DEVICE FOR PROLONGING THE STORAGE OF ORGANIC WASTE

Abstract

The device is formed by an external container (1) of strong airtight material and a second smaller inner container (3) storing the waste bag (4). The outer container (1) is equipped with an air-tight lid (8), an air suction pump (7) and a compensation pressure valve (10) to allow an easy opening of the lid (8).

Claims

1. A device to prolong the storage of domestic organic waste equipped with a first container (1), the device being provided with a second container (3) of hard material and smaller than the first container and a coverage (8); said device being provided with a first lower component (6) and a second upper component (8). said second component (8) being concave and accommodating an air suction pump (7) that can create a pressure between 0.15 and 0.75 bar in said first container (1),

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the second component (6) is provided with a valve (5); said valve (5) can maintain the depressurization caused by the air suction pump (7).

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the second component (8) is provided with a valve (10); said valve (10) being able to re-establish atmospheric pressure inside the container (1).

4. A device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one seal (2).

5. A device according to claim 1, wherein the air suction pump (7) is powered by domestic electricity.

6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the air suction pump(7) is powered by a photovoltaic system (9).

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] The invention disclosed in the present patent application is depicted in FIGS. 1, 2a and 2b attached hereto, where:

[0055] 1first container

[0056] 2seal

[0057] 3second container

[0058] 4biodegradable bag

[0059] 5valves

[0060] 6first component of the coverage assembly 8

[0061] 7suction pump

[0062] 8coverage assembly

[0063] 8second component of the coverage assembly

[0064] 9photovoltaic panel

[0065] 10manually operated compensation valve

[0066] The invention disclosed in the present patent application proposes the use of the usual bin which has a first, container 1 for storing organic waste by allowing a delay of its deterioration thanks to a partial depressurization process of the inside volume.

[0067] The function of the internal container is to accomodate, contain and hold a biodegradable bag.

[0068] Therefore the depressurization takes place within the first container, which contains the second one, and the bag avoiding a pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the bag

[0069] In street bins it's the second container to be used for mechanical dumping.

[0070] The second container doesn't have the lid and the electrical equipment, it's lighter, not delicate and therefore suitable for a mechanized emptying process, for washing and sanitasing.

[0071] The length of preservation time of organic matter in a container depends on: [0072] the combination of both internal temperature and internal pressure [0073] the type of organic matter (differing in water content).

[0074] Organic matter deterioration causes changes to the molecular structure. Consequently water based liquid components leach out and are known as leachate. These components sink to the bottom of the waste bag generating bad odours due to putrefaction and causing the breakdown of the biodegradable bags due to prolonged contact between the bag and the liquid.

[0075] The invention disclosed in the present patent application aims to reduce the generation of leachate as much as possible through a process of partial removal of the air from inside the container.

[0076] In this way, by eliminating or reducing the amount of oxygen from inside the bin, thanks to an air suction pump, the oxidation process and therefore deterioration of organic matter are extremely slowed down. Consequently, the production of leachate is extremely reduced, its formation postponed

[0077] Users benefit from the additional time between drops as a result of the delay in leachate development.

[0078] In particular, during the warm season or in warm climate countries, the combination of climate conditions (higher air temperature and moisture) and composition of the organic waste (a higher water content due to a higher quantity of fruit and vegetables) exacerbates the problem because of bad odors, insect larvae and other inconveniences due to leakage of waste liquid from the garbage bags. This requires thorough washing of the containers after each delivery.

[0079] The invention disclosed in the present patent application is thus composed of a first container (1) and a second container (3) of hard material, smaller than the first container (1) resulting completely contained within the container (1) said container (3) accomodating a biodegradable waste bag (4); a coverage (8) which in turn is formed by a first component (6) and a second component (8) concave adapted to create a container for accomodating the air suction pump (7). In the coverage system (6 and 8) the lower component (6) is also provided with appropriate valves (5) and openings to allow and maintain depressurization inside the first container (1).

[0080] The activation of the air suction pump (7) creates depressurization in the first and second container(1, 3) that can vary between 0.15 and 0.75 bar; the seal (2) will allow to maintain the degree of depressurization created in the first container (1). Depressurization inside the first container (1) that accommodates the second container (3) causes a reduction of the presence and relative partial oxygen pressure present in the system first/second container (1, 3) itself thus slowing the process of deterioration of organic waste contained therein.

[0081] It is also known that lowering the atmospheric pressure in a watertight container causes the lowering of the boiling point of the liquids contained in it. In conditions of sufficiently high temperature, such as summer temperatures or sufficient exposure, to sunlight, (eg 0.2 bar and 60 degrees C.), the principle described for the device disclosed in the present patent application permits a partial evaporation of the water thus obtaining partial dehydration of the waste.

[0082] The invention disclosed in the present patent application differs from the ones above described (state of the art) for: [0083] the suction device allows the partial air suction avoiding total vacuum; [0084] the air suction mode controlled through an automatic on-off ignition system regulated by a pressure sensor. The air suction pump is reactivated whenever the container is opened to be filled until completely filled up; [0085] as a direct consequence the possibility of opening and closing the container at each needed filling of organic waste; [0086] the possibility of prolonging the conservation of organic waste even during continuous filling with new waste; [0087] the possibility of applying the system also to street dumpsters or rubbish skips that are continuously filled with garbage bags

[0088] In addition the first container (1) is made out of suitable material and properly shaped to contrast the crushing induced by depressurization that will be created in it when the air suction pump (7) is activated.

[0089] The coverage assembly (8) is also equipped with a manually or electrically operated valve (10) which, at the opening, allows to re-establish the atmospheric pressure inside the first container (1) to allow the removal of the entire coverage assembly(8). The air suction pump (7) can be operated electrically or manually.

[0090] In the case of electrical operation measuring and control devices intended for the management of the operation may be provided.

[0091] When necessary the power can be supplied by a photovoltaic panel (9) or by an internal or external power supply.

[0092] The air suction pump (7) is powered by electrical energy that can come from a city supplier or from a photovoltaic panel applied to the container.

[0093] Any gases generated within, due to decomposition of organic matter will be removed by the air suction pump (7) which acts under the control of appropriate sensors for measuring the pressure inside the bin. Said sensors also allow the pump to stop once the inside pressure level, established to reduce electricity consumption and lengthen the operating life of the pump itself, is reached.

[0094] Containers of appropriate size equipped with what has previously been described in addition to being potentially equipped with photovoltaic panels for the power supply of the air suction pump (7), may be provided with an airtight compensation opening to allow maintenance of the internal depressurization during the filling of the bin. The pump will be automatically activated in order to compensate for any reduction in the internal depression due to the action of the loading mechanism.