Organic waste converter

Claim 1

A combined composting and drying apparatus with very low energy requirements for biologically converting semi-solid organic wastes especially agricultural wastes, without additives such as bacteria or microorganism cultures or synthetic chemicals, into a high quality soil conditioner and animal feed supplement within 48-72 hours and providing sources of heat, carbon dioxide and ammonia, comprising: a. A heat-insulated, essentially airtight single chamber with a corrosion proof stirring system for agitating said organic wastes during the step of digesting and the resulting compost during the step of drying thereof; b. Means to rotate said stirring system at two or less rotations per minute during said digesting step and at 35 or more rotations per minute during said drying step; c. Means to draw air through said chamber during said digesting step and to scrub the exhausted air, thus recovering the resulting gases such as ammonia and carbon dioxide; d. Means to reverse air flow within said chamber and to provide heat therein comprising a blower with a heating element operative to provide heated air to fluff and dry the finished product during said drying step; and e. a heat exchanger located within the chamber for absorbing heat produced during said digesting step.