Drum-Type Fermenter

Drum-Type Fermenter (Closed-Tank)

The Controlled, Efficient, and Odor-Managed Solution for Rapid Organic Waste Conversion

The Drum-Type Fermenter is a fully enclosed, horizontal rotary drum designed for the intensive aerobic fermentation of organic waste into stable compost. This controlled environment system combines mechanical turning, forced aeration, and optimal thermal retention to accelerate the biological decomposition process dramatically. Organic materials are continuously or batch-fed into the rotating drum, where they are mixed, oxygenated, and maintained at ideal temperatures, producing consistent, high-quality compost in days rather than weeks or months, with minimal odor and environmental impact.

Key Features

  • Rotating Enclosed Drum

    A large, slowly rotating steel drum provides continuous tumbling action, ensuring homogeneous mixing, particle size reduction, and preventing the formation of anaerobic pockets.

  • Forced Aeration System

    Precisely controlled air is blown into the drum through a central manifold or floor nozzles, delivering oxygen directly to the biomass and regulating temperature by removing excess heat and moisture.

  • Biofilter for Exhaust Air

    Process air exiting the drum is treated through a dedicated biofilter or scrubber, effectively neutralizing odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) before release.

  • Retention Time Control

    The rotation speed and drum inclination (in continuous models) are adjustable to control the material's retention time, allowing optimization for different feedstocks and maturity goals.

  • Thermal Insulation

    The drum is often insulated to maintain high internal temperatures (thermophilic range, 55-65°C), promoting rapid pathogen destruction and decomposition.

Advantages

  • Extremely Fast Fermentation Cycle

    Completes active composting in 7-14 days, compared to 60-90 days for windrow systems, significantly reducing land use and inventory.

  • Superior Environmental Compliance

    Fully enclosed design with integrated air treatment virtually eliminates odors, leachate, and bioaerosols, making it suitable for operation near sensitive areas.

  • Consistent, High-Quality Output

    Controlled conditions produce a uniform, stable, and often more mature compost product, free of weeds and pathogens.

  • All-Weather, Year-Round Operation

    Immune to external weather conditions (rain, snow, cold), ensuring continuous production and predictable output schedules.

  • Reduced Physical Footprint

    Processes large volumes of material in a compact, mechanized system compared to extensive windrow pads.

Applicable Raw Materials

  • Source-Separated Organics (SSO)

    Food waste, green waste.

  • Agricultural & Livestock Waste

    Manure, crop residues, poultry litter.

  • Biogas Digestate

    For post-digestion stabilization and sanitization.

  • Municipal Sewage Sludge (Biosolids)

    Composting with bulking agents.

Basic Structure & Components

Drum-Type Fermenter
Fermentation Drum

The main rotating vessel, constructed from welded steel plate, often with internal lifters for mixing.

Drive & Support System

Trunnion wheels, support rollers, and a gear motor drive to rotate the drum.

Aeration System

Includes an air blower, humidification unit (if needed), and a distribution network inside the drum.

Feed Hopper & Conveyor

A system for loading raw materials into the drum.

Discharge System

An outlet at the opposite end for discharging matured compost, often with a screen.

Exhaust Air Duct & Biofilter

Channels and treats the process air.

Control Panel

Manages drum rotation, aeration rate, and sometimes temperature feedback loops.

Insulation & Cladding

Outer layer to retain heat and protect internal components.

Technical Data

Parameter

Model DTF-3.0×20

Model DTF-3.6×24

Drum Diameter x Length (m)

3.0 x 20

3.6 x 24

Total Volume (m³)

~140

~245

Effective Volume (m³)

~90

~160

Processing Capacity (t/day, input)

40 – 60

70 – 100

Retention Time (days)

7-10

7-10

Rotation Speed (rpm)

0.2 – 0.8

0.2 – 0.8

Total Installed Power (kW)

80 – 100

120 – 150

Note: Capacity depends on feedstock density and retention time. All specifications are for reference and subject to engineering design.

Key Differentiators vs. Other Turners/Fermenters

Both are enclosed systems. The Drum-Type Fermenter is a horizontally rotating, fully sealed cylinder that provides continuous mixing and transports material from feed to discharge. The Trough-Type uses a moving machine over a static pile, offering more flexibility for very large, centralized channels but potentially less intensive mixing.

This is a comparison of closed vs. open systems. The Drum Fermenter offers complete process control, speed, and environmental containment. The Chain-Flight Turner is a lower-capital, open-air solution for large land areas, subject to weather and slower process times.

Some systems use static bins with forced air. The Drum Fermenter’s active tumbling provides superior mixing which prevents compaction, channels, and ensures all material is uniformly processed, leading to faster and more consistent results.

It is the premium, high-throughput solution for municipalities, large organic waste processors, and operations with strict odor and space constraints who require fast, reliable, and environmentally sound conversion of organic waste into a consistent, marketable compost product.