Chain compost turner

The chain compost turner is the core piece of equipment for achieving "deep-layer turning and oxygen comprehensiveation" in aerobic composting and fermentation processes. Powered by a chain-drive system and designed for use with fixed fermentation channels, the machine performs deep-layer mixing, material crushing, oxygenation, and displacement of organic matter within the channel. It features a significant turning depth, strong oxygen penetration, and uniform fermentation, while ensuring the smooth, steady movement of material along the channel.

During aerobic fermentation, the chain-type compost turner serves not merely as a mixing tool but as the "operational brain" of the process; through the continuous circulation of its chain plates combined with high-level material scattering technology, it creates an optimal growth environment for aerobic microorganisms. The equipment maintains the compost pile temperature within the ideal fermentation range of 55–70°C, effectively eliminating pathogens and insect eggs while significantly shortening the fermentation cycle. Positioned between the initial mixing cycle stage and the final discharge stage, the chain-type compost turner acts as the "primary arena" for the aerobic biochemical reaction.

Component Composition and Functional Zoning

From the perspective of fermentation process, the chain compost turner can be divided into the following functional units:

(1) Turning execution unit: It consists of a chain plate turning device and a high-strength wear-resistant shifting tooth (curved tooth cutter). Responsible for deep grabbing, lifting, crushing, mixing and throwing of materials. The flip-throwing pallet is equipped with 390 pieces of removable wear-resistant curved tooth knives.

(2) Oxygen supply and aeration unit: Natural oxygen supply is achieved through full contact between materials and air during the high-level throwing process of the chain plate. The vertical lifting height of materials can reach 2 meters, and they stay in the air for a long time. There is no need to configure a high-pressure forced oxygen supply system.

(3) Shift conveying unit: Through the continuous rotation of the chain plate, the materials are transported from the grabbing point to the rear for re-stacking while being tossed. Combined with the lateral shift, the turning operation can be realized at any position in the tank.

(4) Depth adjustment unit: The hydraulic lifting system controls the operating depth of the flipping parts.

(5) Walking and positioning unit: a walking system that walks along the fermentation tank track.

Detailed Explanation of the Aerobic Fermentation Process

The aerobic fermentation process served by the chain compost turner is a core technological link in organic fertilizer production.

Fermentation temperature management: The aerobic fermentation process typically comprises three phases—a heating-up phase, a high-temperature phase, and a cooling-down phase. The chain-type compost turner ensures uniform temperature distribution throughout the compost pile by deeply turning the material, moving bottom-layer material to the surface and burying surface material within the pile's interior. This process reduces the fermentation cycle from 15–20 days to 10–12 days.

Oxygen supply mechanism: During the turning process, the machine uses chain plates to vertically lift the material to a height of two meters before dispersing it from that elevated position. This "extended-duration lifting and scattering" technique significantly prolongs the material's exposure to the air, ensuring thorough contact. The process supplies oxygen evenly to the material—eliminating "dead zones"—and provides strong oxygen penetration through the material layers.

Fermentation cycle control: Traditional static composting methods typically require a fermentation cycle of 60–90 days. After adopting a chain compost turner, the fermentation cycle can be shortened to 15-20 days. standard materials can reach the required level of maturity for discharge within 18–22 days.

Requirements for Material Pre-treatment and Proportioning
Chain-type compost turners have specific requirements for the input materials. Moisture content control: The moisture content must be maintained within an appropriate range (typically 55%–65%); if the material is too dry, water should be added beforehand, whereas if it is too wet, bulky materials such as straw should be incorporated for conditioning. Carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio adjustment: The C/N ratio of the raw materials must be adjusted by adding a certain proportion of auxiliary materials. Inoculation for fermentation: Livestock and poultry manure can be mixed with microbial fermentation agents or previously fermented compost.

Operational Guidelines and Key Control Points

Proper operation of the chain-type compost turner is crucial for ensuring effective fermentation and extending the equipment's service life:

Pre-start preparation: Operators must wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Remove hard objects—such as stones or metal debris—from the fermentation trough. Inspect the chain plates and cutting teeth to ensure they are in good condition. Clear any residual material from the chain plates and the machine frame. Check the chain tension. Verify that safety components, such as the emergency stop button and limit switches, are functional.

No-load test run: Start the chain-plate turning mechanism and let it run idle for 1–2 minutes to verify the correct direction of rotation. Operate the travel mechanism to ensure smooth movement and effective braking.

Loaded operation: Adjust the travel speed and chain-plate rotation speed based on the material's characteristics. Reduce the travel speed when handling materials with high viscosity or high fiber content.

Shutdown procedure: Upon completion of the turning operation, stop the chain-plate turning mechanism and the travel mechanism.