2(CH3SH) + Ca0 -~ (CH3S)2Ca + H20
2) 2(RCOOH) + Ca0 -~ (R-COO)2Ca + H20
iNH2 iNH2
3) 2(R ) + Ca0 -~ (R )2Ca + Hz0
~COOH 'COO
4) Ca(OH)2 + SOx --~ CaSOx+, + H20
5) CaC03 + SOx -~ CBSOx+~ + 6021
6) Ga(OH)2 + H2S -~ CaS + 2H20
[34] (b) Physical deodorization
[35] 1 ) The malodorous substances are captured and adsorbed into the pores of
Ca(OH)Z, Ca(HC03)2 and CaC03 during vaporization and hardening of the organic
waste,
thereby suppressing the volatilization of the malodorous substances.
[36] 2) Zeolite and bentonite have an excellent cation exchange capacity
(CEC), a
molecular sieving characteristic for selective exchange and organic/inorganic
molecular
adsorption, and a good catalytic characteristic through a surface activation
due to a high void
volume. These minerals are readily dehydrated at 350 to 400 °C and show
a reabsorption
characteristic during a cooling step, so that they are used for a soil and
water improving agent,
an industrial and urban wastewater purifying agent, a radioactive waste
shielding material, a
supplement agent for synthetic detergent, a drying agent for dehydration, a
contaminant (e. g. ,
SOz) eliminator, a hydrocarbon (e.g., paraffin) extractor, or petroleum
purifying agent. The
adsorption of the malodorous substances can be affected by addition of a
proper amount of
zeolite or bentonite as much as at most 3 times the added amount of lime. For
satisfaction of
the quality, zeolite and bentonite may have a CEC for fertilizer being at
least 80 me/100 mg.
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CA 02413371 2002-12-03
[37] 3) Active carbon is an absorbent that has a large effective area, i.e.,
adsorption
capacity, because numerous fine pores for adsorption having a diameter of up
to 0.4 nm are
distributed in the active carbon. The offensive odor can be remarkably
adsorbed with less than
0.3 part by weight of the active carbon based on 100 parts by weight of the
material to be
deordorized. After deodorization, the active carbon acts as a growth promotion
agent for
microorganisms and plants. For satisfaction of the quality, the active carbon
may have an iodine
adsorption for tap water purification being about 1,000 mg/g.
[38] Fourth Invention: Manufacture of weak alkaline and deodorizing
calcium/magnesiumlsilica-enriched organic fertilizer.
[39] The fourth invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a weak
alkaline
calciumlmagnesium-enriched organic fertilizer that comprises mixing lime
and/or dolomite
with organic waste including food waste and performing hydration,
dealkalization and
deodorization, and also a method for manufacturing a weak alkaline silica-
enriched organic
fertilizer that comprises mixing a siliceous material such as ironwork slug
powder and/or
wollastonite powder with the weak alkaline calcium/magnesium-enriched organic
fertilizer.
[40] Fifth Invention: Manufacture of customized fertilizer from organic waste
including food waste.
The fifth invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a weak alkaline
customized organic fertilizer suitable for the ingredients of a specific soil
that comprises mixing,
as a second additive, zeolite or bentonite for improving CEC, active carbon or
charcoal and
graphite for supplying the carbon element, sawdust for control of moisture
adsorption, clay
minerals for supplying micronutrient elements, a neutralizer for
overconcentrated salts, or other
organic matters with the weak alkaline deodorizing calcium/magnesium/silica-
enriched organic
fertilizer manufactured according to the fourth invention.
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CA 02413371 2002-12-03
j42] Sixth Invention: Manufacture of functional plant agents.
j 31 The sixth invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a
functional plant
agent for treating and preventing a destruction of plants or a deterioration
of the strength and
resistance of the plants from acid rain and enhancing the absorption of water
to promote the
growth and yield increase of the plants. The functional agent is prepared by
mixing, in a mixer
43 shown in FIG. 1, a functionality provider with the desalted, weak alkaline
deodorized
organic fertilizer manufactured from organic waste including food waste
according to the first to
fifth inventions, and drying the mixture at the granulation units 45 and 47.
The added amount
of the functionality provider is controlled in balance with the amount of the
lime component
applied to the soil. A neutralizing lime amount is defined as an amount of
alkali required for
control of pH 1 in a depth of up to 10 cm per soil area of 10 a (lime amount =
Ca0 % +
Mg0 x 1.3914 % ). The neutralizing lime amount is about 60 kg for sandy soil,
130 kg for
general soil, or 250 kg for volcanic ash soil. It is recommended in Korea to
apply 200 kg of
hydrated lime to a farm land having a pH value of less than 6.5 every three
year. That is, the
recommended amount of fertilizer is annually 50.45 kg of lime per 1000 m2. An
optimum area
for 1 kg of the organic fertilizer according to the present invention fox
annual application of
neutralizing lime is about 10 m2 (~ 1 kg x 0.5 = 50.45 kg11000 m2, because
about 10 % of the
organic waste is decomposed and volatilized during digestion using 10 % of
lime added to 15 %
of the solid content of the food waste and the solid content of the organic
fertilizer contains
about 50 % of lime per 50 % of the organic waste).
44 Now, a description will be given to a method for manufacturing the
functionality
provider.
j4~5 The functionality provider greatly enhances the plants' absorption of
calcium
ions and provides a therapeutic and preventive effect on the deficiency of
calcium in plants. The
14
CA 02413371 2002-12-03
functionality provider is prepared by mixing, based on 100 parts by weight of
acetic acid, 0.7
part by weight of chitosan, 14 parts by weight of boric acid, 10 parts by
weight of ferric
chloride and 0.5 part by weight of ascorbic acid at a temperature of 30 to 40
°C with agitating,
and standing the mixture for more than 24 hours. The functionality provider
extracts a boron
ingredient related to metabolism of nitrogen and hydrocarbon from boric acid,
an iron
ingredient from ferric chloride, and an ingredient for improving
antioxidization and the
resistance to disease-causing germs from ascorbic acid. The acetic acid reacts
with calcium
supplied from the hydrated lime to produce calcium acetate that acts as a
catalyst for organic
synthesis (2CH3COOH + CaC03 -~ Ca(CH3C00) 2 + HZO + COZ 1').
j4~6 Now, a description will be given to a method for manufacturing a plant
functionality promoter, which is an improvement of the method for
manufacturing a plant
functionality provider.
4j~7 The plant functionality promoter uses dolomite powder instead of~ an
organic
fertilizer as a calcium and magnesium resource. The plant functionality
promoter is
manufactured by mixing, based on 100 parts by weight of acetic acid, 100 parts
by weight of
dolomite powder, 0.7 part by weight of chitosan, 14 parts by weight of boric
acid, 10 parts by
weight of ferric chloride, and 0.5 part by weight of ascorbic acid with 850
parts by weight of
water, agitating the mixture at a temperature of 30 to 40 °C, and
standing it for more than 24
hours or separating the residual material from the mixture with a 325mesh
sieve or powdering
the mixture through dehydration, drying and pulverizing. The plant
functionality promoter is
applied in the form of an undiluted solution or a 200 to 400-fold diluted
solution in water alone
or in combination with an organic fertilizer together with a functionality
provider for gardening
of garden plants or lawn.
j481 The principal ingredient of the functionality provider is aqueous
chitosan and/or
CA 02413371 2002-12-03
its derivatives having a molecular weight of less than 30,000. Chitosan is
used in various
applications, including metal adsorbent, immobilizing carrier for
microorganism and enzyme,
medical preparation for artificial skin or sustained-release or slow-release
carrier, coagulating
agent, functional food, agricultural chemical, germination promoter, cosmetics
or the like. It is
reported that the chitosan combines with the residual agricultural chemicals
to inactivate the
agricultural chemicals, enhances the plants' resistance to disease, cold
weather and heat, and
promotes the growth of the plant root and division and multiplication of
plants.
49 Chitosan and its derivatives promotes a combination of Ca2+ and calmodulin
that is a Ca2* receptor distributed in the plant cells so that one molecular
of calmodulin is
combined with four Ca2+ absorbed by the root. The calmodulin combined with
Ca2+ activates
inert enzymes such as a.-amylase, ATPase, NAD kinase, myosin L type kinase to
remarkably
enhance the mobility of Ca2+ into leaves, fruits, trunks and stem, and thus
same the above the
absorption of Ca2+ by the root is also remarkably enchanted, thereby treating
and preventing all
the conditions and damages from the Ca2+ deficiency of the plants.
[50] It is considered that about 8 kg of the functional plant agent is diluted
in about
200-fold water and about 130 kg of the diluted solution of the functional
plant agent is monthly
applied to the sail of 1000 m2 for the annual area. However, the amount of the
functional plant
agent to be applied is depended on the acidity of the soil, the size and kind
of the target plants,
and the calcium content of the plants. The added amount of the functionality
provider balanced
with the standard application amount of the neutralizing lime is about 15 % of
the quick lime (8
kg/50.45 kg). To maximize the mixing effect, the functionality provider is
diluted in 200-fold
water, mixed with a binder in the sprayed state at a mixer and subjected to
granulation and
drying. As such, a functional plant agent for fertilizer can be manufactured
in balance with the
applied amount of the neutralizing lime.
16
CA 02413371 2002-12-03
j511 As for the chitosan, use can be made of chitosan or its derivatives that
have an
average molecular weight of less than 30,000 and are capable of being diluted
in an aqueous
organic acid. Examples of the chitosan may include 1,4)-2-amini-2-deoxy- -D-
glucan,N-
carboxym-ethyl, glycol chitosan, chitosan phosphate, N-salicylidene, 4-
nitrobenzy-lidene, N-
(O-carboxybenzyl), dicarbamate, chtosan-2, 5-anhydromannose, chitosan-heparin,
or
chitosan-dextran sulfuric acid. Examples of the aqueous organic acid may
include acetic acid,
lactic acid, aspartic acid, DL-aspartic acid, or citric acid. Examples of the
binder may include
solutions of starch paste, hydroxypropy cellulose, carboxymethy cllulose gum
arabic, gelatin,
glucose, sugar, tragath, or sodium, calginate.
Now, a description will be given to the first additives of the present
invention,
i.e., quick lime and dolomite.
j53j The quick lime is prepared from limestone calcining at a temperature of
at least
900 °C for decarbonation (CaC03 --~ Ca0 + COz T). The hard dolomite is
prepared from
dolomite burnt at a temperature of at least 750 °C for decarbonation
(Ca~Mg(C03)2 -~ Mg0 +
Ca0 + '2C02 T). The two products are producible in the same calcining kiln
because the
process is the same. The properties of the products are greatly dependent on
the degree of
burning, which is largely classified into dead burn, hard burn and soft burn.
The degree of
burning determines the properties of the products such as activity
(reactivity), crystal size,
specific surface area, porosity and specific gravity. Soft burn is a longer
time burning method at
a low temperature. Alternatively, sodium chloride is added for chlorination in
order to enhance
the activity.
j5~4 The quick lime and dolomite used in the present invention are recommended
to
be a soft burnt product that has a high reactivity. In the industrial
production, use is made of
about 143 kg/ton-Ca0 of solid fuel having a fuel unit of 1,000 kcal/kg Ca0 and
a calorific
17
CA 02413371 2002-12-03
value of 7,000 cal/g.
55 The carbonate gas (C02) used in the carbonation of the present invention is
a
total CO2 generated from heat decomposition of limestone and dolomite and CO~
from
combustion of the fuel. For lime, the decarbonated amount of limestone is
0.786 kg-COz/kg-
Ca0 (CaC03/CaOxC02/CaC03 = 100156 x 44/100). The amount of COZ generated from
combustion of 143 kg of the fuel is 0.334 kg-CO2/kg-Ca0 (0.143 kg-C/kg-Ca0 x
0.58 kg-
OE/kg-C x 4.033 kg-COZ/kg-OE). Accordingly, the amount of COZ generated from
the
limestone and the fuel when producing 1 kg of quick lime is 1.12 kg-COZ/kg-
CaO. The amount
of COZ is enough to carbonate the quick lime, because the carbonated amount of
quick lime
added for hydration with COZ generated when producing 1 kg of quick lime is
theoretically
1.425 kg-CaO. Ca(OH)Z participates in carbonation with C02 contained in the
atmosphere, of
which the concentration is no more than 0.03 % that is too negligible to
reduce the pH value
through the reaction with the atmosphere.
[56] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and
the
following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and
explanatory and are
intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF' THE DRATnTINGS
[57] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further
understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part
of this application,
illustrate embodiments) of the invention and together with the description
serve to explain the
principle of the invention. In the drawings;
[58] FIG.1 illustrates a process for manufacturing a weak alkaline organic
fertilizer
according to the present invention;
18
CA 02413371 2002-12-03
[~9] FIG.2 illustrates an assembled view of a first reactor (hydration tank)
16 shown
in FIG. 1;
[60] FIG.3 illustrates an exploded view of the first reactor(hydration tank)
16 shown
in FIG. 1;
[61] FIG.4 illustrates an assembled view of a second reactor(aging tank) 17
shown in
FIG. 1; and
[62] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the second reactor(aging tank) 17
shown
in FIG. 1.
D_~TAILED DESCRIPTION OF TFiF3, PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[63] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the
present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
[64] Embodiment 1: Desalting of organic waste including food waste.
[65] Night soil and food waste were mixed at a mixing ratio of 1:4. To 100 kg
of the
resulting organic waste containing 85 % of water was added 4 kg of waste
gypsum powder. The
mixture was agitated in a tank at 60 rpm for 30 minutes to yield 104 kg of the
desalted organic
waste. The properties of the organic waste desalted according to Embodiment 1
of the present
invention are presented in Table 1.
[66] Embodiment 2: Manufacture of weak alkaline calcium-enriched organic
fertilizer (using 10 % of lime).
[67] Night soil and food waste were mixed at a mixing ratio of 1:4. To 100 kg
of the
resulting organic waste containing 85 % of water was added 4 kg of waste
gypsum powder. The
mixture was agitated in a tank at 60 rpm for 30 minutes to yield 104 kg of the
desalted organic
waste. After adding 10 kg of solid lime, the mixture was subjected to
digestion in a ribbon
1g
CA 02413371 2002-12-03
blender for 30 minutes to yield 114 kg of a calcium-enriched organic
fertilizer in the slurry
form. Subsequently, a pure C02 gas diluted to have a concentration of 30 % was
introduced into
the calcium-enriched organic fertilizer in a cylindrical batch reactor and the
mixture was stirred
at 60 rpm for 30 minutes for carbonation to yield 121.50 kg of a weak alkaline
calcium-
enriched organic fertilizer. The pH value of the composition is presented in
Table 2.
[68] Embodiment 3: Manufacture of weak alkaline calcium-enriched organic
fertilizer (using 25 % of lime).
[69] Night soil and food waste were mixed at a mixing ratio of 1:4. To 100 kg
of the
resulting organic waste containing 85 % of water was added 4 kg of waste
gypsum powder. The
mixture was agitated in a tank at 60 rpm for 30 minutes to yield 104 kg of the
desalted organic
waste. After adding 25 kg of solid quick lime, the mixture was subjected to
hydration in a
ribbon blender for 30 minutes to yield 129 kg of a calcium-enriched organic
fertilizer in the
slurry form. Subsequently, a pure COZ gas diluted to have a concentration of
30 % was
introduced into the calcium-enriched organic fertilizer in a cylindrical batch
reactor and the
mixture was agitated at 60 rpm for 30 minutes for carbonation to yield 147.50
kg of a weak
alkaline calcium-enriched organic fertilizer. The pH value of the composition
is presented in
Table 2.
[70] Embodiment 4: Manufacture of weak alkaline magnesium-enriched organic
fertilizer (using 10 % of dolomite).
[71] Night soil and food waste were mixed at a mixing ratio of 1:4. To 100 kg
of the
resulting organic waste containing 85 % of water was added 4 kg of waste
gypsum powder. The
mixture was agitated in a tank at 60 rpm for 30 minutes to yield 104 kg of the
desalted organic
waste. After adding 10 kg of solid dolomite, the mixture was subjected to
hydration in a ribbon
blender for 30 minutes to yield 114 kg of a magnesium-enriched organic
fertilizer in the slurry
CA 02413371 2002-12-03
form. Subsequently, a pure C02 gas diluted to have a concentration of 30 % was
introduced into
the magnesium-enriched organic fertilizer in a cylindrical batch reactor and
the mixture was
agitated at 60 rpm for 30 minutes for carbonation to yield 122.50 kg of a weak
alkaline
magnesium-enriched organic fertilizer. The pH value of the composition is
presented in Table 2.
(72] Embodiment 5: Manufacture of weak alkaline magnesium-enriched organic
fertilizer (using 25 % of hard dolomite).
[73] Night soil and food waste were mixed at a mixing ratio of 1:4. To 100 kg
of the
resulting organic waste containing 85 % of water was added 4 kg of waste
gypsum powder. The
mixture was agitated in a tank at 60 rpm for 30 minutes to yield 104 kg of the
desalted organic
waste. After adding 25 kg of solid hard dolomite, the mixture was subjected to
hydration in a
ribbon blender for 30 minutes to yield 129 kg of a magnesium-enriched organic
fertilizer in the
slurry form. Subsequently, a pure COZ gas diluted to have a concentration of
30 % was
introduced into the magnesium-enriched organic fertilizer in a cylindrical
batch reactor and the
mixture was agitated at 60 rpm for 30 minutes for carbonation to yield 150.20
kg of a weak
alkaline magnesium-enriched organic fertilizer. The pH value of the
composition is presented in
Table 2.
[74] Embodiment 6: Manufacture of weak alkaline silica-enriched organic
fertilizer.
(75] Night soil and food waste were mixed at a mixing ratio of 1:4. To 100 kg
of the
resulting organic waste containing 85 % of water was added 4 kg of waste
gypsum powder. The
mixture was agitated in a tank at 60 rpm for 30 minutes to yield 104 kg of the
desalted organic
waste. After adding 10 kg of solid lime, the mixture was subjected to
hydration in a ribbon
blender for 30 minutes to yield 114 kg of a calcium-enriched organic
fertilizer in the slurry
form. Subsequently, a pure COZ gas diluted to have a concentration of 30 % was
introduced into
the silica-enriched organic fertilizer in a cylindrical batch reactor and the
mixture was agitated
21
CA 02413371 2002-12-03
at 60 rpm for 30 minutes for carbonation to yield 121.50 kg of a weak alkaline
calcium-
enriched organic fertilizer. After adding 30 kg of a powdered smelting slag,
the mixture was
admixed in a ribbon blender for 30 minutes to prepare 151.50 kg of a weak
alkaline silica-
enriched organic fertilizer. The properties of the composition are presented
in Table 3.
[76] Embodiment 7: Manufacture of weak alkaline deodorized calcium-enriched
organic fertilizer.
[77] Night soil and food waste were mixed at a mixing ratio of 1:4. To 100 kg
of the
resulting organic waste containing 85 % of water was added 4 kg of waste
gypsum powder. The
mixture was agitated in a tank at 60 rpm for 30 minutes to yield 104 kg of the
desalted organic
waste. After adding 10 kg of solid quick lime, the mixture was subjected to
hydration in a
ribbon blender for 30 minutes to yield 114 kg of a calcium-enriched organic
fertilizer in the
slurry form. Subsequently, a pure COZ gas diluted to have a concentration of
30 % was
introduced into the silica-enriched organic fertilizer in a cylindrical batch
reactor and the
mixture was agitated at 60 rpm for 30 minutes for carbonation to yield 121.50
kg of a weak
alkaline 'calcium-enriched organic fertilizer. After adding 300 g of an active
carbon powder, the
mixture was admixed in a ribbon blender for 2 hours to prepare 121.80 kg of a
weak alkaline
deodorized calcium-enriched organic fertilizer. The results of the
volatilization test for the
malodorous substance of the composition are presented in Table 4.
[78] In the volatilization test, 1 kg of a sample was added into a vinyl bag
of 1 m3 in
volume and the vinyl bag was hermetically sealed. After standing the sample
for one hour, the
gas was collected with a gas collector to measure the concentrations of the
malodorous
substances, NH3 and HZS and determine the degree of the offensive odor by the
olfactory sense.
[79] Embodiment 8: Manufacture of weak alkaline functional plant agent.
[80] Night soil and food waste were mixed at a mixing ratio of 1:4. To 100 kg
of the
22
CA 02413371 2002-12-03
resulting organic waste containing 85 % of water was added 4 kg of waste
gypsum powder. The
mixture was agitated in a tank at 60 rpm for 30 minutes to yield 104 kg of the
desalted organic
waste. After adding 10 kg of solid lime, the mixture was subjected to
hydration in a ribbon
blender for 30 minutes to yield 114 kg of a calcium-enriched organic
fertilizer in the slurry
form. Subsequently, a pure COZ gas diluted to have a concentration of 30 % was
introduced into
the silica-enriched organic fertilizer in a cylindrical batch reactor and the
mixture was agitated
at 60 rpm for 30 minutes for carbonation to yield 121.50 kg of a weak alkaline
calcium-
enriched organic fertilizer. After adding 300 g of an active carbon powder,
the mixture was
admixed in a ribbon blender for 2 hours to prepare 121.80 kg of a weak
alkaline deodorized
calcium-enriched organic fertilizer.
[81] Subsequently, 130 g of a functionality provider manufactured by the
present
invention was diluted in 200-fold water, mixed with a small amount of starch
and subjected to
granulation and drying, to prepare 41.00 kg of a weak alkaline functional
plant agent containing
% of water.
[82] Comparative Embodiment 1: Desalting of organic waste including food
waste.
[83] Night soil and food waste were mixed at a mixing ratio of 1:4. To 100 kg
of the
resulting organic waste containing 85 % of water was added 4 kg of waste
gypsum powder. The
mixture was stood in a tank for 30 minutes to eliminate saline matters from
the organic waste.
The properties of the desalted organic waste are presented in Table 1.
[84] Comparative Embodiment 2: Manufacture of calcium-enriched organic
fertilizer
(using 10 % of quick lime).
[85] Night soil and food waste were mixed at a mixing ratio of 1:4. To 100 kg
of the
resulting organic waste containing 85 % of water was added 4 kg of waste
gypsum powder. The
mixture was agitated in a tank at 60 rpm for 30 minutes to yield 104 kg of the
desalted organic
23
CA 02413371 2002-12-03
waste. After adding 10 kg of solid lime, the mixture was subjected to
hydration in a ribbon
blender for 30 minutes to yield 114 kg of a calcium-enriched organic
fertilizer in the slurry
form. The pH value of the composition is presented in Table 2.
[86] Comparative Embodiment 3: Manufacture of calcium-enriched organic
fertilizer
(using 25 % of quick lime).
[87] Night soil and food waste were mixed at a mixing ratio of 1:4. To 100 kg
of the
resulting organic waste containing 85 % of water was added 4 kg of waste
gypsum powder. The
mixture was agitated in a tank at 60 rpm for 30 minutes to yield 104 kg of the
desalted organic
waste. After adding 25 kg of solid lime, the mixture was subjected to
hydration in a ribbon
blender for 30 minutes to yield 129 kg of a calcium-enriched organic
fertilizer in the slurry
form. The pH value of the composition is presented in Table 2.
[88] Comparative Embodiment 4: Manufacture of magnesium-enriched organic
fertilizer (using 10 % of dolomite).
[89] Night soil and food waste were mixed at a mixing ratio of 1:4. To 100 kg
of the
resulting organic waste containing 85 % of water was added 4 kg of waste
gypsum powder. The
mixture was agitated in a tank at 60 rpm for 30 minutes to yield 104 kg of the
desalted organic
waste. After adding 10 kg of solid hard dolomite, the mixture was subjected to
hydration in a
ribbon blender for 30 minutes to yield 114 kg of a magnesium-enriched organic
fertilizer in the
slurry form. The pH value of the composition is presented in Table 2.
[90] Comparative Embodiment 5: Manufacture of magnesium-enriched organic
fertilizer (using 25 % of dolomite).
[91] Night soil and food waste were mixed at a mixing ratio of 1:4. To 100 kg
of the
resulting organic waste containing 85 % of water was added 4 kg of waste
gypsum powder. The
mixture was agitated in a tank at 60 rpm for 30 minutes to yield 104 kg of the
desalted organic
24
CA 02413371 2002-12-03
waste. After adding 25 kg of solid hard dolomite, the mixture was subjected to
hydration in a
ribbon blender for 30 minutes to yield 150.20 kg of a magnesium-enriched
organic fertilizer in
the slurry form. The pH value of the composition is presented in Table 2.
[92] Comparative Embodiment 6: Manufacture of silica-enriched organic
fertilizer
(using 10 % of quick lime).
[93] Night soil and food waste were mixed at a mixing ratio of 1:4. To 100 kg
of the
resulting organic waste containing 85 % of water was added 4 kg of waste
gypsum powder. The
mixture was agitated in a tank at 60 rpm for 30 minutes to yield 104 kg of the
desalted organic
waste. After adding 10 kg of solid lime, the mixture was subjected to
hydration in a ribbon
blender for 30 minutes to yield 114 kg of a calcium-enriched organic
fertilizer in the slurry
form. Subsequently, a pure COZ gas diluted to have a concentration of 30 % was
introduced into
the silica-enriched organic fertilizer in a cylindrical batch reactor and the
mixture was stirred at
60 rpm for 30 minutes for carbonation to yield 121.50 kg of a weak alkaline
calcium-enriched
organic fertilizer. The properties of the composition are presented in Table
3.
[94] Comparative Embodiment 7: Manufacture of weak alkaline non-deodorized
calcium-enriched organic fertilizer (using 10 % of quick lime).
[95] Night soil and food waste were mixed at a mixing ratio of 1:4. To 100 kg
of the
resulting organic waste containing 85 % of water was added 4 kg of waste
gypsum powder. The
mixture was agitated in a tank at 60 rpm for 30 minutes to yield 104 kg of the
desalted organic
waste. After adding 10 kg of solid lime, the mixture was subjected to
hydration in a ribbon
blender for 30 minutes to yield 114 kg of a calcium-enriched organic
fertilizer in the slurry
form. Subsequently, a pure COZ gas diluted to have a concentration of 30 % was
introduced into
the silica-enriched organic fertilizer in a cylindrical batch reactor and the
mixture was agitated
at 60 rpm for 30 minutes for carbonation to yield 121.50 kg of a weak alkaline
calcium-
2~
CA 02413371 2002-12-03
enriched organic fertilizer. The results of the volatilization test for the
malodorous substance of
the composition are presented in Table 4. The volatilization test was
performed in the same
manner as described in Example 7.
[96] Comparative Embodiment 8: Manufacture of weak alkaline functional plant
agent(without using a functionality provider).
(97] 121.80 kg of a weak alkaline functional plant agent was prepared in the
same
manner as described in Embodiment 7.
[98] The weak alkaline functional plant agent prepared in Embodiment 8 and
Comparative Embodiment 8 were subjected to a test for the growth of lettuce to
measure the
growth amount and the calcium content of the lettuce. The results are
presented in Table S.
[99] Table 1. Properties of organic wastes.
unit:
Div. H20 pH Organic Calcium Saline Ref.
matter Matter
Or anic waste84.50 7.70 75.00 1.80 3.57 Ni ht soillfood
waste
Embodiment 81.30 7.70 72.10 1.73 0.05 A itated at 60
1 r m
Comparative 81.30 7.70 72.10 1.73 1.10 Mixed standing
Embodiment
1
[100j Table 2. pH value of calcium-enriched organic fertilizers (carbonation).
Div. Addition of lime Carbonation PH Tem erature
Embodiment 2 10 kg - CaO 30 min. 10.10 33 C
Comparative 10 kg - Cao - 12.64 28 C
Embodiment 2
Embodiment 3 25 kg - Ca0 30 min. 10.20 46 C
Comparative 2S kg - Ca0 - 12.58 33 C
Embodiment 3
Embodiment 4 10 kg - Dol 30 min. 9.81 88 C
Comparative 10 kg - Dol - 12.27 S 1 C
Embodiment 4
Embodiment 5 2S kg - Dol 30 min. 9.90 100 C
Comparative 2S kg - Dol - 12.43 82 C
26
CA 02413371 2002-12-03
Embodiment 5
[101] Table 3. Properties of silica-enriched organic fertilizers.
Div. Addition of Addition Ca0 % Silicic acid
Ca0 of
silicic acid
Embodiment 10 k 30 kg 35.40 8.03
6
Comparative 10 kg - 27.50 1.10
Embodiment
6
[102] Table 4. Results of volatilization test for malodorous substances
Unit:
ppm
Div. NH HZS
Before After After Before After After 2
h dration h dration 2 h dration hydration hours
hours
Embodiment 34 1,340 86 0.46 1.06 0.14
7
Comparative 34 1,340 413 0.46 1.06 0.52
Embodiment
7
(103] Table 5. Results of cultivation test for lettuce using weak alkaline
functional
plant agents.
Div. _ Dry weight Calcium content __ Ref.
Embodiment 700 / 10 weeks 988 m I 100 Functional lant a ents
8
Comparative 550 g/ 10 weeks918 mg/ 100 g Calcium-enriched organic
Embodiment fertilizer
8
[104] Cultivation conditions
(105] After applying a compound fertilizer having a composition of N:P:K =
4:6:2 to
a 2m2- area farm land at a ratio of 100 glm2, the functional plant agent and
the calcium-
27
CA 02413371 2002-12-03
enriched organic fertilizer prepared in Embodiment 8 and Comparative
Embodiment 8 were
applied each in an amount of 100 glm2. After an elapse of 10 days of
germination, 20 elite
plants are selected and grown for 60 days for harvest and analysis.
[106] As described above, the present invention utilizes organic waste
including food
waste, which still remains problematic to the environmental pollution because
of the incomplete
recycling technology in the economical , aspect, in such a manner that the
organic waste is
subjected to desalting, hydration with lime available in a large amount at a
low cost,
sterilization and deodorization, and carbonation to a weak alkaline
fertilizer, and recyclable as
an organic fertilizer or a soil conditioner with additional useful soil
ingredients. Accordingly,
the present invention enables to treat the organic waste including food waste
in an economical
and effective way, contributing to the environmental preservation and the
organic farming. The
present invention also provides a functional plant agent and a plant
functionality promoter for
prevention of damages on mountains and forests from acid rain and application
to special
gardening for high-value garden plants and lawn.
[107] In conclusion, the present invention is considered as a most effective
sound
treatment method for organic waste including food waste that conforms to the
good-circulation
law of the nature and is applicable by anyone in any where.
[108] The forgoing embodiments are merely exemplary and are not to be
construed as
limiting the present invention. The present teachings can be readily applied
to other types of
apparatuses. The description of the present invention is intended to be
illustrative, and not to
limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and
variations will be apparent
to those skilled in the art.
28
