Abstract

The invention relates to a process of manufacturing a growing medium from an initial material which is a by-product of a composting process and comprises a mixture of oversize biodegradable material and contaminants. The process comprises: removing contaminant objects from the initial material; removing mineral contaminants from the initial material; and subsequently defibrating the remaining material to produce a growing medium.

IPC Classes  ?

• C05F 9/04 - Biological compost
• C05F 17/02 - Apparatus therefor

Abstract

A process for the treatment of plant waste matter to produce growing media is disclosed. The process includes the steps of feeding plant waste matter through an apparatus comprising a pair of counter-rotating, mutually meshing conveying screws disposed within a housing having an inlet and an outlet, each screw having a first portion for conveying the matter in a first longitudinal direction from the inlet towards the outlet and, a second portion for conveying said matter in said opposite direction back towards the first portion. Matter conveyed in opposite directions is temporarily held within the housing and is fiberized before being allowed to pass out of the housing through the outlet. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• C05F 17/02 - Apparatus therefor
• B01F 7/08 - Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a horizontal or inclined axis with helices