2.1 Working of the HEVSTOW unit
A typical series of steps needed to operate a HEVSTOW unit comprise of the following:-
  1. The substrate along with the specified earthworm species is loaded on to the modules A (0.4 m * 0.4 m * 0.12 m), which is filled up to 8 cm height and placed in the loading end J where the module is carried over to the fixed frame B by the ropeZ with the help of a motor U and the rack and pinionR &T arrangement.
  2. The modules A with wheels C on either side move within the bracket, this restricts the vertical movement of the modules.
  3. Each module A is split into two equal halves at its bottom to aid in easy emptying of the modules during harvesting.
  4. Each reactor is left for vermicomposting for 20-25 days. The substrate is almost fully utilized in this time by the worms making it easy to harvest the product.
  5. When the module is ready for harvesting the rod F below the modules A (dissected at the base) is rotated to 180° downwards using the gear mechanism G . The supporting rod moves and the base of module A opens to empty the contents on to a conveyor belt H .
  6. The conveyor H is then rotated with the help of a motor. The vermicast along with worms and the remaining undigested matter gets collected in the collection vessel.