Aeration experiments for swine waste composting

✍ Scribed by A.K. Lau; K.V. Lo; P.H. Liao; J.C. Yu

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1992
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 691 KB
• Volume: 41
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0960-8524
• DOI: 10.1016/0960-8524(92)90185-z

✦ Synopsis

A study was undertaken to investigate aeration in the composting of swine manure. Three sets of aeration experiments were conducted to determine the optimum aeration rate. Both continuous and intermittent modes of aeration were tested. Temperature was monitored as the most important indicator of the efficiency and effectiveness of the composting process. Physical and chemical characteristics (moisture content, percent weight loss, total nitrogen, C:N ratio and pH) of compost were also determined. In all experiments except for continuous aeration with rates of 1"0 and 2"0 I/min kg volatile matter, a temperature of 55°C was reached within 2 days and remained above this level for 4-7 days, thus satisfying the regulatory requirements for a PFRP (Process to Further Reduce Pathogens). The results indicated that the temperature of the compost pile was controlled by the aeration rate in combination with the frequency and the duration of aeration. It is recommended that an aeration rate of 0"04-0"08 l/min kg volatile matter and an intermittent mode of aeration shouM be adopted for swine manure composting.