GORE®
The GORE® Cover System utilizes positive aeration and a specially designed cover to create an enclosed system that optimizes the composting process, controls odors and micro-organisms, separates leachate from storm water and creates a consistent process unaffected by outside environmental conditions.
The GORE® Cover System utilizes positive aeration and a specially designed cover to create an enclosed system that optimizes the composting process, controls odors and micro-organisms, separates leachate from storm water and creates a consistent process unaffected by outside environmental conditions.
The GORE® Cover System utilizes positive aeration and a specially designed cover to create an enclosed system that optimizes the composting process, controls odors and micro-organisms, separates leachate from storm water and creates a consistent process unaffected by outside environmental conditions. Medium-pressure ventilators connect to in-floor aeration trenches, which allows oxygen to be blown into the heap. Stainless steel probes inserted into the compost pile monitor oxygen and temperature parameters, then relay this information to a central computer. This data then controls ventilators to keep the compost in the perfect conditions.
The design of the GORE® Cover influences the extraction of moisture during composting and prevents the final product from being too wet, while at the same time ensures that there is sufficient moisture retained to allow the material to be properly decomposed. The microporous structure of the GORE® Cover membrane means that it is practically impossible for bio-aerosols to penetrate. Microbiological tests have proved that when using the GORE® Cover, microbes can be reduced by greater than 99%; thus ensuring that workers, nearby residents and consumers are protected and safe. The insulating effect of the GORE® Cover and the pressurization created ensures even temperature distribution, which means that the necessary temperature for pathogen reduction across the entire cross-section of the heap can be maintained, even during the winter months. By closely monitoring and managing temperature within the heap, pathogenic micro-organisms are safely destroyed throughout the entire composting material and all quality standards are met.
Incoming material to the facility will be blended with other organic material to create the perfect “recipe” for the composting process. This blending includes setting the mixture’s moisture content, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, particle size and porosity. Once the blending is complete, the material is moved into windrows and the GORE® Cover is pulled over the pile for the first phase of the composting process. For the next four weeks, the windrow undergoes intensive composting until the cover is removed and the windrow is moved into Phase 2 of the system. The windrow is covered again for maturation for a period of a further two weeks. After this time, the compost is moved to Phase 3 where it is left uncovered on an aerated pad for an additional 2 weeks to begin the curing process. Once removed from Phase 3, the compost will continue curing in large storage windrows before it is screened to the appropriate particle size. Before finished compost is sold, samples are taken and sent to an accredited lab to ensure that the product quality is consistent with Regulations. These lab tests will measure certain levels within the compost including: heavy metals, fecal coliform and salmonella. In addition to the required testing, we also test all of our product for nutrient content including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sodium to ensure the utmost quality for our consumers. It is only when test results have confirmed that the finished product meets all requirements both by law and by our own standards that the all natural fertilizer will be marketed to our customers.