Compost heater

A compost heater (or Biomeiler) is a structure for the energetic use of biomass for the heating of buildings.

Compost heaters are used primarily for demonstration purposes as small systems for heating a house.

This type requires a big heap, intertwined with a spiral water hose.

The raw materials of Pain's compost heap were saplings, branches and underbrush.

One of his machines, a tractor-driven model, earned fourth prize in the 1978 Grenoble Agricultural Fair.

It takes about 90 days to produce 500 cubic metres (18,000 cu ft) of gas - enough to keep two ovens and three burner stoves going for a year.

The decay process produces additional water, which is drained at the bottom of the silo.

A part of this water enters the top of the silo for better distribution in the processing volume.