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|File:Team6placeslots.jpg |Some picture |10 |Place the planks of wood into the slots. | |File:Team6placeslots.jpg |Some picture |10 |Place the planks of wood into the slots. | ||
|File:Team6placein3chambers.jpg |Some picture |11 |Once all planks are in place, the door will be complete. | |File:Team6placein3chambers.jpg |Some picture |11 |Once all planks are in place, the door will be complete. | ||
|File: | |File:Team6roof.JPG |Some picture |12 |Latch on a metal roof to protect the compost materials from rain. | ||
|File:Team6beachgrass.jpg |Beach Grass Bale |13 |Properly insulate the chambers by placing straw bales around the system. In our design we used beach grass because it is an invasive plant that is always readily available. | |File:Team6beachgrass.jpg |Beach Grass Bale |13 |Properly insulate the chambers by placing straw bales around the system. In our design we used beach grass because it is an invasive plant that is always readily available. | ||
Revision as of 23:27, 3 May 2012
Abstract
A rapid composting system was designed by ENGR215 Team 6 to find a better use for the green waste generated at the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center. Below is a detailed page on the process and cost of building the rapid compost system.
Problem Statement
The Friends of the Dunes invites volunteers every week to remove invasive plants in the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center. Each week, a volume of approximately 6’x6’x6’ of green waste is generated and shipped off the site to be taken care of miles away. In an effort to manage the waste on site, rather than shipping it, this rapid composting system was designed.
Criteria
Criteria | Weight | Constraint |
Cost | 4 | Less than $400 |
Ease of Use | 7 | Usable by untrained volunteers |
Educational Value | 6 | At least volunteers learn more about rapid compost systems |
Effectiveness | 9 | Must be able to process about 6’x6’x6’ of yard waste every 14-21 days |
Labor Intensity | 5 | Cannot require more maintenance than 1-2 times a week for 2-3 hours each day |
Availability of Amendments | 2 | Bought locally and cheaply |
Aesthetics | 6 | More professional than a tarp |
Safety | 10 | Non-toxic and will not spontaneously combust |
Durability | 8 | Stable for at least one year |
Description of Final Project
The rapid compost system is a three chamber compost bin with no mechanical parts. The structure is supported by wood beams and insulated with beach grass bales. To protect the insulating bales from wet weather, a hand mixed lime plaster seals the walls. The ground under the structure has been compacted thoroughly and covered with wood pallets to prevent the compost materials from contacting the earth. A roof will be slightly larger than the structure, and pitched at an angle, to keep rain from soaking through the plaster. Doors were made from donated wood that slides into place.
Materials Cost
Materials | Quantity | Potential Cost | Our Cost |
Pallets | 3 | $23.75/pallet | Donated |
Beach Grass Bales | 18 | Free | Donated |
Straw Bales | 18 | $9.12/bale | $9.12/bale |
Lime Plaster | 48ft2 | $50.00 | $50.00 |
Wood | twelve 2”x4”x4’ | Free | Free |
Nails and Wire Staples | 1lb | $2.49/lb | Donated |
Chicken Wire | 48ft2 | $12.00 | $12.00 |
Rebar | five 4' bars | $3.00/bar | $3.00/bar |
Corrugated Sheet Metal | one 4'x15' sheet | Free | Free |
Total with Beach Grass Bales | $161.24 | $86.00 |
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Design Cost
Figure 8: Time Invested
Test Results
Will update when there are results.