One of the biggest bugbears when processing organics is trying to separate contaminants from the material that can be composted. One of the main culprits is plastic material. States and territories have strict criteria as to what constitutes material suitable for composting. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that the separation plant and equipment being used are up for the task.
Deon Cope is a brand leader for Komptech, a company that specialises in plant and machinery that can meet an organic processing facility’s needs.
“With a lot of councils and governments mandating FOGO (food organics/green organics) be collected, contamination is an issue,” said Cope. “Most commercial composters are looking to get a better separation of their light plastics so they can get a better-quality product. They can use our Topturn machines to turn the windrows, Nemus drum screens are then used to separate out different size fractions, while the Hurrikan S is used to separate light plastics.”
Crambo 5200 Shredder
This direct low-speed dual-shaft shredder is designed for the first step in composting. Using such a machine at the front end of the process creates a product with a greater surface area, which in turn helps with better aeration and porosity in a windrow. It also makes the removal of contaminants easier.
Other key features of the machine include the easy handling of contaminants such as rocks and metals; the ability to keep contaminants at a large enough size that they can be removed at a later stage; and allowing for an increase in airflow in the windrow, which assists with more consistent decomposition.
The machine has a throughput of up to 80 tonnes an hour, a CAT C13 engine, and a large feeding area with a flap-and-fold system for filling the hopper.
Topturn X5000 and X63 turners
Both turners have a place in the role of composting. Which machine is suitable depends on the area and pad size that needs turning, and the volume of material that needs composting.
A good turner will create tall, peaked windrows that will lead to successful composting. Such a windrow will allow for the right amount of porosity and pile structure to increase temperatures, minimise odours and reduce composting times.
The X5000 has the capability to create a windrow width of 5m and height of 2.2m. It has a sturdy frame, powerful hydraulics, and a big drum. The cabin is roomy for the operator, and it has a throughput of 4000m³ an hour.
The X63 unit comes with a 390HP engine, and the ability to create windrows with a width of up to 6m and height of 2.8m. It also has a cooling system that works under heavy loads and high outside temperatures. Like the X5000 it has a large, comfortable cabin and hydraulically extendible platforms. It also has available an array of extras upon request.
Nemus 2700 Wheel Starscreen
The Nemus 2700 combines solutions and innovative details and comes with a large, steep walled hopper.
Its screen drum has an improved material feed compared to other iterations, and there is a high-performance discharge system, which can be harmonised with its diesel-hydraulic drive.
Screening compost helps ensure a high quality, uniform product, which is why the choice of trommel or star screen is important. Drum screens like the Nemus 2700, are built for heavy, abrasive materials often found in topsoil.
Star screens create flexibility and are easily adjusted to account for the output of various particle sizes.
The Nemus 2700 model comes with a hopper volume of 5m³, a filling length of 4m and filling height of 2.85m. It can handle throughputs of up to 170m³ an hour.
Hurrikan S Wind Sifter
Designed for the end of the composting process, the Hurrikan S is suitable for removing plastic film from screen overflow. The designers of the machine have developed a patented pressure-suction process that gives the unit its separation efficiency of up to 95 per cent.
It has an electric drive of all components that provides an array of control possibilities coupled with top efficiency.
It has a loading width of 1.6m and a loading height of up to 2.25m. Its throughput can be as much as 60m³
an hour.