Abstract
The "Three Stage Rotating System" is the design that was chosen for the improved compost system at the sanctuary. Members of the Sanctuary want an improved compost system that will be more aesthetically pleasing, desirable, and easy to use. The project should also include improvements in rat-proofing and weather resistance. Additional requirements include low embedded energy of materials, preferably reused and re purposed materials.
Background
Team Compost was created in the Fall of 2016 at the Humboldt State University's Engineering 215 class. Our client for the ENGR 215 class was The Sanctuary, a creative space for artists and people from the community to borrow materials ranging from printmaking tools to textile tools, which is located in Arcata. Our objective was to improve the compost system by making the design inviting and accessible and also improve the rat-proofing. The previous compost system was composed of two metal trash cans that were leaking and wet, and a finishing bin that was an old metal rusty container with a non functional lid. Our project was to turn this system into a functional compost that is easy to use, easy to maintain, aesthetically pleasing, costs less than $100, and is easily accessible. Team Compost came up with the "Three Stage Rotating System" to improve the system of the Sanctuary's compost.
Problem statement and criteria
Improving the state of The Sanctuary's current compost system and use their guidelines for a functional compost system. The improved compost system is easy for everyone to use and can last through Humboldt's weather. Also, pest resistant and easy for anyone to want to maintain it.Here is a table that organizes the weighted criteria.
| Criteria | Importance | Constraints |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 7 | It is easy for everyone to use the compost system. |
| Durability | 10 | The improved compost system should last at least two years. |
| Ease of Maintenance | 9 | It is easy for the users to maintain. |
| Pest-Resistance | 8 | The system keeps away pests and rats. |
| Cost | 5 | It cost about 160$ to create the improved compost system. |
| Aesthetics | 4 | Looks nice enough for people to turn the compost. |
| Accessibility | 6 | Able to access for anyone of different height and age. |
Description of final project
The "Three Stage Rotating System" is the design that was chosen for the solution of the compost bin.This system is raised above the ground instead of on the floor so, you are able to empty the contents into the bin below easily. The rotating barrel also speeds up the compost process through mixing which wasn't happening in the previous system. The Improved compost system is composed of three stages; the rotating barrel, the second stage beneath the rotating barrel and the final finishing stage. The rotating barrel is 50 gallons, and 3 foot tall, that is turned on its side and raised three feet above the ground. It is raised on four bicycle forks. The forks are inserted in four cut pieces of metal that came from a street sign pole. The second stage is directly beneath the rotating barrel so, that it could be emptied when ready for the next stage. The second stage is going to be made up of street signs bolted onto the legs of the tumbler. The Final stage will be made of wooden pallets with a removable door in the front for easy access. This will be the final design given the space for the system and the amount of compost that will be produced. Photos and descriptions. Use gallery.
Costs
This is a table that organizes the costs of materials that were used, in the construction of the improved compost system at the sanctuary.
| Quantity | Material | Source | Cost ($) | Total ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scrap metal street post(Telespar) | Donated | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 1 | 55 Gallon Barrel | Donated | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 4 | Bicycle Forks | The Bike library | 10.00 | 40.00 |
| 4 | Bicycle Hubs | Donated | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 5 | Road Signs | Arcata Scrap | 37.00 | 37.00 |
| 5 | Wood Pallets | Donated | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 84 | Machine Screws | Ace Hardware | 00.30 | 25.20 |
| 60 | Washers | Ace Hardware | 00.25 | 15.00 |
| 2 | Hasp | Ace Hardware | 05.20 | 10.40 |
| 3 | Hinge | Ace Hardware | 07.00 | 21.00 |
| 30 | Nuts | Ace Hardware | 00.30 | 9.00 |
| Total Cost | $157.60 | |||
Testing Results
How to build
Use Template:How_to
Maintenance
The ongoing cost of the system on the sanctuary is expected to be relatively low compared to the cost of implementation in hours and monetary cost. Most structural components are designed to minimize maintenance due to weather resistance. Parts that must be replaced due to weather corrosion are designed around materials that the sanctuary frequently acquires for free: bicycle wheel hubs used for rollers under the tumbler must be re-greased periodically, and wire mesh under the bins must be replaced every few years depending upon corrosion of wires. The hinge and hasp on the rotator door must be re-greased frequently, and in the event of rust must be replaced every 1-2 years to ensure structural strength. Tumbler support struts may need replacement as welded joints corrode.
Schedule
This is when to maintain what.
- Daily
- Fill improved compost system with contents
- Rotate compost for 5-10 minutes.
- Weekly
- Remove the pin to release hasps, and empty contents into next bin.
- Monthly
- Use tool to turn compost in second stage.
- Grease bicycle hubs(rollers) and hinges and hasps to avoid corrosion.
- Yearly
- Replace hinges.
- Replace rollers
- Every 3 years
- Replace wire mesh underneath the rotating barrel and second stage.
- The rotating support may need replacement.
Instructions
To maintain the improved compost system their is a few things that need to be done.
Troubleshooting
This is only how to troubleshoot basic operation. For complex issues, the solution might just say contact ________. It should be a table in this format:
| Troubleshooting | Example solution or suggestion |
| Hinges or hasps are making it difficult to open | Add grease to loosen hasps or hinges |
| Remove contents from Stage 1. | Rotate door from Stage 1 face down, and remove lid from Stage 2. Open door and empty contents below. |
Discussion and next steps
References
See Help:Footnotes for more. Template:Reflist