Intermittent aeration for in-vessel composting of crab processing waste

A crab processing waste/wood shaving mixture was composted in-vessel with f our intermittent aeration strategies. The composting process was monitored to assess the efficacy of the aeration methods. Temperature, moisture conte nt and volatile solids of the compost were monitored along with the interst itial oxygen concentration. There was no significant difference in temperat ure profiles between constant frequency aeration and temperature feedback c ontrolled aeration methods. An increased frequency of aeration resulted in significantly more drying than the less frequent aeration using the same to tal air volume. Results indicated that air volume could be reduced after th e first five days of composting, and the in-vessel composting retention tim e could be reduced to 15 to 17 days for odor and vermin/vector problems pre vention.