The compost in each subdivision is finished in 8-10 weeks including curing and finishing time. No turning or agitation of the materials occurs once the pile is formed. yes i am going into the worm business, and yes i am building an asp system. Once you understand what each part of the system does, its operation is quite intuitive. Utilizing 7 aerated static pile composting bays, the objective will be to compost and reuse 100% of the organic yard waste generated onsite to produce a high quality, nutrient rich product that can go directly back into our gardens as a soil amendment. However, aerated static pile composting requires MSW Collection Transfer Transport Treatment The systems of aeration control currently available for "Aerated Static Pile" composting are reviewed. These systems are fixed rate, variable rate and automated rate of aeration control. Aerated static pile composting does not require turning, so it is not as physically demanding as traditional composting for individuals. If you are really wanting to geek out on airflow calculations, then see this article. In large-scale systems, forced aeration is accompanied with a computerized monitoring system responsible for controlling the rate and schedule of air delivery to the composting mass, although meters and manual monitoring techniques may also be used in smaller scale operations. The manifold is the piping that takes the air from your blower to the pile and will often have several points at which it branches for the purpose of feeding several bins. Efficient design of the piping system is critical for even distribution of air in a compost pile. Because the oxygen is more or less involved in the composting process, it is also called aerated static pile composting or aerobic static composting. The air passes through the plenum layer, diffusing it to the entire pile. I adjusted it to 3 minutes on, 30 minutes off before actually re-reading O2s instructions which suggest 30seconds on, 30 minutes off. Air enters the mixture through a series of pipes and loosely piled bulking agents. 122K subscribers Static aerated composting (aka an aerated static compost pile or ASP) is a system by which the composter does not need to turn the compost, but rather uses pipes. The process decreases the composting . So while learning about ASP composting was necessary to help market the CFT,actually doing the composting was important to operating it effectively. Lasaridi, E.I. asp will fix that . Keep up with the great posts, Awsome Barry. I chose the 3-bin option and with the help and guidance of my employee Mark, a retired engineer, we dug the initial trenches for the underground manifolds and poured the footers for the ASP walls. My cost was of course higher than that, but this was the O2 Compost part of it! This is a tricky problem. GMT has over 20 years of experience designing ASP controls and aeration systems and is available to help you build a successful ASP system. Participants will learn more about the composting, construction, demolition, and inert recycling process . Its not very green; its actually costing more energy to process the compost. Compost Covers Covered Aerated Static Pile Composting (CASP) Micropore compost covers are specifically designed for the aerated static pile (ASP) composting technology having the right porosity (7-12 cfm/yd 2 average) to closely match the oxygen demand characteristics of the organic feedstock material. Those are expensive and designed to take work out of the worms, or to keep you from getting your hands dirty. In this article, were going to look at the different temperatures, and talk about finding the perfect. ECS applies composting science and best engineering practices to our equipment designs to facilitate process control and enable our customers to achieve low odor operations. Should I keep the pile of manure at 150 degrees or so for about three days then feed it to my worms? It can be a pretty concerning sight, especially with a large, Introduction Temperature matters a surprising amount when it comes to getting your compost heap operating efficiently, but a lot of people arent sure how hot is too hot, or whether their heap still breaks down when its cold. Because of the decreased compost cycle time, an ASP can be a space-efficient way to compost large volumes of waste fairly quickly. I hate sending to land fill. (May, 2008). Meeting the temperature requirements in our permits and for use on organic farms will only take 3 days at 131 F with ASP, which . The Aerated Static Pile is a modular composting technology for biological stabilisation of municipal organic waste under a controlled environment. It is designed to achieve regulatory compliance; offers operators a broad range of process options; and provides each pile/zone with independent and automatic control for achieving process goals. Aerated static piles require less maintenance than Windrow composting. Vermicomposting is a wonderful way to mitigate our impact on the waste stream. Channeled concrete floor of a composting pad for perforated piping that delivers oxygen to the composting mass, List of solid waste treatment technologies, Edmonton, AB, Canada Co-composting facility, Agricultural and Food Processing Wastes Composting In Thailand by Aerated Static Pile System, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aerated_static_pile_composting&oldid=1125851099, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 6 December 2022, at 05:53. I had enough space for two large bins or three smaller ones. On a small scale, whatever floats your boat, I guess. Aerated static pile composting produces compost relatively quickly (within three to six months). ASP or Aerated Static Pile composting is an . Materials produced can be used to Build Healthy Soils and a healthy ecological environment in a variety of ways. And it can do it in colder climates that might not be as conducive to year-round composting. ASP's are simple because they don't require turning and require less than half the area of turned windrows. I have been looking to recycle hot compost dog poop for viable worm food. Aerated static piles (ASP) offer process control for rapid biodegradation, and work well for facilities processing wet materials and large volumes of feedstocks. Composting organic waste is a simple and effective method to maximize positive environmental . Hi Steve, Im new to all this composting stuff but you mentioned to run the timer 30 seconds on and 30 mins off. Composting is a great way to help the environment and produce richly fertilized soil. While we were on the right track in installing the inline fan, we made two mistakes: we installed the fan too close to the ASP and we did not have a way to catch the condensate that formed inside the exhaust manifold. Way beyond my ability though! Composting is or at least should be an aerobic process. 4220 24th Avenue West . ECS CompTroller is an automated aeration control and monitoring system that is operating at all ECS compost installations. It can withstand hot compost piles and it has Bluetooth capability. To aerate the pile, layers of loosely piled bulking agents such as wood chips, shredded newspaper are added so that air can pass from the bottom to the top of the pile. The design can be used for over 500 kg of organic waste, with minimal leachate, to produce a soil enhancer for agricultural fields, gardens, and/or forest land. Motorized dampers control airflow and direction to each pile. Even many of the larger commercial worm farms in the US use windrows (long piles) turned by a compost turner in order to perform pre-composting, which is the preparation of organic waste by incompletely composting material. But because I have had a few clients come visit Urban Worm HQ, I want to showcase what an ASP can do in terms of waste management. perforated plastic pipe laid inside a 0.3-m (1-ft) plenum of wood chips. Reasoning: The monitoring, the timer, the blower; all these things require energy. Steve. -shortens the required retention time Thankfully, we have been monitoring temperatures daily and were able to detect the collapse in temperature and add more water quickly. This type of biodegradation system utilizes perforated piping to allow controlled aeration. In fact, I offer ASP as a complement to vermicomposting, especially at larger scales, which I made pretty clear with the statement In the context of vermicomposting, home vermicomposters do not need an aerated static pile in order to produce food for their worm bin.. I feed them all kinds of crap and collect leaves during the fall for their bedding, and disperse it over the year. A week after this modification, so far so good! This energy is going to cause a boost in energy expenditure, not just in the materials to buy, but to run the thing. Placing an ASP indoors came with challengesand we expected them! Advantages such as a means of . With that in mind, lets look at a compost temperature to kill pathogens ( Temp guide lines). i have and waste lots of pig poop. Air is extracted via 4-in inline fan. -speeds up the process Our below-grade Low Friction Trench and Sparger pipe aeration floor collect condensate/leachate, are plug-resistant, and are designed with ease of construction and maintenance in mind. 5350 McDonald Avenue NE Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 Job Description. But electricity is not necessary for worms, neither is light. In my case, because my system is indoors, I have an exhaust fan with adjustable speed and was finding that I was likely drawing too much heat away from my ASPs so I slowed down the fan speed and saw a temperature increase within 6-12 hours. a biofiltration layer, often comprised of mulch, compost, or even very expensive Gore covers. Resources to learn about PFAS an their impact on compost. The probe is meant more to be an air probe although temperature is temperature and it works just fine for us. ASP is a hot composting method that uses the purposeful movement of air through waste materials to make them compost rapidly, even in a small space. This includes all manner of organic waste and food waste that is high in nitrogen. Learn more below, or contact us to schedule a visit and 'smell the difference'. Aerated Static Pile or ASP systems have been the standard for providing aeration to active compost piles for over 40 years. These systems are fixed rate, variable rate and automated rate of aeration control. It is a good idea to feed the material afterwards to the worms. This would be better on a large scale, however, again, its not green. In an ASP operated using negative pressure, the air itself is often pumped into a biolayer as seen in the graphic below. We are seeking a candidate with experience managing all aspects of composting operations including daily processing of material, supervision of employees, maintaining safety standards, compliance with government regulations, and the sales/marketing of end products. This method is used in countries with a lot of rainfall, where it is difficult to get an aerobic compost pile going. The blended admixture is usually placed on perforated piping, providing air circulation for controlled aeration . Too much aeration over-cools the pile and slows the process down. It is inherently simple but readily accommodates more sophisticated techniques when warranted. They are in Colorado. This is the author's latest innovation, using a bouncy house fan connected to the manifold with an innertube to provide airflow under the compost pile. Why Are Eggshells Microwaved Before Composting? Hey Niels, I dont know offhand, but Ill check and post here! I like and understand the minimalist approach to worm composting. Aerated Static Piles (ASP) are a simple and efficient way to compost challenging feedstocks like food waste, biosolids and manures. He is simply a joy to work with. Im excited to investigate further. RF TeleProbe Wireless Temperature Probes, Weve Got You Covered: Cover Considerations in Aerated Static Pile Compost Systems, Goldilocks Design: Build Your Composting Facility Just Right to Maximize Return on Investment, Excellent volatile organic compound (VOC), greenhouse gas (GHG), and odor control using site-built biofilters, Ability to process feedstocks at irregular loading rates, Discrete piles, or space efficient mass-bed or bunker wall configurations, Compact site footprint which minimizes contact water impact, Automated controls to record temperatures for regulatory compliance. ASP piles are easily monitored and the process can be managed by adjusting the blower timing to meet the needs of the large-scale vermicomposter. Figure 7.5 shows an aerated static pile process of composting. Step 4: Add greens and browns. What is aerated static pile composting, you may ask. At Barr-Tech, we employ Engineered Compost System's (ECS) aerated static pile (asp) composting system. The CompDACS controller for PC interfaces and the WebMACS system for browser access from any web enabled device. The distance of the fan allows the hot vapor to cool and become liquid, while the tee is effective in trapping the moisture before it can pool in the fan. Aerated static pile composting technology is a simple technology compared to in-vessel composting. What is aerated static pile composting, you may ask. Our systems feature dynamically controlled aeration with a wide range of air delivery rates required to keep oxygen and temperature at Best Measurement Practice levels throughout the pile. Horse manure takes a long time to decompose because it is usually mixed with bedding materials such as shavings, giving it a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of around 75:1. Therefore, the investment cost of aerated static pile composting is lower, especially in the case of HCMC where land is free of charge. Worms and dirt go hand in hand, or slimy long body in hand. And in order to produce a consistent feedstock for my CFT, I knew I needed a manageable way to produce compost from a consistent source, in this case, horse manure from a nearby stable. Aerated static pile (ASP) composting refers to any of a number of systems used to biodegrade organic material without physical manipulation during primary composting. See some of our example projects below that use different ECS tools to meet customer Product Maturity goals. The purchase also gets you lifetime customer support from Peter! fantastic, rigorous article! Compost materials are piled on top of ridged or flexible perforated pipes. We develop large compost facility projects including in-floor aeration, Turned Aerated Piles TAP, Aerated Static Piles ASP, and in . Call or email us to get started. O2Compost specializes in assisting owners of existing turned windrow operations to convert over to Aerated Static Pile Composting. However I live in an urban area (houses are touching each other) and was concerned about the noise generated by the blower, especially at night. It may be in windrows, open or covered, or in closed containers. Learn about the different compost cover options and how they impact compost performance. In the most basic terms, an aerated static pile has 5 components: The blower and timer I received from O2 Compost is a simple bounce house blower and an analog cycle timer with simple dials to allow you to control the on/off cycle to your liking. The Web's #1 Resource for Vermicomposting Information. Aerated Static Pile Composting In-Vessel Composting Learn more about the types of composting and the composting process (link leaves DEC's website). We want to learn more about your project goals. Well see! It is easily scalable in both size and technology ( Table 6.1 ). gauge. The aerated static pile is the simplest and most cost effective approach to composting large volumes of organic waste materials and providing the requisite environmental controls for . The pile is covered with a fabric which is impermeable to water. Posted: over a month ago. Cheers! We are seeking a candidate with experience managing all aspects of composting operations including daily processing of material . Fill out one of the forms below to give us more information on your compost site. Fortunately, ECS has developed some cold weather techniques to facilitate semi-optimized process conditions even during harsh winters. Owned by composting rock star Peter Moon, O2 Compost designs small scale systems like mine and massive systems used by my friend Francisco Niembro, who affectionately refers to Peter as Pedro Luna.. The compost in each subdivision is finished in 8-10 weeks including curing and finishing time. Would like to see if you have info on the amount of airflow needed for a given volume of compost. HOW DO YOU DESIGN AN ASP SYSTEM? Aerated static piles offer process control for rapid biodegradation, and work well for facilities processing wet materials and large volumes of feedstocks. The intangible part of the deal is lifetime support from Peter. Static pile composting is a number of systems to biodegrade organic material without physical manipulation during primary composting. Pre-composting kills pathogens, releases heat, and reduces volume like normal composting. In recent years, smaller scale in-vessel composting has been advanced. I was likely drying out the compost with excessive airflow. GMT also offers below grade piping systems that substantially reduce the labor associated with setting up each pile. The piping is connected to fans that circulate oxygen through the pile. Steve. This is particularly important if you compost meat or animal feces. It may be in windrows, open or covered, or in closed containers. A top resource for ASP plans, training, and equipment especially for the small operator is O2 Compost, in Snohomish, WA. So at the very least,learningabout composting was an imperative. Aerated static piles have been used for centuries by farmers to create compost for their crops. The main disadvantages of composting are the following: Windrow and aerated static pile composting require relatively large areas, and odor control is a common problem. The best compost, however, is worm poo. It is best to buy the pipes with holes instead of wasting the time drilling holes yourself. I also like to grow roses, herbs, and other things. For the average composter, this ASP system is highly unrealistic. As the compost process begins, temperatures quickly climb over a period of about one week, rising to 150-160F, as long as the moisture level is correct. Our systems feature dynamically controlled aeration with a wide range of air delivery rates required to keep oxygen and temperature at Best Measurement Practice levels throughout the pile. Covered and Aerated Compost Systems Covering compost piles with breathable fabrics can help reduce water needs during hot, dry weather, and may help avoid soggy, anaerobic piles during periods of heavy rain. Aerated Static Pile Composting. If your inline fan was at the exhaust from the CFT row cover- what would that do for/against the overall dynamic? As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Because of the decreased compost cycle time, an ASP can be a space-efficient way to compost large volumes of waste fairly quickly. We have the expertise and agility to build, own or operate alternative waste treatment facilities in Australia. There is envirwag that is doing a turning system in a cement mixer that I just discovered. Like any pet, it can take some getting used to how to properly care for them. The Worm-Free Way to Compost in Your Apartment, Composting Schedule and Time Frame (When Should You Start?). Soyour high-nitrogen waste still needs a carbon source like wood chips, wood pellets, etc to raise the C:N in order to be composted effectively. And what volume of compost thats good for. The piping is connected to fans that circulate oxygen through the pile. There are 3 main types of composting:Aerobic Aerobic composting uses air to facilitate composting. We patented this and the Radial Aerated Static Pile in 2017. Solution forced air into the bins. Alternate between layers of greens and browns, ensuring your scraps are covered well by browns to not attract pests | Learn More > Step 5: Maintain your pile. Hi Dan, Sorry for the late response. Now, you may have put a lot into your worms in the beginning. The CompTroller is remotely accessible via the web and is flexible, robust, and keeps your data safe. How about investing in a small PHoto voltaic panel to covert solar to electric to power your ASP, etc. This caused condensate to form inside the manifold and collect in the fan section, which would have severely shortened the life of our fan. A large-scale operation with a multi-pile system can cost upwards of $100,000. Great article. For a multi-bin or pile system, you will need some fairly expensive on/off ball valves to prevent expending airflow on piles that dont need it at the time. The air is delivered on a preset schedule that can be tweaked according to the wishes of the operator, but a typical cycle is 30 seconds on, 30 minutes off. The separated solids are stacked for transfer to our static pile aerated composting shed. To aerate the pile, layers of loosely piled bulking agents (e.g., wood chips, shredded newspaper) are added so that air can pass from the bottom to the top of the pile. For the front of the bins, I wanted a strong, but attractive face of the ASP, so using a 14 lumber sandwiched between 28 lumber, we were able to create a cavity in which to slide composite Trex slats repurposed from a patio renovation to finish out the front of the ASP. First cover the pipe with some wood chips to distribute air and then carefully build a well mixed and watered compost pile six to ten feet deep and then cap it with a layer of old compost or wood chips to insulate and remove odors from the surface. But if managing large amounts of waste is the goal and it sounds like its not for you then either traditional or ASP composting has to be part of the equation. If youve got a large project in mind and a large budget then Green Mountain may be for you! Hi Ben, I paid $795 for the plans which came with the blower, the timer, some of the needed manifold parts, a really good booklet about ASP. Because I live in suburban Philadelphia in Zone 7A, producing consistent output in the winter was going to be difficult. Also, do you find that you need to add additional ingredients/supplements to improve the compost quality? If youve recently built a compost heap and youve seen clouds of white droplets rolling off it, you might be panicking, and wondering whether youve done something wrong, or if this is dangerous. Advantages of this composting method include the ability to maintain the proper moisture and oxygen levels for the microbial populations to operate at peak efficiency to reduce pathogens, while preventing excess heat, which can crash the system. Who has killed many goldfish by throwing them in a bowl and feeding them flakes? Cheers! Compost materials are piled on top of ridged or flexible perforated pipes. Aerated static pile composting is good for colder climates where you might not otherwise be able to do year-round outdoor composting. Reasoning: My worm bin is six pallets tied together with zip ties. Do you have any comments, observations or recommendations about the noise level and how to dampen it? Forcing air into the compost pile increases aeration, therefore decreasing odors and decreasing the pile turning frequency. But I still struggle to keep the condensation from pooling inside the fan which could reduce its lifespan. And the air typically delivered by perforated pipe or pipes at the bottom of the pile keeps the pile oxygenated which expedites the normal composting process. One of the most economical, time-saving composting syles is aerated static pile composting. Thanks Steve! The compost in each subdivision is finished in 8-10 weeks including curing and finishing time. Especially poo from herbivores that then becomes worm poo. Compost produced through the ASP system was similar in quality and maturity to the product from normally managed windrows after 30 days. Aerated static pile (ASP) composting, using negative aeration and simple timer motor controls, was developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in the 1970s in support of exploring the beneficial uses of sewage sludge. So we know the excessive aeration likely dried out the compost, and we may not have started with enough added water in the first place, but we needed to fix the moisture and fast! I purchased $40 of mixed earthworms and red wigglers to throw into my new home for them. Compost feeds the soil. So again on Peters recommendation, I opted to install my aerated static pile composting system indoors in a horse stall in the first floor of my barn, which is conveniently adjacent to my CFT. There are several clear benefits of aerated static pile composting: When compared to other composting techniques, ASP has its disadvantages as well: Surprisingly, only a few supplies are needed to build a simple ASP composter, and these same components are found in systems of any size. Cheers! In the blower timing section above you show a photo of a digital temperature (and moisture?) Components of aerated static pile compost : Blower Manifold Air plenum layer Active layer Biofiltration layer Blower: an electric blower (or timer) helps in inducing airflow into the compost pile by triggering the blower fan. Can you share any thoughts on this unit like what it is, if you are happy with it, does it log readings that are downloadable, etc. Aerated static pile composting uses airflow to reduce the time it takes to compost large amounts of waste and lessening unpleasant odors. Aerated static pile composting produces compost relatively quickly (within three to six months). After eagerly waiting for the aerated pile to cool down, we finally excavated it to an adjacent space for another round of heating before it can be screened . I have a small set up with 50L bins and use small 12v air pumps for each bin. The manure solids are moved a static-pile composting bay where they will cure for 60 days. I own a small company collecting poop about 30 tons a year. Ok thanks kevin m new jersey. All Rights Reserved. Whether you are looking for an option to recycle your organic waste or you simply want to improve the conditions of your existing compost pile, you may want to consider aerated static pile composting. Yet I just built my own ASP. And if you mix any tips on doing that without killing yourself? The wood chips facilitate even distribution of air during composting and absorb moisture that may condense and drain from the pile. Manifold: a pipe or chamber that has several openings to allow air/liquids to pass through it is known as manifold. Rigid or flexible perforated piping, connected to fans, delivers the air. In the context of vermicomposting, home vermicomposters do not need an aerated static pile in order to produce food for their worm bin. So I opted to enclose my bins and rig up flexible dryer ducting to a PVC manifold which uses a sweet little 4-in inline ducted fan made by Cloudline in order to extract the heat and moisture generated by my system and push it outdoors. Solutions focused on highly mature final compost. SG's aerated static pile design has lower energy consumption compared to negative aeration, reverse aeration and timed positive aired systems. Read the full report PDF . At the heart of Western Composting Technology (WCT) is the Geelong-based Dickens family . Stentiford, 1998 This book has been an incredible resource for learning more about aerated static pile composting. The piles also can be placed over a network of pipes that produces airflow in and out of the pile using air blowers that can be activated by a timer or temperature sensors. Napa organics undergo an aerated static pile compost process. The blower provides direct control of the process and allows larger piles. Damper position is automatically set by the control system. phone: (201) 848-9699 | lincolnlandscape@gmail.com. Compared to traditional backyard composting, ASP composting is a little more expensive. (Note: The ASP I am operating is not large-scale. In fact, its tiny. The ASP concept is simple: Place perforated pipes on the ground that are connected to a blower to push (positive) or pull (negative) air through the compost. Aerated static pile composting is an effective method to accelerate and manage the composting process with much lower risk of foul odors. The aeration grid is usually made of 100- to 150-mm (4- to 6-in.) HOW DO YOU CONTROL THE PROCESS? Stuff, I mean tomatoes, potatoes, vegetables, and other things that are tasty and good to eat. Aerated Static Pile or ASP systems have been the standard for providing aeration to active compost piles for over 40 years. Our designs focus on optimizing process control, which thereby: Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn. We built up the bin walls using cinder block and mortar, ultimately capping the top with 28 treated lumber. Great article. In aerated static pile composting, organic waste mixed in a large pile. For anyone who is operating at the community composter level and below, this blower/timer combo is likely to be sufficient. Using aerated static pile composting is a way of biodegrading waste. Seattle, Washington 98199. Aerobic composting is the process of facilitating the process of organic decomposition by using oxygen. I started a single bin with a 6 minutes on, 60 minutes off schedule, which was way too long to run the blower. ECS strives to understand our customers target markets and stability goals to help us develop correctly sized systems. But if you have more questions than answers about composting, we can help. And I can tell youre passionate for the worms. Cost is one of the main factors in determining the type of compost system that is right for you or whether you want to begin composting in the first place. The active layer is comprised of whatever material youre planning to compost, whether its high-nitrogen food waste, manures, or other organic waste. Required fields are marked *, Aerated Static Pile Composting: An Introduction to ASP. More traditional windrow or static pile compost methods by comparison may stall in cold winter temperatures. Aerated static pile composting is a form of thermophilic composting accelerated and managed through the pushing (positive pressure) or pulling (negative pressure) of air through the composting pile. The following components are needed for a home or industrial aerated static composting pile system: Anything you would add to a backyard compost bin can be added to an ASP composting system. Thanks for the advice I will put put it to good use. Hi Steve, What materials do you compost in your ASP system? This article is an introduction to aerated static pile composting and will discuss: And well close out with a description of my own custom ASP system at the Urban Worm Company and my own first couple weeks of operation before pointing you towards some helpful resources for learning more about aerated static pile composting. Types of Waste and Waste Generators: Aerated static piles are suitable for a relatively homogenous mix of organic waste and work well for larger quantity generators of yard trimmings and compostable municipal solid waste (e.g., food scraps, paper products), which might include local governments, landscapers, or farms. It is concluded that only the automated aeration system can actually cater for the dynamic nature of the composting process. These operations tend to be larger and more advanced. 3 days at 150 might be enough to kill the pathogens that are in the hot part of the pile, but that time period does not ensure that the material wont heat up on the worms. The composting materials are piled on a wood chip base with perforated PVC pipe running through the base and a 1 HP air pump which works for 1-2 minutes every hour. It is suitable for a relatively homogenous mix of organic waste and work well for larger quantity generators of yard trimmings and compostable municipal solid waste (e.g., food scraps, paper products), such as local governments, landscapers, or farms. On Peters recommendation, I purchased the plans, blower, and some manifold parts for the Micro-Bin. The pile is covered with a fabric which is impermeable to water. The Aerated Static Pile (ASP) is the simplest and least cost approach to composting large volumes of organic waste materials. can handle wetter compost than traditional composting, can compost large amounts of compost in a small area, easy to maintain moisture and oxygen levels, and, therefore, the temperature of compost, dry out faster than other compost methods and require careful monitoring, requires extra materials (finished compost, compost fleece, or mulch). Skip to content. Learn more here. Am trying to set up a system for myself. That was a very informative article Steve ! This method is not efficient enough to compose animal byproducts or greases. Hey Robert! While not a problem in an open-air environment, releasing hot vapor into a wooden barn could spell disaster for the structure in the long run. But validating aerated static pile composting as a method to prepare waste for the CFT was a must.). ASP facilities can be under roof or outdoor windrow composting operations, or totally enclosed in-vessel composting, sometimes referred to tunnel composting. ASP composting still requires the Carbon-to-Nitrogen ratio (C:N) of conventional thermophilic composting, right around 25-30:1. There are four types of aerobic composting: Aerated Static Pile, In-Vessel, Aerated Turned Windrow, and Vermicomposting. Once our team has received your request, we will start working on your custom composting solution. The ASP concept is simple: Place perforated pipes on the ground that are connected to a blower to push (positive) or pull (negative) air through the compost. First, youll need to decide on the type of composting that will work for you. On the suggestion of Michigan SoilWorks owner Dan Lonowski, we moved the fan farther away from the ASP and placed a PVC tee upstream of the fan with a narrow drain tube to carry the condensate away. Then again, Im going to stand up for worms. Ambient temperatures and weather conditions influence windrow and aerated static pile composting. I only get bigger and poop amounts increase. Just as a data point, could you share what the cost of the plans were from O2? We work closely with the owner / site civil engineer to develop comprehensive designs for both pipeongrade systems and aeration trench systems. It is concluded that only the automated aeration system can actually cater for the dynamic nature of the composting process. Table 6.1. The same blower control and manure sensory system used for the aerated static composting bins is also utilized with the large pile setup. Aerated Static Pile (ASP for short) is a means of composting naturally occurring materials rapidly by introducing air flow to the compost pile. [2] The process required 30 days to finish without turning, with 10 metric tons of compost (10 piles) obtained each time. Sizing compost systems too big or too small can cripple a projects financial returns. Full-Time. I would enjoy a conversation with you. This series of articles has established that aerated static pile (ASP) composting is increasing in the U.S. composting industry due to the potential for better process and odor control and, when covered, for potential improvements in odor management and storm water runoff quality. I recommend his system so please let him know I sent you! Some aerated static pile composting systems operate on negative pressure, meaning air is sucked through the system. It also maintains the population and diversity of beneficial oxygen-consuming bacteria and has the benefit of controlling the foul odors that anaerobic composting emits. However, aerated systems can dry out quickly and must be monitored closely to maintain desired moisture levels. It expedites the process of decomposition, without having to wait a year or more like you would for anaerobic composting. To prevent this, an air plenum layer, often a simple layer of wood chips, is laid atop the perforated manifold. Also, I treat them to some nice poop, thats free and organic. The parts of course have value, but being able to get in touch with the expert is also very valuable! Very cool. The selection of above grade versus below grade piping has long term impacts on operational efficiency as well as near term capital costs. ECS aerated static pile composting come in positive, negative, and reversing aeration systems; bunker-wall, mass-bed, and in-vessel configurations; and are sized and equipped to best fit your site, feed stocks, and economics. I wondered if you knew what the airflow is for your blower. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. The combined liquids are ready for transfer to the Anaerobic Digester. Vermicomposting This method uses worms to degrade materials. Your email address will not be published. It does not log any information though. i am with steve on this, Hi Steve, I have done a similar set up because of grass seeds going through the worm bins. The raw materials consisted of agricultural wastes and animal manure in the ratio of 3:1 by volume. The pipes can be installed in channels, on top of a floor, or included throughout the pile during buildup. WHAT FEEDSTOCKS COMPOST WELL WITH ASP? GMT offers two blower control systems that automatically regulate the aeration system using temperature feedback. There was no process advantage found for passively aerated static piles over static piles but costs of passive aeration for pipes and labor were higher than for static piles. Green Mountain designed the 27th Ave Composting Facility in Phoenix. However, they are easy to assemble and offer a hands-off option for individuals as well. It can take a year or more, it stinks, and it increases the risk of producing bacteria. It allows the operator to set aeration rates very low (anoxic conditions) if conserving moisture and fan power is the highest process-setting priority; or higher to reduce temperature and increase drying rates. And I assume that this dryness caused my compost to fall below 50% moisture content and cease the composting process as my temperature collapsed to 100F from about 130F in about 2 days time. Air is forced through pipes buried in . ECS offers several different below and above grade aeration floors that distribute air through the biomass and are compatible with loading and unloading using front-end loaders. Aerated static pile composting is an effective method to accelerate and manage the composting process with much lower risk of foul odors. This article outlines how to optimize your investment. All aeration components in contact with the composts corrosive exhaust air-stream are made from stainless steel or polymeric materials. Which is better composting or vermicomposting? Using blowers alongside temperature, moisture, and oxygen monitors to finely tune the composting process, positive CASP systems are ideal for all types of feedstock, including food waste, green waste, biosolids, and source separated organics. This happened about 7 days into the thermophilic heating period which ought to last 21 days or so. Proudly Powered by The Pixel Pantry. The most common configuration is an Aerated Static Pile (ASP), followed by In-Vessel and Aerated Turned Pile (ATP) systems. Our waste treatment technologies include in-vessel (tunnel), windrow and aerated static pile composting, and anaerobic digestion (wet and dry). An aerated static pile is both the simplest and most inexpensive way to compost any large volume of organic material. In my case, there is a single manifold splitting into 3 underground manifolds, each of which can be opened or closed with a shutoff valve. I know I have. Yes, we are definitely going to tinker with that very idea. Youve got two different types of pipes, pvc and metal, 2x4s, 4x4s, plywood, electrical gadgets, and of course the 895 in plans. Join our newsletter to hear periodic updates on compost science and our latest projects. Monitor Aerated Static Pile production system to achieve CDFA compost . Let me know if you can All the best, Niels Corfield, This is a very complicated question because youve got to deal with pressure, length of travel, the number of turns in the pipe which create friction, blower timing, etc. Air is circulated through the compost with either positive or negative air pressure, speeding up compost time by balancing the oxygen and moisture needs of the mixture. WA CC GREENMT852CS Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance, compost with either positive or negative air pressure, speeding up compost time, Active layer The active layer is the compost, Compost begins aerobically composting within the active, This includes all manner of organic waste and food, composting operations use computerized systems to monitor the temperature. Here are some examples where we have helped deliver systems within customer defined budgets. Aeration involves the replacement of oxygen deficient air in a compost pile with fresh air containing oxygen. First, the blower sends air through the manifold. Or the bag in a bag system. However, my 1/4 HP blower is enough to run 3 ASPs simultaneously, granted with different airflow than if I were only running one ASP. A biofiltration, or bio layer is a simple covering of mulch or finished compost surrounding the active core which protects the pile from heat loss and pests. Automatic composters come in a variety of sizes, range from $200 to $700, and have both indoor and outdoor options. A 15-inch squirrel-cage blower was used to force the air through 10 static piles of compost, one at a time, for 15 minute periods twice a day. Aerated static pile The ASP method is a versatile approach to composting. With regard to complexity and cost, aerated systems are most commonly used by larger, professionally managed composting facilities, although the technique may range from very small, simple systems to very large, capital intensive, industrial installations.[1]. Tumbler composters are another way to achieve this. GMT has found that ASP works well with homogeneous materials like biosolids and organic sludges, food processing wastes, and manure lagoon solids or digested food and yard debris. Mid Valley Disposal is currently seeking applications to join our Composting Operations Team as a Compost Operations Manager. Aerated Static Pile (ASP) composting, refers to any of a number of systems used to biodegrade organic material without physical manipulation during primary composting. And 4 Bad Ones, DNA Sequencing for Vermicompost: 23 and Me for Worm Poop, Biochar 101: Your Intro to the Manhattan of Microbes, a blower connected to a timer or to a temperature sensor which triggers the blower fan, a manifold to deliver the air, often with PVC pipe with perforations or holes to allow the air to enter the pile, an active layer, comprised of the base material intended to be composted. The circulation of air helps get oxygen to the aerobic bacteria that break down waste while producing carbon dioxide, heat, water, and humus. If the pressurized columns of air escaping the perforated manifold piping were to come into contact with the active material, you would risk drying out several different pockets of your composting material. Steve, looking at your setup, I would say your startup for that is a lot more. Introduction If you are composting food waste and garden waste, you are probably wondering how you ensure that nothing dangerous survives the composting process. Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority Case Study, 5350 McDonald Avenue NE Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. But hot composting using the aerated static pile method is the most effective means to stabilize large quantities of organic matter, especially in a smaller space. In Thailand this system has been used by 470 farmer groups. The schedule 40 and SDR 45 pipes come either solid or with holes. Once it is in operation, your ASP compost will do its job without any effort from you. 21 days or so? Its outside, hanging out on a raised garden bed. Turning on the blower will cool the compost, removing excess biological heat while adding oxygen to the pile. It can be combined with aerobic composting to speed up the process even more. Do you mix the grain and woodchips together or layer the two? We use a mix of technology and operational procedures to optimize process control and stabilization rates. Negative pressure, where air is pulled through the compost rather than pushed, is primarily used in larger operations. See some of our cold weather deployments below, and contact us to learn more. Aerated systems are normally found in large-scale operations, including farms and composting facilities. Static pile systems require less energy but more time than windrow turned systems. For around $200, you can purchase everything youd need to set up your own ASP composting system at home. You can rely on ECSaerated static pile (ASP) compost systems to be an efficient tool to control odors and make great compost. then that would be green! 800.610.7291 It also reduces the escape of any foul odors that may emanate in the crucial first few days of the composting cycle. Livestock and equine farms have seen great success using ASP systems. sales@compostingtechnology.com, TEXT Green Mountain Technologies. SGS use of proprietary remote oxygen and temperature control system technology makes for the most cost-efficient processing. Costs. Aerated static pile (ASP) composting refers to any of a number of systems used to biodegrade organic material without physical manipulation during primary composting.The blended admixture is usually placed on perforated piping, providing air circulation for controlled aeration.It may be in windrows, open or covered, or in closed containers.With regard to complexity and cost, aerated systems . All ASP systems work exactly the same way. The process uses a mix of organic materials placed on perforated piping. ASP piles generally stay in place for about 14 to 28 days until temperatures drop or their moisture levels become so low as to limit effective composting. sweet little 4-in inline ducted fan made by Cloudline, How to Measure Moisture Content in Compost and Vermicompost, Water Content of Fruits and Vegetables: Vermicomposting 101, Complete Guide to Continuous Flow Vermicomposting | Urban Worm Company, Vermicomposting: The Ultimate Guide for the Beginner and Beyond, 5 Good Reasons to Start a Commercial Worm Farm. If were being honest, its not green, expensive, and impractical. Steve. The ASP System is ideally suited for facilities that manage large volumes of livestock manure, yard debris, food scrap waste and other challenging feedstock materials. Aerated systems also facilitate the use of biofilters to treat process air to remove particulates and mitigate odors prior to venting. New York State Regulations Composting operations in New York State are regulated by 6 NYCRR Part 361-3.2 in one of three ways: exempt, registered or permitted. The blended admixture is usually placed on perforated piping, providing air circulation for controlled aeration. But the challenge with an indoor system is the moisture generated by the composting process. The aeration system uses fans to push and/or pull air through the composting mass. I have to say, it wouldnt surprise me if the ambient temperature were kept high enough in the barn due to the ASPs. Me too! I made contact with Peter Moon, who is a rock star in the composting world and has installed projects, large and small, all over the globe. It is suitable for small community-scale operations and very large ones. one thing it will do for me is safely treat pig poop, as i have a piggery. I met the author James McSweeney at a composting conference in New York City and I have to say I think hes the Rain Man of composting! All process air exhausts through an ECS-designed biofilter. Super cool Steve! The Aerated Static Pile (ASP) composting system we would like to trial provides oxygen by pushing air through the compost with a timer controlled fan and aeration manifold beneath the compost (see attached drawings). / 206.319.7102 Its performance was compared with the classical aer ated static pi. At the same time, they are the most energy-efficient aerated static pile system (measured by air-volume delivered/unit of fan energy used) in the industry. Natural aeration occurs when air warmed by the composting process rises through the pile bringing in fresh air from the surroundings. The aerated static pile method takes the piped aeration system a step further, using a blower to supply air to the composting materials. Aerated Compost, also known as Aerated Static Pile Composting, ASP Compost, and Forced Air Compost, is a form of hot composting which requires less maintenance. Various composting types, including windrow system (Chaher et al., 2021), forced aeration composting, aerated static pile (Michel et al., 2022) and in-vessel composting (Pottipati et al., 2022 . For something like that, look into the Kestrel Drop. ASP composting is particularly effective for farms where manure has a tendency to build up. Home; Services. Hi, Thanks for great article. Water savings from the aerated static pile system averaged around 20 percent, and the footprint needed for the ASP system is some 55 percent smaller than that required by windrows. I wanted to enquire about blower noise. Windrow Aerated static pile Rotary drum compost-ing Substrates Waste was chosen for Preferable for more ho- All sorts of waste, but those with reduced mogeneous and con- suitable for readily de-odor emissions, such as sistent waste, and the graded waste . Compost needs to, Introduction Have you ever wondered why compost often seems to steam? The aeration system is designed to conserve energy with variable speed fans, and adaptive control strategies. If left too long, the pile would have dried to the point where I would have had to take it apart and rewet the contents before piling it again in the ASP. Adolescent humor alert: For those of you who are familiar with dutch ovens, the bio layer is the sheet that traps the heat and odor. Just because a hamburger can be made in 5 minutes doesnt mean its the best hamburger you can get. A large factor in this cost is leveling and preparing an area to place the system. Steve, And you definitely need more than 3 days of high temperatures. I would run the system for at least 4-5 weeks *and* until the temperatures start trending downwards. I am not and likely never will be a large-scale vermicomposter. Even if the odor werent an issue, nearby neighbors might not appreciate the hourly blowing of the fan. Steve, Your email address will not be published. But it hasnt come without some lessons learned. Composting and Energy Recovery. I wish I had space for something like that, Hi Steve, Thanks for the article. But you can monitor your ASP system manually or with a simple thermostat. And I didnt offer this as a judgement on whether ASP composting is better than worm composting. The bio layer traps heat and odors and protects the active core from birds, rodents, and other vectors. ASP Seems like it could be an answer. It diffuses the air and delivers a more uniform air flow to the entire pile. Tough call. Our dedication to continuous improvement has led to ASP designs that simplify construction, provide uniform distribution of air, are uniquely effective at controlling leachate, facilitate maintenance, simplify operations, and will run reliably for decades. I was composting turning my bins every week but due to work commitments I was unable to turn them and the bins would become anaerobic. There is something that the worms leave in the process of processing the organic waste that makes it infinitely better for plants to grow. No need for physical labor makes it a good option for large operations such as farms. ASP is a hot composting method that uses the purposeful movement of air through waste materials to make them compost rapidly, even in a small space. Types of Waste and Waste Generators: Aerated static piles are suitable for a relatively homogenous mix of organic waste and work well for larger quantity generators of yard trimmings and compostable municipal solid waste (e.g., food scraps, paper products), which might include local governments, landscapers, or farms. I have monitored and charted temperatures in my aerated bins on many occasions. The major difference between the technologies is the amount of energy and labor required. You can build or buy a compost bin for less than $100, but youll end up putting a lot of work into this system because it will need to be turned every few weeks but monitored daily. The systems of aeration control currently available for "Aerated Static Pile" composting are reviewed. Aerated static pile composting of municipal solid waste (MSW): a comparsion of positive pressure aeration with hybrid positive and negative aeration - A.A. Sesay, K.E. Temperature feedback is the best way to regulate an ASP system. Thanks Stephen! In the end, they bring the beneficial microorganisms and the stability to the compost best regards, david. Many, but not all, cover systems include some form of forced aeration, using pumps to push or pull air through the pile core. The blower provides direct control of the process and allows larger piles. At this point, the pipes are pulled out by a loader and the compost is cured and screened for sale. The aerated static pile method takes the piped aeration system a step further, using a blower to supply air to the composting materials. Aerated static pile composting allows for all types of organic waste to be mixed together into one large pile. The pile is covered with a geo-textile fabric which is impermeable to water. ASP is an aerobic composting technique. If youre interested in a mid-scale composting project or want to start a small composting business, then this book needs to be on your bookshelf! In the aerated static pile method of composting, the poultry litter pile is not turned, and temperatures above 50 C can be maintained for over 290 days (4). Composting is a biological process which slows down when material freezes. Its not *that* loud, but could be loud enough to cause trouble if your neighbors windows are open. Less energy but more time than windrow Turned systems air-stream are made from steel. 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Needs to, Introduction have you ever wondered why compost often seems aerated static pile composting?... Aerated bins on many occasions appreciate the hourly blowing of the system does, operation... Course higher than that, hi Steve, what materials do you that... Push and/or pull air through the pile during buildup sucked through the pile less energy more. Higher than that, but being able to get an aerobic compost pile with air... Further, using a blower to supply air to facilitate semi-optimized process conditions even harsh! Produce food for their worm bin is six pallets tied together with zip ties centuries by to. Pile, in-vessel, aerated static piles require less maintenance than windrow composting operations team as a judgement on ASP... But validating aerated static pile or ASP systems have been the standard for aeration... Systems have been the standard for providing aeration to active compost piles for over 40 years likely... Give us more Information on your compost site ready for transfer to ASPs! A visit and 'smell the difference ' sometimes referred to tunnel composting Introduction have you ever why! Manure at 150 degrees or so context of vermicomposting, home vermicomposters do not need an aerated static bins! Steel or polymeric materials and stabilization rates sized systems the same blower systems.