Windrow coverage – technically up to date and easy to handle
The GORE® Cover System makes it possible to control odors and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, among other things. The compost windrow is covered and sealed off from the ground so that it is physically sealed off from the outside.
By using this system, a highly functional cover is pulled over the windrow: a three-layer laminate consisting of two high-quality, UV-stable textile fabrics and a waterproof and breathable semi-permeable membrane (GORE® Cover).
From the outside, the membrane reliably protects the rotting body against the effects of weather and rain. From the inside, it reliably retains odors, dust, germs and bacteria, but allows air and water vapor to escape.
Due to the special membrane properties of GORE® Cover for effective control of odors and emissions, a biofilter system is not necessary.
The climate that microorganisms need to convert biowaste into high-quality compost as quickly as possible is created under the membrane.
The GORE© Cover membrane can be easily spread over the windrow and removed again, for example for moving, using rotting modules to attach the tarpaulin to the side walls and tarpaulin winders.
Allows more material to be treated in a consistently small area and the GORE® Cover to be attached airtight.
Continuously measures the oxygen content in the windrow.
The GORE® Cover means that the rotting material is virtually free from the effects of the weather. Rain, snow and hail cannot penetrate the material, and it is also protected from wind and sunlight.
The semi-permeable membrane allows water vapour to escape.
Continuously measures the temperature in the windrow.
Offers variable windrow volumes (360-1000 m3) depending on windrow length (20-50m).
If the oxygen content falls below the minimum level, the fan is activated and air is pressed into the material.
Any seepage water can be drained and collected via the channel system.
More air is pressed into the windrow than can escape through the GORE® Cover. The resulting overpressure distributes the air and temperature evenly throughout the material.
The daily inspection round is no longer necessary thanks to process monitoring by iCompost in conjunction with a pressure sensor. This saves working time and ensures process reliability.
See facts and figures
The GORE® Cover has a three-layer structure: The top layer serves as protection against external mechanical and weather influences. It is tear-resistant, and the coloring provides additional UV protection.
This is followed by the semi-permeable ePTFE membrane, which gives the GORE® Cover its odor, emission and bacteria-retaining function.
Underneath the membrane is another protective layer, which is designed to prevent damage caused by the rotting material and therefore extend the service life of the cover.
Our composting systems, which have proven themselves in stationary use for many years, are also available as a reliable, completely mobile test system. Everything fits on a trailer in the smallest version, including aeration system, pipes, tarpaulin and control system (WLAN).
You can run a test – for example with your different raw materials – and see from the results whether the compost produced using UTV technology meets your requirements.
| Emission type | Cover Efficiency | vs. Basline Factor** |
| Odour | 90 – 97 % | Not applicable |
| Bioaerosols | 99,99 % | Not applicable |
| Dust / partucilate matter | 99,99 % Not detectable | Not applicable Not applicable |
| Ammonia | No information | 80 % |
| VOCs | 90 – 95 % | 90 – 98 % |
| Input | Output | Duration of treatment | Analysis |
| CLO* fresh | 6 weeks | 25 % Residual moisture / rotting degree 3 – 4 | |
| Household waste | CLO* finished | 8 weeks | 20 % Residual moisture / rotting degree 5 |
| RDF | 5 weeks | 15 % Residual moisture / AT 4 | |
| Organic | Fresh compost | 6 weeks | 40 % Residual moisture / rotting degree 3 – 4 |
| Finished compost | 8 weeks | 25 % Residual moisture / rotting degree 5 |
What are the advantages of the GORE® Cover (membrane cover) for compost windrows?
How does the membrane cover with GORE® Cover reduce emissions?
A number of technical details in this composting system contribute to the efficient reduction of emissions. However, the central point in the overall concept is the semi-permeable membrane cover, whose extremely fine pores do not allow large molecules such as odorants or bioaerosols to pass through. In addition, the odorous substances condense on the inside of the membrane cover above the compost windrow, drip back into the windrow and are decomposed there by microorganisms. Several studies confirm the comparability of the reduction of bioaerosols and odors to enclosed composting systems.
Can the cover be compared with a closed, enclosed system?
UTV technology stands between open windrow composting and closed housing and combines the advantages of both systems. It is similarly simple and flexible as open windrow composting, but offers the same controlled composting conditions as a complex closed system thanks to the membrane cover. In many countries, it is approved as a closed system.
What are the cost benefits of a composting plant with a membrane cover?
A membrane cover is less expensive and more flexible than concrete. The demand-controlled and optimized ventilation requires minimal power and energy consumption. For comparison: the power consumption of a fan is only in the order of magnitude of a good hairdryer.
How long does it take to install the composting system?
Typically, this technology can be set up anywhere in the world within 6 to 12 weeks.
