2.1 Working of the HEVSTOW unit
A typical series of steps needed to operate a HEVSTOW unit comprise of
the following:-
- The substrate along with the specified earthworm species is loaded on
to the modules A (0.4 m * 0.4 m * 0.12 m), which is filled up
to 8 cm height and placed in the loading end J where the
module is carried over to the fixed frame B by the ropeZ with the help of a motor U and the rack and pinionR &T arrangement.
- The modules A with wheels C on either side move
within the bracket, this restricts the vertical movement of the
modules.
- Each module A is split into two equal halves at its bottom to
aid in easy emptying of the modules during harvesting.
- Each reactor is left for vermicomposting for 20-25 days. The substrate
is almost fully utilized in this time by the worms making it easy to
harvest the product.
- When the module is ready for harvesting the rod F below the
modules A (dissected at the base) is rotated to 180°
downwards using the gear mechanism G . The supporting rod
moves and the base of module A opens to empty the contents on
to a conveyor belt H .
- The conveyor H is then rotated with the help of a motor. The
vermicast along with worms and the remaining undigested matter gets
collected in the collection vessel.