The JK 5100 - a completely new type of composter

The JK5100 is fully automated and capable of handling large volumes of waste on a daily basis.

Over 700 of these composters are in operation in Sweden and other European countries. There are now four JK5100s in operation in the UK. One in the London area, one in the North East, one the South coast, and one in Scotland.

A video of the machine in operation can be viewed here.

The JK 5100 is suitable for schools, hospitals, local authorities, hotels, works canteens, housing associations, etc. - wherever large amounts of organic kitchen waste are generated on a regular basis.

The JK5100 can handle up to 100 litres or 50 kg of waste per day.

Note: the JK5100 is the only true composting machine of its size. It produces a finished compost that is ready for immediate use straight from the machine onto vegetable plots, flower beds, etc.

Waste is inserted into the composter via the hopper and wood pellets added either manually or automatically. Upon closing the hatch the waste is automatically ground and passed into the first, or "processing", chamber. The shredder/grinder first turns anti clockwise, acting in a similar manner to a food processor. Particle size can be controlled by adjusting the running time. Waste can be reduced to a puree, if desired. The grinder then automatically changes direction and discharges the waste into the first chamber.

The waste is aerated and mixed for approximately two weeks before passing into the second, or "ripening", chamber where it is again mixed automatically. The mixing actions in the first and second chambers of the composter are completely independent of each other and can be programmed via the control unit, allowing greater control over the composting process and ensuring it is carried on perfectly hygienically. When ripening is complete, the second chamber is emptied mechanically and the waste from the first chamber passed into the ripening chamber by reversing the direction of rotation of the mixing arms. A video of the machine in operation can be viewed here. If you would like a copy on DVD, please do not hesitate to contact us.

It is this two-chamber composting system that makes the JK5100 superior to composters which employ the single-chamber principle. In a single-chamber composter, waste is inserted in one end and continually transported along the machine to the rear, where it emerges on a continuous basis, regardless of whether or not the composting process has been thorough. In the case of the JK5100, the finished compost is taken only when it is ready - a fact that can be observed directly via the inspection hatch (both chambers have an inspection hatch for monitoring the whole process from start to finish).

The length of time that the waste spends in each chamber is dependent on the general composition of waste to be processed and is adjusted over the first few weeks of operation. The unit is then programmed accordingly. Normally, it should take about 2 weeks to fill the first chamber. The waste will then spend a further 2 weeks in the second chamber. A full cycle takes about 4 weeks, with the machine being emptied every 2 weeks.

New Modifications and the Animal By-Products Regulations

The Jora 5100 composter has been recently modified to improve the composting process even further and to satisfy the most stringent of regulations. Some on-site composting operations need to comply with the ABPR. The JK 5100 is able to satisfy all the requirements of the regulations relating to in-vessel composting.

Whereas the previous models had chambers constructed of plastic profiles, the undersides of both chambers are now made in stainless steel. The stainless steel construction helps regulate better the moisture content of the mix, thus optimising the composting process. .

The surfaces of the chambers are insulated with a high effective polyethylene foam that gives the compost a perfect process temperature.

Because of the exothermic process and superior insulation, the new JK5100 does not normally need additional energy to reach temperatures in excess of 60 degrees Celsius in the second chamber. However, if it is deemed necessary, a 2Kw heating element can be fitted at manufacture, or retro-fitted after installation.

To measure the temperatures within the mix, Testo 175-T3 temperature data loggers can be fitted. Temperature measurements can be taken to an accuracy of ± 0.5 degrees C at intervals of 10 seconds or more, and 16,000 readings per sensor can be stored and sent to a PC via an interface cable.