Aerated Static Pile

Aerated Static Pile is composting with airflow introduced into the composting system to control pile temperatures in order to yield high-quality compost that is effectively free of pathogens, parasites and weed seeds. Through this process, offensive odours and flies are controlled. This consists of five components.

1. A blower connected to a timer or temperature sensor that controls airflow in or into the system, depending on the oxygen requirements.
2. A ‘manifold’ to deliver air. Typically PVC pipes with holes.
3. A plenum layer to diffuse columns of air escaping the PVC pipes to ensure uniform distribution into the bottom of the composting pile.
4. An active layer with the material to compost. Air promotes aerobic composting in the active layer. Depending on the composting material, the Carbon-to-Nitrogen ration needs to be controlled (typically 25-30:1). Sometimes through the use of wood chips.
5. A biofiltration layer, typically comprised of mulch or compost to trap heat, odours, and protects the active layer from animals.

There is no technical support provided as users are expected to maintain the product on their own.

The lifecycle of the Aerated Static Pile is the time it takes for feedstock to be composted, approximately 30 to 60 days for a bulk product. The process can then be repeated for future composting products.

Testing by the University of Leeds evaluated hybrid Aerated Static Piles (suck and blow aeration) compared to sole blow aeration. Hybrid piles produced higher and even temperatures through the pile and increased pathogen inactivation compared to solely blow aeration. Hybrid piles presented higher sanitization due to the high temperatures but lower microbial activity and compost stability the the blow piles in the initial stages of composting.

Offensive odours must be controlled during the process through a thick bio layer. Monitoring the temperature is essential to ensure efficient eradication of faecal coliforms and salmonella bacteria while achieving a high quality composting product.