CUSAT Teacher Granted Patent for ‘A Twin Chambered in-vessel Composting Apparatus’

KOCHI:
Dr. M. Anand Assistant Professor, School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology has been granted a patent for the invention entitled “A Twin Chambered in-vessel composting apparatus”.

The present invention is a novel and unique fully automatic composting machine put to process the kitchen waste and turn it into compost on-site in a relatively short time. The concept of in-vessel composting has a great scope in India because it is simple to use and install at the backyard; saves lot of space; easy to operate on all weather conditions, and easy handling of the waste.

The whole process is clean and economical, when compared to conventional methods of composting. It is a completely enclosed aerobic composting system that suits the processing of biodegradable wastes hygienically and environment friendly manner. This in- vessel composting technology offers low operating costs due to low energy consumption, maintenance and labour costs; it has a small footprint and offers great flexibility as its modular design allows it to be easily modified.

Optional solar power source can be hooked up to this system for independent operation. The invention is susceptible to many variations, including scaling for capacity, in so long as process parameters and control logic are maintained. The system is designed especially for the regional settings in Kerala based on the principles of sustainability, aesthetics, social, environmental and institutional aspects.