Abstract:
An apparatus and method of producing compost tea with an elongated container having a vortex chamber, filter, and outlet wherein compost is placed inside the vortex chamber, nozzles spray water into the compost chamber under pressure forcing nutrients and micro-organisms from the compost into the water which passes through the filter and out the outlet into a holding tank. The filter retains compost solids in the vortex chamber. The water is re-circulated through the apparatus until desired composition is reached.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     This invention relates to compost tea, and more particularly to an apparatus for producing compost tea.  
         [0003]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0004]     Compost tea refers to a nutrient and microbially enriched solution used in home and commercial agriculture and horticulture environments. The solution has a diversity of uses and applications, ranging from encouraging plant growth to fighting plant pathogens. The solution is generally produced by removing beneficial nutrients and micro-organisms from existing compost material and mixing them in water. Once produced, one must use the compost tea within a short period of time to ensure that the beneficial micro-organisms, which require an aerobic environment, survive until application. Application consists of spraying the compost tea onto the foliage or the soil, depending on the intended use and desired results.  
         [0005]     The benefits of compost tea include elimination of the use of commercially produced fertilizers and pesticides that have long-term detrimental effects on the environment. Since the beneficial ingredients of compost tea are naturally occurring, they promote the development of beneficial organisms and insects which naturally control pests while promoting plant growth. Commercially produced pesticides tend to kill both the pests and beneficial organisms and insects.  
         [0006]     Devices and methods of producing compost tea typically involve steeping or leaching the nutrients and organisms from compost material into water. Many devices and methods also utilize an aeration means to ensure an aerobic environment and provide agitation. Simple methods include encasing compost in a cloth or filter media which is then placed in a container holding water. The beneficial nutrients and microbial organisms leach into the water producing compost tea. This method is time consuming, taking days to produce even small quantities of compost tea. Additionally, the results are unpredictable since aerobic conditions may not be maintained. As microorganisms propagate in the tea, they deplete the existing oxygen. If the oxygen is depleted, the microorganisms die making the tea ineffective.  
         [0007]     Current practice teaches that improved results occur when the solution is aerated during the leaching process. Aeration, provided by introduction of oxygen or air bubbles into the liquid, provides a continual aerobic environment. This oxygen enriched environment aids the propagation of micro-organisms in the tea. While aeration aids in tea production, the process is still time consuming. Tea production using these methods requires 12 to 24 hours to produce a batch of tea.  
         [0008]     Other aerated leaching processes include placing the compost in a trough. The trough may be composed of metal, pipe or similar material with holes cut in the bottom. Compost material is placed in or conveyed through the trough. Water is sprayed on top of the compost. The water leaches through the compost and exits through the holes in the trough. The water is re-circulated until the desired compost tea leachate is produced. In other methods, the compost is conveyed through the trough with an auger. The water is sprayed into the compost by nozzles on the auger. However, these systems still require hours to produce a batch of tea.  
         [0009]     An inherent problem with existing compost tea devices and methods is production time. To achieve the most beneficial results, compost tea must be applied within a short time after production to ensure the beneficial micro-organisms survive until application. Generally, this means that the tea must be applied within a day after brewing to prevent spoilage. Such time frames present difficulties for users. Since current methods of compost tea production require almost a day of production time, with an application window of about a day, users must plan application in advance. If the user is unable to apply the tea during the application window the tea will spoil, resulting in lost product. When the product spoils, the user must expend additional resources to produce additional tea for application. Other difficulties arise if weather changes prohibit or stop the application of compost tea. The user must stop application, and if conditions do not change to allow application during the appropriate time frame, the tea will spoil.  
         [0010]     The problem of spoilage presents disadvantages for all compost tea users, but is exacerbated for large scale operations requiring several hundred or even thousands of gallons of compost tea. If the operation is unable to use the tea within the required window, the costs of producing replacement tea can be expensive in both increased compost material and labor costs. Changes in weather have a greater impact on large operations since application over hundreds of acres takes time. Some operations try to overcome this limitation by staggering application over several days or weeks. This is also a time consuming process.  
         [0011]     Another difficulty for large scale operations is device size and ease of use. Currently, most devices used to produce compost tea require the transfer of the tea from the device to a separate sprayer. In large scale applications, the tea must be transferred to a large sprayer or tote container for application. Until the tea is transferred, the device cannot be utilized to produce additional tea. This transfer process takes additional time and expense. Additionally, devices utilized for large quantity production of compost tea tend to be large, bulky, and are not easily mobile. This lack of mobility means the totes or containers must be hauled from the production area to the application areas. This hauling increases the expense in time, labor and equipment required for production.  
         [0012]     Accordingly, what is needed is an invention to produce compost tea in large or small batches in a short amount of time that is portable and easy to use.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved device and method to produce compost tea.  
         [0014]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a compost tea production device capable of producing large or small quantities of compost tea in a short duration.  
         [0015]     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a compost tea production device that is easily portable.  
         [0016]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a compost tea production device that does not require transfer of the compost tea into another container after production.  
         [0017]     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description and in the drawings which follow, and, in part, will be obvious from the description of may be learned by practice of the invention.  
         [0018]     To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the purpose of the invention as broadly described herein, the present invention provides a portable device that quickly produces compost tea.  
         [0019]     The invention comprises an apparatus and method of producing compost tea. Using this method, a water source, pump, a separator container, and a holding tank (hereafter called a “tote”) are provided. In this configuration the water source is preferably the tote filled with the desired volume of water. Appropriate means of communication are provided between the water source and pump intake, between pump discharge and the container, and between at lease one container outlet and the holding tank. The container is further provided with a vortex chamber having spray nozzles in communication with the water source from the pump. The nozzles direct their spray into the vortex chamber. The vortex chamber is provided with compost material. The container further has a filter separating the vortex chamber from the outlet. The pump forces water into the vortex chamber through the nozzles under pressure. The nozzle spray soaks the compost filling the vortex chamber with water. The nozzle spray further agitates the compost and creates water and compost slurry. Water pressure forces the water toward the filter which separates the water from the slurry. The water then flows toward the outlet opening. The process of re-circulating water from the tote to the container continues until the desired compost tea is produced.  
         [0020]     In a first aspect, the invention comprises a water filled tote container, a container having a top section and a bottom section. The bottom section&#39;s inside wall defines a vortex chamber. A plurality of spray nozzles in communication with the tote direct spray into the vortex chamber. The nozzles may be mounted on the vortex chamber wall or directly on a manifold internal to the vortex chamber. A filter is provided in the container separating the vortex chamber from the outlet. A pump having an intake communicates with the tote while a pump outlet communicates to a manifold having a plurality of ports, wherein each port is in communication with one of the plurality of spray nozzles. The top section&#39;s discharge outlet communicates with the tote. Lines providing fluid communication between the tote and the pump, and between the pump discharge outlet and the tote, are removable from the tote. In operation, compost material is provided in the vortex chamber. The top section is releasably coupled to the bottom section. When electricity is supplied to the pump, water is pumped from the tote to the spray nozzles. The water forcibly mixes with the compost material, agitating it and separating the beneficial nutrients and micro-organisms from the compost. Water pressure forces the water through the filter screen, toward the container outlet and back to the tote. The compost tea is re-circulated between the tote and the container until the desired levels of nutrients and micro-organisms are obtained. When the desired levels are obtained the pump is shut off, the lines communicating from the tote to the pump and from the top to the tote are removed or otherwise disconnected from the tote, and compost tea production is complete.  
         [0021]     In yet another aspect of the invention, the filter comprises a cylindrically shaped screen integrally manufactured into the top section. The filter has a closed end and an open end defining an intake opening. An insert extends from the outer periphery of the intake end and engages into the open end of the container top section. The filter has an outer surface spaced inwardly from the inner surface of the top section creating a circumferential gap in communication with the outlet opening. The intake opening directs the slurry upwards into the filter which separates the water there-from and through the screen and into the circumferential gap communicating with the outlet opening. Wash nozzles are preferably provided to direct water towards the screen and keep it clean.  
         [0022]     In another aspect of the invention, the plurality of spray nozzles is mounted on the vortex chamber wall. The filter comprises a filter element having a closed end and an open outlet end defining an outlet opening in communication with the tote. In operation, the container is rotated so that its axis is horizontal. Compost material is provided on a portion of the vortex chamber wall. Water entering the vortex chamber from the nozzles creates water and compost slurry, filling the vortex chamber. Water pressure forces the water through the filter and toward the outlet opening to the tote.  
         [0023]     In yet another aspect, the container has a fixed bottom and a removable top. One end of the filter mounts inside the container to the fixed bottom while the removable top adapts to receive the other end of the filter to create a seal during operation. The filter outer surface is spaced slightly inwardly from the container inside wall creating a circumferential gap along the entire length of the container. An internal manifold having an open end, which communicates with a water source, mount to the fixed bottom while the other end of the manifold is capped. A plurality of spray nozzles mounts on the manifold which runs the entire length of the inside of the container. The manifold is positioned inside the filter. Compost is provided inside the filter. Nozzle spray from the manifold soaks the compost and fills the filter with water. Pressure forces water through the filter into the circumferential gap and toward a plurality of outlets communicating with the water source.  
         [0024]     In another aspect of the invention, the vortex chamber and pump are affixed to a cart capable of steerage. The cart has wheels to allow free movement of the cart about the ground. A tongue, handle or other linkage device is attached to the cart allowing a user to steer the cart while pushing or pulling on the linkage device. Alternatively, the linkage device could be connected to a hitch of a motorized piece of equipment.  
         [0025]     The present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference numbers denote the same element throughout. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]      FIG. 1  is a flow diagram showing a process of producing compost tea.  
         [0027]      FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B  are a plan and elevation view of a first embodiment showing the container and pump on a cart.  
         [0028]      FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B  show a cross sectional elevation view of a first embodiment container and filter.  
         [0029]      FIG. 4  is a sectional plan view depicting the nozzle arrangement on the container wall.  
         [0030]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view depicting the nozzle arrangement of the bottom of the bottom section.  
         [0031]      FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  are a plan and elevation view of a second embodiment showing the container and pump on a cart.  
         [0032]      FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B  are cross sectional views of a second embodiment having an internal manifold and integral filter.  
         [0033]      FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of the second embodiment showing a vortex chamber and internal manifold nozzle arrangement.  
         [0034]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are a plan and elevation view of a third embodiment which operates horizontally.  
         [0035]      FIG. 10A  is a cross sectional view of a third embodiment having an integrated filter with an outlet end.  
         [0036]      FIG. 10B  is a cross sectional view of a third embodiment flanged end.  
         [0037]      FIG. 10C  is a cross sectional view showing a third embodiment nozzle arrangement.  
         [0038]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  show a plan and elevation view of a fourth embodiment of the container.  
         [0039]      FIG. 11C  shows a cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the container.  
         [0040]      FIG. 11D  shows an elevation view of the fourth embodiment filter body lined with perforated screen.  
         [0041]      FIG. 11E  shows a cross sectional view of the fourth embodiment container showing the circumferential gap and loop line arrangement. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0042]      FIG. 1  shows a flow diagram for a process for producing compost tea. An elongated container  100  is provided having a bottom section  102  and a top section  104 . A flange assembly  106  releasably secures the two sections. A recirculation line  108  provides communication between the container  100  and a tote  112  provided with water  144 . A quick disconnect  110  is provided in the recirculation line  108  to allow easy removal of the tote  112 . A pump  118  is also provided having an intake  116  and a discharge  120 . A feed water line  114  having a feed water valve  124  provides communication between the tote  112  and the pump  118 . The pump  118  and container  100  are preferably mounted on a dolly or cart  150  to allow easy portability of the container  100 . A supply water line  128  provides communication between the discharge  120  and one or more multi-port manifolds  132 . A quick disconnect  122  and supply line valve  126  are preferably provided in the supply water line  128  facilitating operation. A plurality of nozzle supply lines  134  provide communication between the manifold  132  and a plurality of spray nozzles  136  mounted inside a vortex chamber  148 , provided with compost  146  material, defined by the inside of the bottom section  102 . Water pressure generated by the pump  118  forces water through the spray nozzles  136  into the vortex chamber  148 . Spray from the spray nozzles  136  fills the vortex chamber  148  creating water and compost slurry. The spray nozzles  136  are generally directed circumferentially and in the same direction creating a vortex during operation. A counter-clockwise direction is preferable, enabling the compost tea to obtain a positive charge producing further beneficial results. One or more of spray nozzles  136  may be directed toward the vortex chamber  148  axis to create turbulence and additional agitation. Agitation provided by the vortex and turbulence separates nutrients and microorganisms from the compost  146  and entrains them in the water creating compost tea. Water pressure forces the compost tea through a filter  138  toward the outlet opening  140  which is in communication with the recirculation line  108  and back to the tote  112 . After processing the compost  146  remaining in the vortex chamber  148  is removed.  
         [0043]     Referring now to  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B , a first embodiment of the apparatus is shown. A generally cylindrical container  200  is provided having a top section  204  and a bottom section  202 . The top section  204  has a top cap  208  on one end defining a closed end while the other end has a top flange  210  affixed to the outer periphery of the top section  204 . The bottom section  202  has a closed end defined by a bottom cap  206  while the other end is open and having a bottom flange  212  affixed to the bottom section&#39;s  202  outer periphery. A series of clamps  214  hingedly affix to the bottom flange  212  and are adapted to engage the top flange  210  so that the top section  204  is removably securable to the bottom section  202 . The flanges  210 ,  212  may also be secured by other suitable means known in the art such as bolts or compression rings. The top flange  210  and bottom flange  212  are adapted to receive a filter assembly  216  there-between. A riser clamp  222  assembly engages the outer surface  220  of the bottom section  202 . A hinge assembly  224  having two barrels and a pin  226  with a stop on one end hingedly attaches the riser clamp  222  assembly to an A-Frame  228  mounted to a top surface  230  of a moveable cart  232 . A handle  260  affixes to the pin  226  allowing rotation of the container  200  about the rotational axis of the pin  226 . A tubular handle support stand  262  has one end hingedly affixed to the A-Frame  228  while the other end adapts to cooperatively support the handle  260 . When cooperatively supported, the handle stand  262  supports the handle  260 , and therefore the container  200  in an approximately horizontal position. When disengaged, the handle stand  262  rests against the A-Frame  228  and the container  200  rests with its axis vertically. A pump  234  having an intake  238  and a discharge  240  preferably affixes to the cart  232 . A feed water line  236  provides communication between the pump intake  238  and a water source, preferably a tote. A supply water line  244  provides communication between the pump discharge  240  and one or more multi-port manifolds  250 . The supply water line  244  preferably has a valve  246  and a quick disconnect  242  fitting adapted to engage the pump discharge  240  to facilitate removal of the supply water line  244  when the container  200  is positioned horizontally. A plurality of nozzles mounts inside the container  200 . A plurality of nozzle supply lines  252  provides communication between the manifold  250  ports and each nozzle. The container  200  has at least one outlet  256 . A recirculation line  258  provides communication between the outlet  256  and the tote. A drain valve  248  mounts to the bottom section  202  facilitating drainage after use.  
         [0044]     Referring now to  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B  in addition to  FIG. 2 , to further describe the first embodiment, the container  200 , top section  204  and bottom section  202  are shown. As described in this embodiment, the container  200  is manufactured from 10 inch schedule 80 PVC pipe and fittings. However, other suitable materials and construction could include carbon or stainless steel, fiberglass, CPVC, or other materials designed to convey or contain fluids under pressure. The bottom section  202  and top section  204  are generally cylindrically shaped. The top section  204  comprises a spool  370  piece having a closed end defined by a top wall  384  of a top cap  372  adapted to receive one end of the spool  370  piece. The other end of the spool  370  piece is open and engages into a sleeve in a top flange assembly  210 . The embodiment described herein comprises a Van Stone type flange assembly comprising an insert and a flange ring which is well known in the art of flange devices. Other flange assemblies suitable for use with the container  200  construction material and size may also be used. A bushing mounts on the top section  204  defining an outlet  256 . A recirculation line  258  provides communication from the outlet  256  to the tote. In the figure, the bushing  386  adapts to receive a nipple  392 . An elbow fitting  394  adapts on one end to receive the nipple  392  and a second nipple  396  on the other end. The second nipple  396  affixes to the recirculation line  258  which line communicates with the tote.  
         [0045]     The bottom section  202  has a closed end formed by the bottom cap  206  adapted to receive one end of the bottom section  202 . The bottom cap  206  has a wall defining a bottom  306  of the bottom section  202 . The other end of the bottom section  202  is open and having the bottom flange assembly  212  affixed thereto. The container  200  has an inner surface  312  that, together with the bottom  306 , defines a vortex chamber  314 . The inner surface  312  is also referred to as the vortex chamber wall  312  throughout this description. A drain outlet  320  provides communication from the vortex chamber  314  to drain valve  248 . A plurality of spray nozzle  322   s  mounts on the vortex chamber wall  312 . The plurality of nozzle supply lines  252  provides communication from the manifold  250  to the spray nozzles  322 ,  322   a,    326 ,  326   a.  The spray nozzles  322  are preferably arranged helically and directing their spray in a counter-clockwise circumferential direction so that water directed from the nozzles  322  generates a vortex within the vortex chamber  314 . Also, one or more straight nozzles  326  directing spray inwardly toward the container  200  axis are provided to generate additional agitation and turbulence during operation. Two pair of spray nozzle  326   a,    322   a  are preferably mounted on the bottom  306  wherein one pair  322   a  directs spray circumferentially about the container  200  axis in the same direction as the other plurality of spray nozzles  322  mounted on the vortex chamber wall  312 , while the other pair are straight nozzles  326   a  directing spray upwardly along lines parallel to the container  200  axis. A riser clamp  222  assembly adapted to receive the container&#39;s  200  outer wall  308  secures to the container  200  just below the bottom flange assembly  212  wherein the bottom flange assembly  212  comprises an insert  350  and a ring  352 . The riser clamp  222  assembly generally consists of two members secured to each other by bolts and are well known in mechanical arts. The riser clamp  222  assembly is hingedly connected to the A-Frame  228  by a hinge assembly  224 . The hinge assembly  224  comprises a first barrel  330  affixed to the top outer periphery of the riser clamp  222  and a second barrel  334  affixed to the A-Frame  228 . The first barrel  330  and second barrel  334  are adapted to receive the pin  226 . The first barrel  330  is adapted to receive a lock screw  344  which, when screwed in, engages the end of the pin  226  inserted into the first barrel  330  coupling the pin  226  to the first barrel  330 . The pin  226  rotates freely inside the second barrel  334 . This arrangement facilitates rotation of the container  200  about the hinge assembly axis. The bottom flange  212  and the top flange  210  are adapted to receive a filter assembly  216  there-between. Referring now to  FIG. 3B , the filter assembly  216  in this embodiment comprises a lower gasket  360  and an upper gasket  364  having a perforated filter screen  362  there-between. The perforated screen  364  is preferably stainless steel sheet having perforations with a diameter of 0.030 inch (thirty-thousandths of an inch). The screen  362  perforations allow communication of nutrient enriched water from the vortex chamber  314  to the top section  204  while retaining the compost solids in the vortex chamber  314 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 4  depicts a more detailed view of the lower portion of the bottom section  202  depicting the nozzle arrangement on the vortex chamber wall  312 . Referring to  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 4 , the bottom section  202  outer surface  308  and the inner surface  312  defining the vortex chamber  314  are shown. The bottom section  202  adapts to receive the spray nozzle assemblies  322 ,  326  through holes drilled through the bottom section  202 . Each spray nozzle assembly  322 ,  326  has an end adapted to connect to one of the nozzle supply lines  324  and another end directing spray into the vortex chamber  314 . Each nozzle assembly  322 ,  326  affixes to the bottom section  202  in the openings defined by the drilled holes by glue or other means to provide a watertight seal. Spray nozzles  322 ,  326  preferably direct spray in the same counter-clockwise circumferential direction to create a vortex during operation. The one or more straight nozzles  326  are preferably provided directing spray inwardly toward the container  200  axis. In practice, approximately 14 nozzles  322 ,  326  mounted on the vortex chamber wall  312  have been found satisfactory in a container  200  having a bottom section  202  manufactured from 10 inch schedule 80 PVC pipe and having sufficient capacity to hold approximately 30 pounds of compost. Of these 14 nozzles, two straight nozzles  326  have been found to create satisfactory turbulence and additional agitation. However, configurations lacking straight nozzles  326  may also be used satisfactorily.  FIG. 5  clarifies nozzle arrangement on the bottom of the container bottom section. Referring to  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 5  the bottom  306  has the pair of nozzles  322   a  directing spray circumferentially and the pair of straight nozzles  326   a  directing spray upwardly along lines parallel to the container  200  axis. These straight nozzles  326   a  provide additional agitation of compost material preventing settling on the bottom and facilitating thorough mixing of the slurry during operation.  
         [0047]      FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  depict a second embodiment of a compost tea apparatus container  600 . This embodiment utilizes an internal manifold, a filter means integrated into a removable top section  604 , and multiple outlet openings  650 ,  652 . In this embodiment, the configuration of a cart  632 , pump  634 , supply water line  644 , feed water line  636 , A-Frame  628 , hinge assembly  624 , pin  626 , riser clamp assembly  622 , handle  660 , handle support  662 , recirculation line  658 , top section  604  and bottom section  602 , flange clamps  614 , and drain valve  648  is essentially the same as previously described in association with  FIG. 2  except as hereinafter explained. In this embodiment, spray nozzles are mounted on an internal manifold. Since the manifold is internal to the container the manifold and container are freed from nozzle supply lines. The supply water line  644  communicates with the internal manifold that communicates directly with the spray nozzles. The bottom section  602  has a bottom cap  606  adapted to internally receive the manifold and to externally receive the supply water line  644 . The top section  604  differs in that it has a first outlet  650  and a second outlet  652 . The second outlet  652  adapts to engage a tee  654  fitting which is further adapted to engage the recirculation line  658  and one end of a loop  656 . The first outlet  650  is adapted to engage the other end of the loop  656 . The loop provides communication between the first outlet  650  and the recirculation line  658 .  
         [0048]     In addition to  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B , the container of the second embodiment is further described in  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B . The container  600  provided with compost  738 , bottom section  602  and top section  604  is shown. The bottom cap  606  closes one end of the bottom section  602  while the other end is open having the lower flange  610  extending from its outer periphery. The bottom cap  606  has a bottom wall  708  having a bushing  712  affixed therein defining an inlet opening  714 . The bushing  712  has an end external to the container  600  adapted to engage and provide communication with the supply water line  644 . The bushing  712  also has an end internal to the container  600  adapted to engage and provide communication with the inlet end  710  of an elongated internal manifold  718 . A manifold cap  724  adapted to engage the manifold  718  and provide a watertight seal closes the other end of the manifold  718 . The manifold  718  has an outer surface  720  and a circular inner surface  726  defining a space in communication with a plurality of spray nozzles  732  mounted on the outer surface  720 . Spray nozzles  732  are also preferably alternately staggered in flights providing even mixing of the compost  738  and resulting slurry. The outer surface  720  is spaced inwardly from a vortex chamber wall  734  of the container  600  defining a vortex chamber  736 . A top cap  742  adapted to engage a top spool  764  closes one end of the top section  604  while the other end is open and having a top flange assembly  612  extending outwardly therefrom. The open end of the top section  604  is in communication with the open end of the bottom section  602 . The top flange  612  and bottom flange  610  are adapted to releasably engage each other to create a watertight seal during operation, preferably with a gasket  616  provided between the two flanges  610 ,  612 . The top section  604  has an integrated cylindrical filter  758  comprising a filter insert  760  adapted to engage a cylindrical perforated screen  770 . The filter insert  760  engages into the top flange assembly  612  and affixes to the open end of the top spool  764  creating a watertight seal. The end of the screen  770  affixed to the filter insert  760  is open and defines a filter inlet opening  772  in communication with the vortex chamber  736 . The other end of the screen  770  is closed. A top ring  776  having an internal diameter the same size as the internal diameter of the filter insert  760  engages the other end of the cylindrical screen  770 . The top ring  776  facilitates retention of screen  770  shape during operation. The top ring  776  should abut the top wall  744  and is preferably affixed to the top wall  744 , defining the closed end of the screen  770  creating a watertight seal. Alternatively, a cap may be used to close the other end of the perforated screen  770 . The screen  770  has an outer surface  774  spaced inwardly from an inner surface  756  of the top section  604  and defining a circumferential gap  782 . In other embodiments, the filter  758  may comprise a spool piece having one end open engaged in an insert  760  and another end abutting the top wall  744  or closed by a cap. In this alternate filter  758  embodiment, the spool piece is provided with a series of large openings in the spool wall allowing water to flow from the vortex chamber  736  to the circumferential gap  782 . The perforated screen  770  is affixed to the inside of the spool to allow water to flow to the circumferential gap  782  while retaining compost  738  in the vortex chamber  736 . The top section  604  is further provided with two outlet bushings  746  defining the first outlet  650  and second outlet  652 . The outlets  650 ,  652  are in communication with the circumferential gap  782 . In practice, where the container  600  is manufactured from 10-inch schedule 80 PVC pipe, the filter  758  comprises an 8 inch filter insert  760  and perforated screen  770  having perforations with a diameter of thirty-thousandths of an inch each. The open end of the perforated screen  770  is riveted or otherwise affixed to the inside of the insert  760 . The outer surface  770  of the perforated screen&#39;s  770  other end is affixed to the top ring  776 . Additionally, since the manifold  718  extends into the top section  604 , nozzles  732  positioned on the portion of the manifold  718  extending into the open end of the filter  758  provide a washing action to clean the perforated screen  770 .  
         [0049]      FIG. 8  shows the internal arrangement of the manifold  718  and spray nozzles  732  of the second embodiment container  600 . The bushing  712  mounted in the bottom section cap  608 , is preferably positioned so that its axis coincides with the vortex chamber  736  axis. Spray nozzles  732  preferably mount in four linear rows along the manifold  718  directing their spray in the same counter-clockwise circumferential direction to create a vortex during operation. Spray nozzles  732  having a 90 degree head directing spray along a line parallel to the tangency of their mounting point with the manifold  718  facilitate this arrangement. Some nozzles  732  having straight spray assemblies to generate turbulence and additional agitation may be utilized but are not otherwise described or shown for this embodiment.  
         [0050]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  depict a third embodiment of the compost tea apparatus container  900 . The external features of this embodiment resemble those of the first described embodiment in  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B . However, in practice this embodiment shows improved results with finer and heavier compost material. In this embodiment, an elongated container  900  is provided having a cap  910  closing one end and a blind flange assembly  902  closing the other end. The blind flange assembly  902  comprises a flange ring  904  engaging an insert  906  that further engages the periphery of the container  900  defining the flanged end. A plate or blind flange  908  is provided releasably coupling to the flange ring  904  with bolts or other mechanical means known in the art such as clamps or compression rings. A gasket  942  is disposed between the flange ring  904  and the blind flange  908  to facilitate a watertight seal. The cap  910  on the other end of the container  900  has a bushing  914  mounted therein defining an outlet providing communication between a recirculation line  916  and the inside of the container  900  (vortex chamber). One or more multi-port manifolds  920  communicate with a supply water line  924  is in communication with a pump feeding water from a water source such as a tote. A plurality of nozzles mounts inside the container  900 . A plurality of nozzle supply lines  922  provides communication between the manifold  920  ports and each nozzle. A drain valve  926  having communication with the container&#39;s  900  inside protrudes from the container  900  facilitating draining after operation. In operation, the container&#39;s  900  axis is aligned horizontally. In this manner, the compost material can spread over the bottom of the container&#39;s  900  entire length, facilitating agitation of heavier compost material. A riser clamp  928  hingedly affixed to the a support frame  944  mounted to a movable cart  946  engages the container  900  outer surface  930  allowing rotation about the axis of a hinge assembly  934  having a pin  936  with a stop on one end. A handle  938  having one end affixed to the stop facilitates rotation of the container  900 . A tubular handle stand  940  having one end hingedly mounted to the support frame  944  and the other end adapted to cooperatively engage the handle  938  enables the container  900  to remain in a horizontal position during operation.  
         [0051]     Referring now to  FIG. 10A  in addition to  FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B , the internals of the third embodiment container  900  are further shown. The container  900  has the blind flange assembly  902  closing one end while the cap  910  closes the other. The flange assembly  902  comprises the flange ring  904 , insert  906 , blind flange  908 , and gasket  942  as previously described. The flange ring  904  affixes to the container&#39;s  900  outer surface  930  on the blind flange end while the cap  910  affixes to the container  900 &#39;s outer surface  930  on the capped end. The cap  910  has a bushing  914  mounted therein defining an outlet  1058 . The bushing  914  is adapted to engage a fitting external to the container  900  that is in communication with the recirculation line  916  while also engaging a filter  1020  located inside the container  900 . The container  900  has an inner surface  1026  to which a plurality of spray nozzles  1022  mounts. Nozzle supply lines  922  communicate water to the nozzles from the multi-port manifold(s)  920 . The filter  1020  in this embodiment comprises an elongated cylindrically formed perforated screen  1030  having two open ends and a filter outer surface  1028 . The filter outer surface  1028  is spaced inwardly from the container  900  inner surface  1026  defining a vortex chamber  1044 . The screen  1030  has an interior surface defining a sleeve adapted to engage an elongated, hollow cylindrical filter body  1032  having ends extending beyond the cylindrical screen  1030  ends. Rivets, weld, glue, ring clamps, or other suitable joining means may be used to affix the screen  1030  to the filter body  1032 . A series of elongated openings in the filter body  1032  define windows  1034  or cut-outs. The filter body  1032  has a filter cap  1042  closing one end. On the other end, a filter outlet end  1038  defines a filter outlet  1040  in communication with the container outlet  1058 . In operation, water pressure forces water in the vortex chamber  1044  through the filter screen  1030  at the filter body  1032  windows  1034  which direct the water inside the filter  1020  where the water if further directed toward the filter outlet  1040 . Water flows from the filter outlet  1040 , through the container outlet  1058 , and into the recirculation line  916  in communication with the filter outlet  1040 . The blind flange  908  has a top wall  1050  adjacent the vortex chamber  1044  having a retainer ring  1046  centrally affixed thereto. The retainer ring  1046  has an upright member adapted to releasably engage the filter cap  1042 . The retainer ring  1046  provides a stable and secure mount for the closed end of the filter  1020  during operation. Compost  1056  material is provided in the vortex chamber  1044 . During operation the pump forces water through the spray nozzles  1022  into the vortex chamber  1044 . The water mixes with and agitates the compost  1056  creating a slurry, entraining the compost  1056  nutrients and microorganisms in the water. The water fills the vortex chamber  1044  while water pressure forces the water through the filter  1020  as described above.  
         [0052]     Referring to  FIG. 10B  to further clarify the flanged end of the third embodiment container  900 , the flange insert  906  engaging the flange ring  904  is shown blinded by the blind flange  908  bolted to the flange ring  904 . A retainer ring  1046  centrally mounts to the blind flange  908  surface interior to the container. For simplicity the retainer ring  1046  is constructed of four pieces of angle iron having ends abutted together to form a square. The upright member of the angle iron retainer ring  1046  is adapted to cooperatively receive the filter cap  1042  securely and firmly. Alternatively, the retainer ring  1046  could be formed from a single piece of angle by rolling the angle piece to create a circular ring adapted to receive the filter cap  1042 . Also, the retainer ring  1046  could be manufactured as a machined or formed donut type ring mounting to the blind flange  908  so long as it has am upright member adapted to receive the filter cap  1042  and secure the filter cap  1042  in place during operation.  FIG. 10C  shows another view of the third embodiment container  900 . Spray nozzles  922  mount inside the container  900  directing spray into the vortex chamber  1044 . When the container  900  is in the horizontal operating position rows of nozzles  922  are presented at approximately the 2 O&#39;clock, 6 O&#39;clock, and 8 O&#39;clock positions. The 6 O&#39;clock and 8 O&#39;clock nozzles preferably direct their spray counter-clockwise circumferentially about the vortex chamber  1044  creating a vortex during operation. The 2 O&#39;clock positioned nozzle  922  preferably directs its spray generally in the same counter-clockwise circumferential direction but is also angled toward the filter  1020  to provide a washing action thereby cleaning the top surface of the filter  1020  during operation. Using a nozzle directing spray 90 degrees from the assembly, the preferred 2 O&#39;clock mounting is accomplished by mounting the nozzle assembly  922  at an angle approximately 22 degrees from the tangency of the mounting position with the container  900  wall. The filter  1020  windows  1034  are also visible in this figure as cut-outs in the filter body  1032 .  
         [0053]      FIG. 11A  and  FIG. 11B  show a fourth embodiment of the device. In this embodiment, the cart, pump, feed water line, A-Frame stand, handle, hinge assembly, pin, and riser clamp configure similarly to the embodiments previously described. In this embodiment. An elongated cylindrical container  1100  has a bottom cap  1104  closing one end and an open end defined by a flange  1110  affixed thereto. A blind flange  1112  adapted to releasably couple with the flange  1110  assembly allows the open end to be closed during operation. A gasket  1114  is provided between the flange  1110  and the blind flange  1112  to facilitate a water-tight seal. The container  1100  has an outer surface  1102  with a portion engaged in the riser clamps, providing support to the container  1100 . The bottom cap  1104  has a bushing  1106  affixed therein defining an inlet in communication with one end of a supply water line  1126 . The other end of the supply water line  1126  is in communication with the pump and provides water to the container  1100 . The container  1100  has a plurality of outlets  1116  and a loop line  1118   a,    1118   b,    1118   c  and denoted generally throughout this description as  1118  adapted to communicate with and between each outlet  1116  and a recirculation line  1128 . The recirculation line  1128 , as discussed in other embodiments, has one end communicating with a tote. The other end of the recirculation line  1128  communicates with the loop line  1118 . The loop line  1118 , outlets  1116 , and container  1100  interior form a parallel circuit directing compost tea from inside the container  1100  toward the recirculation line, which carries the compost tea to the tote. In practice, the loop line  1116  may be one line having multiple inlet branches adapted to communicate with the outlets  1116 .  FIG. 11E  shows one method of constructing the loop line  1118 . Using this construction, the loop line  1118  is constructed of several pieces of flex hose  1118   a,    1118   b,    1118   c.  A first piece of flex hose  1118   a  has one end communicating with a nipple  1172  in communication with one of the outlets  1116  designating the beginning of the loop  1118  while the other end communicates with a first tee fitting  1172   a  in communication with an outlet  1116   a.  A second piece of flex hose  1118   b  has one end also communicating with the first tee fitting  1172   a  and the other end communicating with a second tee fitting  1172   b.  A third flex hose  1118   c  has one end adapted to also communicate with the second tee fitting  1172   b  while the other end communicates with a third tee fitting. This loop pattern continues until the final tee fitting, which communicates with both the last piece of flex hose forming the loop  1118  and the recirculation line  1128 .  
         [0054]     Referring now to  FIG. 11C , the bushing  1106  in the bottom cap  1104  has an end external to the container  1100  communicating with the supply water line  1126 . The end of the bushing  1106  internal to the container  1100  is in communication with an open end of an elongated manifold  1162  defining a manifold inlet  1164 . A manifold cap  1166  closes the other end of the manifold  1162 . The manifold  1162  provides communication for water between the manifold inlet  1164  and a plurality of spray nozzles  1168  mounted on the manifold  1162 . The spray nozzles  1168  preferably direct spray in a counter-clockwise circumferential direction that is parallel to the tangency of their mounting position on the manifold  1162 . The manifold  1162  axis preferably coincides with the container  1100  axis. A filter  1150  comprising an elongated, hollow cylindrical filter body  1152  and a removable perforated screen  1154  is provided inside the container  1100 . The filter body  1152  has one end affixed to a bottom wall  1120  of the bottom cap  1104  and an axis coincident with the container  1100  axis. The other end of the filter body  1152  is open having a filter insert  1160  affixed thereto. The flanged end of the container  1100  is adapted to engage the filter insert  1160  which is affixed therein, securing the filter body  1152  to the container  1100 . The filter body  1152  has a series of long holes cut or sawn therein defining windows  1153  in the filter body  1152 . The filter body  1152  has a filter body outer surface spaced inwardly from an inner surface  1122  of the container  1100  defining a circumferential gap  1158  there-between. The filter body  1152  is adapted to communicably receive the perforated screen  1154  along its entire length therein. The tolerance between the filter body  1152  and the screen  1154  should be sufficient to allow the screen  1154  to slide easily in and out of the filter body  1152 , yet securely retain the screen  1154  in position during operation. The screen  1154  has an inner surface  1156  defining a vortex chamber  1174  provided with compost  1170 . When the blind flange  1112  is secured to the container flange  1110 , the top wall  1124  closes the open end of the screen  1154  and filter body  1152 , securing the compost  1170  therein. The outlets  1116  provide communication between the circumferential gap  1158  and the loop line  1118 . In operation, compost  1170  is provided inside the screen  1154  vortex chamber  1174  and the blind flange  1112  is releasably joined to container flange  1110 . Water from a source is pumped through the water supply line, into the manifold  1162 , and out of the spray nozzles  1168 . Water from the spray nozzles  1168  soaks the compost  1170  and creates a compost  1170  and water slurry. The spray, under pressure, creates a vortex and separates the nutrients and microorganisms from the compost  1170 . The screen  1154  separates the water from the slurry, and the filter body windows  1153  direct the water from the screen  1154  to the circumferential gap  1158 , which directs water to the outlets  1116 . The outlets  1116  communicate the water to the loop line  1118 , which further communicates the water to the recirculation line  1128  and back to a tote, which is preferably the water source feeding the pump.  FIG. 11D  provides an elevation view of the filter  1150  showing the filter body  1152  lined with the screen  1154 . As shown,  8  windows  1153  are provided in the filter body  1152  to maximize screen surface area exposed to the circumferential gap  1158  ( FIG. 11C ) while providing enough rigidity to facilitate retention of screen  1154  shape during operation. The filter insert  1160  is also shown affixed to one end of the filter body  1152 . Referring again to  FIG. 11E , the circumferential gap  1158  defined by the filter body  1152  and inner surface  1122  is shown. Water pressure created by spray from the nozzles  1168  when water fills the container  1100  forces the nutrient and microorganism enriched water from the slurry, through the screen  1154  at the windows  1153  into the circumferential gap  1158 . The circumferential gap  1158  directs the water toward the plurality of outlets  1116 ,  1116   a,    1116   b,  into the loop line  1118  flex hoses  1118   a,    1118   b,    1118   c  and into the recirculation line ( FIG. 11A  and  FIG. 11B ) in communication with the loop line  1118 . Like the other embodiments, the recirculation process continues until the desired levels of compost tea ingredients are reached.  
         [0055]     In each of the referenced drawings and embodiments, screen having perforations with a diameter of 30 thousandths of an inch (0.030″) each has been found satisfactory to allow water to pass through the filter while separating compost and retaining it in the container. The container may be constructed of 10 inch PVC pipe and fittings having a vortex chamber capable of holding approximately 30 to 40 pounds of compost material. The pump should provide a range of volumetric water flow. Flow ranging from 30 gallons per minute (gpm) and 40 gpm has been found satisfactory, although rates up to 100 gpm have been satisfactorily tested. System operating pressure is preferably 30 to 40 pounds per square inch (psi). However, depending on system materials and designs using higher pressure ratings are possible and provide similarly satisfactory results. The time interval to produce a 275 gallon volume of high quality compost tea using the devices and methods described herein is approximately 10 to 12 minutes. The pump is preferably provided with a timer, automating the recirculation cycle and providing consistency in operation between batches. Larger volumes can be produced by increasing container and compost volume and adjusting timing intervals appropriately.  
         [0056]     As has been demonstrated, the present invention provides a novel device and method for compost tea production. The present invention provides high quality tea in much shorter times than existing methods, overcoming many of the obstacles and difficulties associated with using compost tea. The prior art does not provide a means of producing quality compost tea in approximately 10 to 12 minutes for a batch of compost tea. Nor does the prior art teach a method of separating micro-organisms and nutrients from compost in a separator container under pressure. Nor does the prior art teach highly portable devices capable of producing large scale quantities of compost tea in short durations.  
         [0057]     While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, additional variations and modifications in that embodiment may occur to those skilled in the art once they learn of the basic inventive concepts. Therefore, it is intended that the appended claims shall be construed to include both the preferred embodiment and all such variations and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.