Method for reprocessing animal bedding
A process for reprocessing soiled animal bedding material commingled with animal manure to form a compact product. The soiled animal bedding material is separated in a shaker to send at least a preponderance of the manure to a holding tank. The bedding material is subsequently dried and compacted to form a compacted product. Alternatively, the bedding material is dried (without a compacting step) to form a product.
1. A process for reprocessing soiled animal bedding material commingled with manure to form a compacted product, comprising in sequence the steps of:
separating said soiled bedding material in a shaker to send at least a preponderance of said manure to a holding tank;
omitting cleaning said separated bedding material with cleaning agents and/or washing and rinsing thereof;
decontaminating said bedding material by heating and drying said separated bedding material, wherein said bedding material is held at a temperature for a time sufficient to attain a required moisture level ranging from about 8 to 9% and ensure that any of said manure remaining breaks down and any pathogens are killed; and
compacting said dried bedding material to form a compacted product.
2. A system as recited by claim 1 , wherein said compacting is carried out by a press.
3. A process as recited by claim 1 , further comprising the step of packaging said compacted product.
4. A process as recited by claim 3 , wherein said packaging is carried out by a bagging system configured to receive said compacted product and package it into bags.
5. A process as recited by claim 3 , wherein said compacted product is formed as pellets.
6. A process as recited by claim 3 , wherein said compacted product is formed as briquettes.
7. A process as recited by claim 3 , wherein said compacted product is a manufactured log.
8. A process as recited by claim 1 , further comprising the step of composting said separated manure.
9. A process as recited by claim 1 , wherein said bedding material comprises wood shavings.
10. A process as recited by claim 1 , wherein additives are added to said bedding material.
11. A process as recited by claim 10 , wherein said additives are provided for imparting an aroma.
12. A process for reprocessing soiled animal bedding material commingled with manure to form a product, comprising in sequence the steps of:
separating said soiled bedding material in a shaker to send at least a preponderance of said manure to a holding tank;
omitting cleaning said separated bedding material with cleaning agents and/or washing and rinsing thereof;
decontaminating, said bedding material by heating and drying said separated bedding material, wherein said bedding material is held at a temperature for a time sufficient to attain a required moisture level ranging from about 12 to 17% and ensure that any said manure remaining breaks down and any pathogens are killed.
13. A process as recited by claim 12 , further comprising the step of packaging said product.
14. A process as recited by claim 13 , wherein said packaging is carried out by a bagging system configured to receive said product and package it into bags.
15. A process as recited by claim 12 , further comprising the step of composting said separated manure.
16. A process as recited by claim 12 , wherein said bedding material comprises wood shavings.
17. A process for reprocessing soiled animal bedding material commingled with manure to form a compacted product for use as fuel and kindling for a fire, comprising the steps of:
a. separating said soiled bedding material in a shaker to send at least a preponderance of said manure to a holding tank, omitting cleaning said separated bedding material with cleaning agents and/or washing and rinsing thereof;
b. decontaminating said bedding material by heating and drying said separated bedding material;
c. adding an additive to said bedding material;
d. compacting said dried bedding material to form a compacted product for use as fuel and kindling.
18. A process for reprocessing soiled animal bedding material commingled with manure to form a compacted product, consisting of in sequence the steps of:
separating said soiled bedding material in a shaker to remove at least a preponderance of said manure;
decontaminating said bedding material by heating and drying said separated bedding material; and
compacting said dried bedding material to form a compacted product.
19. A process for reprocessing soiled animal bedding material commingled with manure to form a compacted product, consisting in sequence the steps of:
decontaminating said soiled animal bedding material commingled with manure by heating and drying said soiled animal bedding material commingled with manure; and
compacting said dried bedding material to form a compacted product.