Assessment of Farm Residuals Uniformity within a Spherical Mixer to Accelerate Conversion to Compost

This study aimed to determine the best parameters suitable to mix agriculture residues to produce compost in short time. A spherical mixer was designed to determine the optimum operating levels. The spherical shape ensures the regularity of the residue components movement inside it and also, it assures move the all sphere component, it easy to clean, to fill and unload. It is consists of four parts namely; body of spherical mixer–frame–transmission system–source of power. To prepare the compost raw materials, the shredded maize stover, poultry litter and clipping grass were collected to mix. The mixer fills by each raw material according to the determined ratio. The studied variables are three level of spherical rotating speed (25, 35 and 45rpm), three level of mixing time (900, 1800, 2700 and 3600 sec) and three levels of filling mass (24.3; 32.5 and 36.5 kg). To test the mixing operation, the ash percentage was identified. For each test the eleven samples were taken from the different location of the spherical mixer. Each test replicates three times and statistically analysis. It may be concluded that the percentage of ash decreased with increasing each of the amount of material in the spherical mixer and mixing time and vice versa for mixer rotational speeds. By comparing the calculated values of ash percentage (11.59%) with the experimental ash values for mixed under above conditions may be indicated that the treatment of 1800s with 36.5kg and 25rpm is the best parameters gives a good ash distribution.