Design, fabrication and performance evaluation of a compost turner

Date

6-2015

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

College

College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Arthur L. Fajardo

Abstract

Composting is a recycling process used to recover the organic matter from biodegradable materials. Turning is an essential step in composting because it promotes aeration and dictates the quality of the end product. Due to high turning frequency preferred in compost production, labor intensive management is required. This dilemma can be solved by mechanization. A prototype compost turner was designed and fabricated. The performance of the compost turner was evaluated at the Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. training farm in Pililla, Rizal. Three piles were turned manually, and another three were turned using the compost turner. Turning capacity and financial analysis were used to assess the performance of the compost turner. The average turning capacity of the compost turner is 82.32 m3/hr, while the 15.89 m3/hr of manual tuning. Average moisture content of the compost turner pile is 60.56%, an acceptable value for aerobic composting. Duration of the compost turned using compost turner is 32 days which is shorter than the 42 days duration using manual turning. Statistical analysis (ANOVA at 10% level of significance) showed that the mode of turning has no effect in the NPK content of the pile. On the financial aspect, result of the Payback Period, Benefit-Cost Ratio, Net Present Value, and Internal Rate of Return, proved that using the compost is an acceptable project.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2015 A2 /C37

Document Type

Thesis

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