Big Hanna Composter Study Notes

The Big Hanna composter effectively addresses food waste, a significant and unpleasant portion of the waste stream.
Daily Process: Food waste is emptied into the Big Hanna composter every day.
Process Duration: Average composting process takes between 6 to 10 weeks.
Automatic Features: The composter automatically aerates and turns, ensuring optimal natural decomposition from start to finish.
Finished Compost Handling: The compost is automatically dispensed into a bag or bin, ready for mixing with soil or transferring to a maturation bay.
Odor Control: The composting takes place in a closed in-vessel unit, eliminating unpleasant odors on-site.

Energy Usage: The composter has low energy consumption, rotating the cylinder for 1 minute every hour.
Temperature Generation: The biological decomposition process generates temperatures ranging from 131ºF to 149ºF.
Heating Mechanism: Temperature is monitored between the hood and cylinder to decide when to activate the heater for pre-heating air entering the cylinder.

Stainless Steel: All parts in contact with compost are made of stainless steel, with CE marking indicating compliance with European safety standards.

Standard Units: Models T60 through T480 represent the range of standard units.
Infeed Options: Models T60 and T120 offer two infeed options, with or without a hopper-fed inlet, totaling six standard configuration options.
Shredding Capabilities: Models T60 and T120 can be outfitted with a shredder.

Capacity: Ranges from 2,600 to 23,800 lbs. of food waste per week, expandable to 38,000 lbs./week when combined with a mechanical dewatering unit.
Customized Infeed: Infeed systems are tailored according to food waste type and collection systems.

Variation in Capacity: Capacities differ based on content, moisture, absorbent material, and more.

Food Waste/day: T60 (44-79), T120 (94-157), T240 (126-378), T480 (252-756), Neter12 (378-1,134), Neter20 (630-1,890), Neter28 (882-2,646), Neter36 (1,134-3,401)
Food Waste/week: T60 (330-550), T120 (660-1,100), T240 (880-2,640), T480 (1,760-5,290), Neter12 (2,640-7,930), Neter20 (4,400-13,220), Neter28 (6,170-18,510), Neter36 (7,930-23,810)
Food Waste/year: T60 (17,100-28,600), T120 (34,300-57,300), T240 (45,800-137,500), T480 (91,700-275,100)…
Number of Households: T60 (55-70), T120 (90-135), T240 (130-300), T480 (275-650)

GHG Emissions: Emissions avoided calculated from the EPA using WARM (per year)
Material Handling: Inspection doors, access doors, touch screen controls, energy meters, and more options are available across models.

Catering vs. Residential Waste:
- Restaurant waste often consists of uniform types but leads to lower capacity if not diverse. Freshness can slow the biological process.
- Prior Food Waste Audit Recommended: Weigh waste for a week against meals served to understand average weekly waste.
- Moisture Content: High moisture from canteens should be removed before feeding into the Big Hanna composter, which may require a drainage cart.

Minimum Temperature Requirement: Food waste must be at least 59ºF for optimal capacity.

Neter12 to Neter36: Custom infeed options, hoppers based on waste collection, shredders/macerators for wet waste, and other options.

Key Parts of the System:

Standard models include self-feeding options by residents. Restaurant staff would typically feed the machines based on their specific protocols and waste collection methods.

T60 and T120 allow shredder installation enhancing throughput by size reduction, made of Hardox steel for durability.

Cylinder remains 60-70% full, with gradual compost emptying directly into a bag/bin for further handling.

Regular cleaning of the area surrounding the composter is crucial (often needing hot water).
Maintenance activities take about 30 minutes weekly, depending on usage patterns.

Touchscreen interface, temperature monitoring, and logging features facilitate user interaction and effective operation.
Internet connectivity enhances monitoring and alarms capabilities.

Some areas require adherence to specific food waste regulations. Contact local authorities for compliance assessments regarding composting methods and emissions.

Installation can occur indoors or outdoors but must be sheltered to ensure proper operation. Recommended floor: Washable Concrete.
Compliance with ventilation regulations necessary to mitigate odors and exhaust, including options for biofilters and sewer connections.

Mature compost could be stored in a maturation bay to enhance quality. Recommendations for proper mixing with green materials and maintaining structure should be followed.