CREMERS, Jan (Gildestraat 28, BH Oostrum, Oostrum, NL)
| CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A waste separation apparatus comprising: a floor defining passages therethrough; a conveyor belt system positioned generally beneath the floor and having a first roller that defines an axis of rotation, a second roller and a belt arranged to be guided around the first and second rollers along an upper working path and a lower return path, the belt having opposite lateral sides and a central area intermediate the opposite lateral sides, the opposite lateral sides being positioned substantially transverse to the axis of rotation, wherein the belt slopes away from the floor, from the opposite lateral sides toward the central area and wherein the belt defines apertures proximate to the central area; and a fluid gutter positioned generally beneath the belt and aligned with the apertures, the fluid gutter configured to collect fluid passing through the apertures. 2. The waste separation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the belt comprises a first belt and a second belt running adjacent to each other in parallel. 3. The waste separation apparatus of claim 2 wherein the apertures are defined by overlapping portions of the first and second belt at the central area. 4. The waste separation apparatus of claim 3 wherein the overlapping portions at least partially overhang into the fluid gutter. 5. The waste separation apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a track arranged beneath the belt and having a belt support surface supporting the belt along the working path. 6. The waste separation apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a run-off pipe connected to the fluid gutter. 7. The waste separation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second rollers are arranged at the same elevation. 8. The waste separation apparatus of claim 3 wherein at least one of the first and second rollers includes a reduced diameter portion that accommodates the overlapping portions of the first and second belts. 9. The waste separation apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a bearing rotatably supporting the reduced diameter portion. 10. A waste separation apparatus comprising: a conveyor belt system positioned generally beneath a floor having passages defined therethrough, the conveyor belt system having a first belt and a second belt arranged for parallel movement around a first and a second roller along an upper working path and a lower return path, the first belt being located relative to the second belt such that respective inboard side edges of the first and second belts overlap to define apertures thereat, wherein the first and second belts slope in a direction toward the respective side edges; and a fluid gutter positioned generally beneath the first and second belts and aligned with the apertures, the fluid gutter configured to collect fluid passing through the apertures. 1 1. The waste separation apparatus of claim 10 wherein the first roller defines an axis of rotation and wherein the respective inboard side edges are positioned transverse to the axis of rotation. 12. The waste separation of claim 10 wherein the overlapping portions at least partially overhand into the fluid gutter. 13. The waste separation apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a track arranged beneath the first and second belts and having a belt support surface supporting the first and second belts along the working path. 14. The waste separation apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a run-off pipe connected to the fluid gutter. 15. The waste separation apparatus of claim 10 wherein the first and second rollers are arranged at the same elevation. 16. The waste separation apparatus of claim 10 wherein at least one of the first and second rollers includes a reduced diameter portion that accommodates the overlapping portions of the first and second belts. 17. The waste separation apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a bearing rotatably supporting the reduced diameter portion. 18. A method for separating waste, the method comprising: providing a conveyor belt system having a first belt and a second belt arranged for parallel movement around a first and a second roller along an upper working path and a lower return path, the first belt being located relative to the second belt such that respective inboard side edges of the first and second belts overlap to define apertures thereat, wherein the first and second belts slope in a direction toward the respective side edges; positioning the conveyor belt system generally beneath a floor having passages defined therethrough; and driving the first and second belts around the first and second rollers such that fluid passes through the apertures and collects in a fluid gutter positioned generally beneath the first and second belts. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: directing the first and second belts along a belt support surface that supports the first and second belts along the upper working path. 20. The method of claim 18 wherein driving the first and second belts around the first and second rollers includes driving the first and second belts such that the respective inboard side edges at least partially overhang into the fluid gutter. |
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to animal waste handling and more particularly to a conveyor belt system for substantially separating solid waste and liquid waste in an animal confinement facility.
BACKGROUND [0002] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
[0003] Animal waste handling and disposal presents ever-increasing challenges to the animal husbandry industry. For example, composting equipment usually will not operate effectively unless the moisture content in the animal manure is first reduced to an acceptable level, which takes far too much time under normal conditions to occur naturally. The option of hauling wet manure by truck to remote locations for disposal does not present an attractive alternative. Large amounts of fluid in the manure adds significant weight to the load and raises associated fuel costs.
[0004] As can be appreciated, health concerns connected with flies, rodents, bacteria growth (such as salmonella), dust, etc. also must be addressed when handling and disposing of animal manure.
[0005] In one known configuration for addressing waste handling in an animal confinement facility is to provide a floor having slats formed through it. Waste product can pass through the slats and fall into deep pits where it can be stored for a period of time, such as between six and twelve months. One disadvantage, however, with such a configuration is that enzyme urease in the feces accelerates the breakdown of urea in the urine, into NH3/ammonia and CO2. The anaerobic conditions of the stored manure can also cause formation of CH4/methane (a greenhouse gas), H2S/hydrogen sulfide and other VOCs (volatile organic components), causing bad odors. In another waste handling configuration, a slurry pit is arranged under a slatted floor. The slurry pit can be filled with a thickness (such as 10cm) of slurry manure. Canals can be formed in the pit that are flushed with fresh or aerated liquid fraction of slurry at least once a day. The canals typically have a slight inclination to enhance removal of the slurry and the flushing liquid is pumped from one side of the unit to the other side. [0006] Currently used waste management configurations, such as described above, fall short of effectively handling animal waste.
SUMMARY [0007] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
[0008] A waste separation apparatus can include a floor defining passages therethrough and a conveyor belt system positioned generally beneath the floor. The conveyor belt system can have a first roller that defines an axis of rotation, a second roller and a belt arranged to be guided around the first and second rollers along an upper working path and a lower return path. The belt has opposite lateral sides and a central area intermediate the opposite lateral sides. The opposite lateral sides are positioned substantially transverse to the axis of rotation. The belt slopes away from the floor from the opposite lateral sides and toward the central area. The belt defines apertures proximate to the central area. A fluid gutter can be positioned generally beneath the belt and aligned with the apertures. The fluid gutter can be configured to collect fluid passing through the apertures.
[0009] According to additional features, the belt can include a first belt and a second belt running adjacent to each other and parallel. The apertures can be defined by overlapping portions of the first and second belts at the central area. The overlapping portions can at least partially overhang into the fluid gutter according to one configuration. A track can be arranged beneath the belt. The track can have a belt support surface that supports the belt along the working path. The waste separation apparatus can further comprise a run-off pipe that is connected to the fluid gutter. The first and second rollers can be arranged at the same elevation. [0010] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
[0011] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. [0012] Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a waste separation apparatus having a conveyor belt system and drainage assembly according to one example of the present disclosure;
[0013] Fig. 2 is a side view of the waste separation apparatus of Fig. 1 ; [0014] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the conveyor belt system illustrated in Fig 1 ;
[0015] Fig. 4 is a plan view of another conveyor belt system according to additional features of the present teachings;
[0016] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the waste separation apparatus taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 1 ; [0017] Fig. 6 is a detailed view of area 6 identified in Fig. 5;
[0018] Fig. 7 is a top view of a pair of conveyor belts and shown offset from each other according to one example of the present teachings;
[0019] Fig. 8 is a top view of a pair of conveyor belts running in parallel that are partially overlapping at adjacent side edges according to one example of the present teachings;
[0020] Fig. 9 is a partial top view of a conveyor belt system having a roller that defines a decreased diameter at a central section to accommodate overlapping portions of belts according to additional features; and
[0021] Fig. 10 is a partial top view of the conveyor belt system of Fig. 9 and having a support bearing at the reduced diameter portion according to additional features. [0022] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0023] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0024] With initial reference to Fig. 1 , a waste separation apparatus constructed in accordance to one example of the present teachings is shown and generally identified at reference numeral 10. While not specifically shown in the drawings, the waste separation apparatus 10 can be provided in an animal confinement facility for housing animals. The animal confinement facility may have a collection of gates and pens for further segregating the animals as desired. The waste separation apparatus 10 is shown in Fig. 1 associated with hogs 12, however those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the waste separation apparatus 10 can be used in an environment that accommodates other animals.
[0025] The waste separation apparatus 10 can generally include a conveyor belt system 14 and a drainage assembly 16. The waste separation apparatus 10 can further comprise a floor 20 that defines a series of slats 22 formed through the floor 20. In one example, as shown in Fig. 1 , the slats 22 can include a series of longitudinally arranged openings 24 formed through the floor 20. However, it is appreciated that the slats 22 can take other forms and can be referred to in a general manner as passages through the floor 20. As will become appreciated from the following discussion, the waste separation apparatus 10 can be configured to effectively collect waste by-product from the animals 12 and facilitate disposal of the waste by-product. As used herein, the phrase "waste by-product" can be used to collectively refer to solid waste byproduct (feces) 26 and liquid waste by-product (urine) 28 (see Fig. 6). For purposes of this disclosure, the solid waste by-product 26 may also contain a portion of liquid waste by-product 28. Likewise, the liquid by-product 28 may also comprise a portion of solid waste by-product 26. Described in more general terms, the liquid waste by-product 28 generally comprises flowable waste whereas the solid waste by-product 26 is generally comprised of a mass that does not flow.
[0026] With continued reference to Fig. 1 and additional reference to Figs. 2 and 3, the conveyor belt system 14 and the drainage assembly 16 of the waste separation apparatus 10 will be described in greater detail. The conveyor belt system 14 can include a first roller 30, a second roller 32, a first belt 34 and a second belt 36. According to one configuration, the first roller 30 can be driven, such as by a driver (not specifically shown), and the second roller 32 can be configured as a free-wheeling roller. The first belt 34 and the second belt 36 can be arranged around and guided by the first and second rollers 30 and 32, respectively, along an upper working side or path 38 and a lower return side or path 40.
[0027] In one configuration, such as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the first and second belts 34 and 36 collectively include lateral sides 42 and 44 along opposite side edges of the conveyor belt system 14. As best illustrated in Fig. 3, the first belt 34 and the second belt 36 are configured to overlap along inboard side edges 46 and 48 of the first belt 34 and the second belt 36, respectively. The side edges 46 and 48 can therefore define overlapping portions 50. The overlapping portions 50, as shown in the exemplary configuration of Fig. 3 are provided by overlapping stepped edge surfaces of the respective first belt 34 and second belt 36. While the exemplary configuration provides an offset stepped geometry, other patterns may be employed such as overlapping wave portions for example. Apertures 58 can be defined through the overlapping portions 50 at a central area 52 of the conveyor belt system 14 along the working side of the belt 38. As best illustrated in Fig. 3, the first roller 30 can be configured for movement around an axis of rotation 54. The opposite lateral sides 42 and 44 of the conveyor belt system 14 can be arranged substantially transverse to the axis of rotation 54. In one configuration of the present teachings, the first roller 30 and the second roller 32 are arranged at the same elevation along a horizontal plane that is laterally offset below the floor 20.
[0028] According to additional features of the present teachings as shown in Fig. 4, the conveyor belt system can comprise a single belt 60 having a series of apertures 62 formed therethrough along a central area 64. It is appreciated that the conveyor belt system may be alternatively configured to have more than two belts. In such a configuration adjacent side edges of each belt can be configured similarly to the overlapping portions 50. In another configuration the belts may have apertures formed through a central area similar to apertures 62, Fig. 4.
[0029] With additional reference now to Figs. 5 and 6, the drainage assembly 16 will be described in greater detail. The drainage assembly 16 includes a main gutter 68. The main gutter 68 can include a track 70 having a first track portion 72 and a second track portion 74. The track 70 includes a collection gutter 76 at an intersection of the first track portion 72 and the second track portion 74. The track 70 provides a belt support surface 79 arranged generally beneath the first and second belts 34 and 36, respectively. The track 70 is configured to slope generally from outboard longitudinal ends 77 and 78 toward the collection gutter 76. Likewise, the first and second belts 34 and 36, respectively, are arranged to slope downwardly from the opposite lateral edges 42 and 44 toward the central area 52. The inward sloped configuration of the track 70 and belts 34 and 36 encourages liquid waste by-product 28, upon the influence of gravity, to be generally directed toward the central area 52 where it can pass through the apertures 58. The liquid waste by-product 28 can then drip into the collection gutter 76 where it can be directed through one of a series of run-off pipes 80. As best illustrated in Fig. 2, the drainage assembly 16 can include sloped surfaces 82 that direct liquid waste by-products 28 toward a respective run-off pipe 80. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the return side of the belt 40 can generally run lateral to a bottom pit surface 86.
[0030] According to one method of operation, the solid waste byproduct 26 and the liquid waste by-product 28 can pass through the slats 22 of the floor 20 and fall onto the first and second belts 34 and 36. Upon the influence of gravity, the liquid waste by-product 28 will travel toward the central area 52 where it can drip through the aperture 58 defined at the overlapping portions 50. The liquid waste by-product 28 can then flow through the drainage assembly 16 as described above and out through one of the respective run-off pipes 80. In another example (not specifically shown) the animal confinement facility can be built on an inclination. A single continuous gutter may be provided having a single (or multiple) drainpipes at the lowest end. The conveyor belt system 14 can be turned on intermittently throughout the day, such as between two and five times for example. In the event that the conveyor belt system 14 is turned on, the solid waste by-product 26 can be advanced along the working side 38 of the belts 34 and 36, respectively, and collected in a desired area, such as proximate to one of the first or second rollers 30 and 32. Actuation of the conveyor belt system 14 will also encourage additional liquid waste by-product 28 to flow through apertures 58 at the overlapping portions 50. In one example, the drainage assembly 16 can have a provision to flush out regularly (i.e., once per week) the solid waste by-product 26 that may have fallen through the apertures 58.
[0031] Fig. 7 illustrates one exemplary configuration of the inner side edges 46 and 48 of the respective first and second belts 34 and 36. Fig. 8 illustrates another configuration of the overlapping portion 46 and 48 of the respective first and second belts 34 and 36.
[0032] The conveyor belt system 14 according to the above description provides for an effective waste management system that reduces emissions without the need for supplemental chemical treatments (e.g., acids, salts, polymers). The conveyor belt system 14 is simple, requiring minimal components and working machinery, such that minimal power (electrical, etc.) is required. In addition, no effluents are needed, which require further treatment and/or removal costs. In one example, the belts 34 and 36 can be formed from plastics, which can facilitate installation and provide improved corrosion resistance at a reduced cost. The first and second belts 34 and 36 can alternatively be formed of other materials.
[0033] Fig. 9 illustrates a conveyor belt system having a roller 132 that defines a reduced diameter portion in the middle section to allow the overlapping portions 50 of the belts to pass freely. While only one roller 132 is shown, a similar roller may be provided on an opposite end. Fig. 10 illustrates a bearing 135 provided at the reduced diameter portion. The bearing 135 provides additional support to the roller 132.
[0034] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.