Table of Contents. Ecodrum Training Guide (Revised 9/16)

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Naomi King
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1 Training Guide

2 Table of Contents Safety First...Page 2 Ecodrum : How It Works...Page 3 Ecodrum : Controls and Equipment...Page 4 Programming: Clocks...Page 5 Programming: Rotation...Page 6 Programming: Air System...Page 7 Ecodrum : Loading...Page 8 Ecodrum : Discharge...Page 9 Recipe Guide...Page 10 Rotation Guide...Page 11 Air Guide...Page 12 Ecodrum : Maintenence...Page 13 Troubleshooting...Page

Safety First Please read and understand the Operation and Maintenance Guide prior to

Understand all Safety Instructions and Warnings on the Ecodrum, located on the frame,

Management of on farm animal mortality composting should be done with the same precaution as

Therefore, when using an Ecodrum in vessel composting system, the operator should: Wear

3 Safety First Please read and understand the Operation and Maintenance Guide prior to operating the Ecodrum. Do not stand on top of drum. Understand all Safety Instructions and Warnings on the Ecodrum, located on the frame, ladders, motors, fan housing, and other locations. Management of on farm animal mortality composting should be done with the same precaution as any other farm operation. Therefore, when using an Ecodrum in vessel composting system, the operator should: Wear appropriate PPE, such as shield, gloves, respirator, etc. Minimize direct contact with carcasses. Ensure ladder stability when opening/closing doors and loading carcasses, as doors may be heavy. Note: Gases such as ammonia and carbon dioxide are produced during composting action, and may be present inside the Ecodrum. People affected by asthma, allergies, respiratory diseases or other serious health problems should use caution when manipulating compost. 2

Ecodrum : How it Works The Ecodrum In Vessel Composter is a managed mechanical system, which enhances the biological process and transforms organic matter into a homogeneous product that is used as a

wood chips) In the form of your mortality. Is drawn into the composter by the air exhaust system. Already present in your mortality; it should not be necessary to add additional water.

4 Ecodrum : How it Works The Ecodrum In Vessel Composter is a managed mechanical system, which enhances the biological process and transforms organic matter into a homogeneous product that is used as a soil amendment. For composting to occur, the following must be in the Ecodrum : Carbon (C): Nitrogen (N): Oxygen (O): Moisture: In the form of bulking material. (ex. wood chips) In the form of your mortality. Is drawn into the composter by the air exhaust system. Already present in your mortality; it should not be necessary to add additional water. Aerobic bacteria uses the oxygen from the air exhaust system to metabolize and grow. This process generates enough heat (131 F or greater) to kill pathogens in the compost. The flap is adjustable for more or less air, and should be modified for less air flow in -10 F weather. 3

Ecodrum : Controls and Equipment The Green Light indicates the Ecodum Control Box is ready to operate on either AUTO

FAN AUTO / MANUAL sets the fan to operate automatically when the composter is turning (AUTO), or is turned off (OFF).

(MAN.) The Temperature Probe is located on the side of the Ecodrum and is used to measure the temperature of the

5 Ecodrum : Controls and Equipment The Green Light indicates the Ecodum Control Box is ready to operate on either AUTO or MANUAL setting. FAN AUTO / MANUAL sets the fan to operate automatically when the composter is turning (AUTO), or is turned off (OFF). OFF / AUTO / MANUAL switches the drum's rotation to either the programed schedule (AUTO), or manualy rotates the unit. (MAN.) The Temperature Probe is located on the side of the Ecodrum and is used to measure the temperature of the compost inside. The temperature inside the drum should be kept at 131 F or higher. The position of the Temperature Probe varies on different models, but it is always found in one of the crevices on the lower area of the drum. 4

Programming: Clocks To set the date and time on the dual Omron clocks, remove the control box cover and perform the following steps: STEP 1: STEP 2: STEP 3: STEP 4: Press and hold the MODE key for 1

6 Programming: Clocks To set the date and time on the dual Omron clocks, remove the control box cover and perform the following steps: STEP 1: STEP 2: STEP 3: STEP 4: Press and hold the MODE key for 1 second to enter Time Adjustment Mode. The clock symbol on the Omron will flash. Select the current day using the d key to move the arrow. Change the time to the current time using the h key to change the hour and m/pwd key to change the minutes. Press the WRITE key. The colon will flash and the clock will start. (from 0s) Press the MODE key 3 times to return to the run mode. The time has now been changed. Repeat this process on both Omron clocks. It is VITAL that the date & time is correctly programmed to ensure proper rotation and fan scheduling. 5

7 Programming: Rotation The Omron clock on the LEFT-HAND SIDE controls the sceduled rotations. To change the schedule, please follow these instructions: STEP 1: STEP 2: Press and hold the MODE key successively until the P symbol flashes. The symbol is located in the bottom right hand corner of the display. Set the on time using the h key to adjust the hour and m/pwd key to adjust the minutes. STEP 3: Press the WRITE key. STEP 4: Now set the off time using the h key to adjust the hour and m/pwd key to adjust the minutes. Press the WRITE key. STEP 5: Press the MODE key 2 times to return to the run mode. The rotation time is now set. 6

Programming: Air System The Omron clock on the RIGHT-HAND SIDE controls the fan scedule. The air system is pre set for 24 pulses of 10 minutes, starting 45 minutes into every hour.

8 Programming: Air System The Omron clock on the RIGHT-HAND SIDE controls the fan scedule. The air system is pre set for 24 pulses of 10 minutes, starting 45 minutes into every hour. To change the pulse time or schedule, please follow these instructions: STEP 1: STEP 2: Press and hold the MODE key successively until the P symbol flashes. The symbol is located in the bottom right hand corner of the display. Set the on time using the h key to adjust the hour and m/pwd key to adjust the minutes. STEP 3: Press the WRITE key. STEP 4: Press the MODE key 2 times to return to the run mode. The rotation time is now set. When temp. falls below 10 F, consider reducing pulse length. 7

Ecodrum Loading Ensure the door ledge and gasket are clear of debris before opening or closing the door. Ensure the Ecodrum Control Box is switched to the OFF position before opening the loading door.

Load bulking material into the Ecodrum, then load mortality. Rotate the Ecodrum if more loading space is required; however, do not overload the drum.

9 Ecodrum Loading Ensure the door ledge and gasket are clear of debris before opening or closing the door. Ensure the Ecodrum Control Box is switched to the OFF position before opening the loading door. STEP 1: STEP 2: STEP 3: Using the recipe provided, (Pg.x) calculate the ratio of bulking material needed for the amount of mortality to be loaded. Load bulking material into the Ecodrum, then load mortality. Rotate the Ecodrum if more loading space is required; however, do not overload the drum. The second loading door is to be used only for re bulking to correct the ratio. Please Note: There should be no build up of compost material on the interior surface of the compost drum. Build up of material on the inside surface of the compost drum indicates excessive moisture. More bulking material should be added to dry down the compost material. 8

Ecodrum Discharge Operating temperature should be at 131 F or higher. Temps below 110 F will slow composting activity, decrease capacity of the Ecodrum and reduce the quality of exiting compost.

Check with your Ecodrum representative or NRCS agent to determine if bulking material and exiting compost must be stored in a secondary bin.

10 Ecodrum Discharge Operating temperature should be at 131 F or higher. Temps below 110 F will slow composting activity, decrease capacity of the Ecodrum and reduce the quality of exiting compost. Secondary storage bins are used to cure the compost after it has exited the system. Check with your Ecodrum representative or NRCS agent to determine if bulking material and exiting compost must be stored in a secondary bin. Probe the compost pile daily for temperature, turn piles occasionally, and continue to monitor until the pile no longer heats. Once your pile no longer heats up, you can land apply the compost. Please work with your local NRCS office regarding the times of year when land application is allowed. From time to time, the discharged compost may contain clumps of material. This is primarily caused by overloading. Recycle this material back through the Ecodrum system for further composting. After achieving temperatures above 131 F (and have no undesirable materials) please send a sample for pathogen analysis. More details can be provided by your Ecodrum Representative. 9

11 Recipe Guide The key to achieving effective results with your Ecodrum in-vessel composter is consistency. There are two main ratios that must be monitored: Carbon to Nitrogen ratio should be between 20 : 1 and 40 : 1. Moisture should be below 60% by weight. It is the bulking material that reduces the amount of water and the average moisture level in your compost. Bulking Material: Use dried pine shavings, peanut hulls, or other carbon source as directed by your Ecodrum representative. Poultry litter varies, and can have up to 50% moisture, so it should never be the bulk of your carbon source, but added in addition if space in the composter is not an issue. Always load bulking material in first, followed by the mortality. Poultry Carcass Ratios: Bird Mortality (In Pounds) Up to 5lbs Ratio of birds to bulking (by volume) 1 : 1.5 Over 5lbs 1 : 2 Swine Carcass Ratios: Swine Mortality (In Pounds) Bulking (in bags of shavings) Up to 125lbs 125 to 250lbs 1 Bag 2 Bags Over 250lbs 3 Bags Note: 1 Bag = 5.5 Cubic Feet, TSC Store Branded Pine Wood Chips 10

12 Rotation Guide As the volume of mortality increases during the grow-out cycle, the number of rotations should INCREASE. The following is the range of daily rotations for each model: Model Rotations Per Day Model to 4 times per day Model to 6 times per day Model to 8 times per day Model to 10 times per day Some Ecodrum models include a re-bulking door in addition to the loading door. Mortalities should not be added into this door. Note: Due to the variables in every composting situation, the purchaser alone is responsible for operation of the Ecodrum according to US Composting Council standards. 11

13 Air Guide Depending on the model of composter and the weight of the animals being processed, the period in which the fans are active will vary in length. The following is the range of hourly air pulses for each model: Model Length of Air Pulse Model Minutes Model Minutes Model Minutes Model Minutes Model 260: A Model 260 is set for 2 to 3 minutes depending on the loading rate. Broiler operations are usually 2 minutes if birds are 7lbs. or less, while over 7lbs. is set to 3 minutes. Breeder and Swine sites are both set for 2 minutes. Model 360: A Model 360 is set for 4 to 6 minutes depending on the loading rate. Broiler operations are usually minutes if birds are 7lbs. or less, while over 7lbs. is set to 6 minutes. Breeder and Swine sites are both set for 5 minutes. Model 460 & 560: Both the Model 460 and 560 units are set to the standard air pulse length of 10 minutes. 12

Ecodrum Maintenance Check the glass on the gearbox quarterly to ensure that the oil

Change oil annually after that. (Factory fill on 120 gearbox is 4.

5L ISO 320) Remove the chain guard and oil the chain and sprockets every four months.

weekly. 1½ bearings should be greased monthly.

14 Ecodrum Maintenance Check the glass on the gearbox quarterly to ensure that the oil level is above the red dot. Change the oil after the first 100 hours. Change oil annually after that. (Factory fill on 120 gearbox is 4.5L of ISO 320, 135 gearbox is 5.5L ISO 320) Remove the chain guard and oil the chain and sprockets every four months. Remove the flexible hose to clean debris and check the air system for blockages weekly. 1½ bearings should be greased monthly. Vulcanized rollers should be checked monthly for unusual wear on the surface. Each guide wheel is complete with a grease nipple. The nipples are greased prior to delivery, and should be regreased quarterly. 13

15 Troubleshooting Problem: The temperature is too low. Potential Cause: The moisture level is too high inside the Ecodrum Add bulking material to either the loading or re bulking door. To prevent re occurance, increase the ratio of bulking material to mortality. Potential Cause: Low oxygen level in the compost Check air exhaust system for any obstructions. Problem: There are maggots and flies around the composter. Potential Cause: The moisture level is too high inside the Ecodrum Add bulking material to either the loading or re bulking door. To prevent re occurance, increase the ratio of bulking material to mortality. Potential Cause: There is debris around the drum Keep surrounding area clean from debris. Problem: The finished compost contains lumps of material. Potential Cause: The moisture level is too high inside the Ecodrum Add bulking material to either the loading or re bulking door. To prevent re occurance, increase the ratio of bulking material to mortality. Potential Cause: Overloading of the composter Recycle the material back through the drum. 14

Troubleshooting Problem: Composter is emitting an ammonia smell. Potential Cause: High nitrogen levels Add bulking material to either the loading or re bulking door.

16 Troubleshooting Problem: Composter is emitting an ammonia smell. Potential Cause: High nitrogen levels Add bulking material to either the loading or re bulking door. To prevent re occurance, increase the ratio of bulking material to mortality. Problem: The finished compost contains lumps of material. Potential Cause: The moisture level is too high inside the Ecodrum Add bulking material to either the loading or re bulking door. To prevent re occurance, increase the ratio of bulking material to mortality. Problem: The composter has blown a fuse. Potential Cause: Power fluctuation or improperly powered composter Open the control box, identify the fuse housings, open and replace the fuse. If issue repeats, unplug composter and check the line running to the composter for damage. 15

170-SJ Feed UnitTM 470-SJ Feed UnitTM

SPONGE-JET 170-SJ Feed UnitTM 470-SJ Feed UnitTM USER MANUAL Sponge-Jet, Inc. (USA) 14 Patterson Lane +1-603-610-7950 Newington, NH 03801 www.spongejet.com Sponge-Jet 170-SJ / 470-SJ User Manual - REV