(EP873286-A1)      Apparatus for (1) aerobically treats, conditions and/or dries moist,at least partly organic, material which is solid or paste-like. The apparatus has a vessel (2) which is internally-partitioned, with supporting bodies (8a-d). A pair of air-permeable partitions enclose a reaction volume (4). Externally these partitions define air supply (5) and off-take chambers (6). The apparatus also includes transporters, conveyers, chargers, emptiers, air ducts, blowers, valves, dampers, slide plates, and controllers. Louvered walls (3a-b) have lamellae adjusted in angle, spacing, length and/or width. Supports (8a-d) are spatially distributed and offset, reducing wet material pressures, loosening packing.    Also claimed is a method of composting, using the apparatus.    USE -   The apparatus is used for the pre-treatment, conditioning and/or making hygienic of organic residues and organic waste, including industrial and communal clarified sludge, waste from agricultural production, mass raising of animals, horticulture and industrial food production. The apparatus gives long-term stabilisation of residues, and/or produces fertilisers, growth media and soil improvers.    ADVANTAGE -   The composter overcomes problems of poor material distribution, excessive compaction and poor air distribution into the centre of the mass. The supports improve the flow of materials such that fresh material cannot bypass the process, leaving essentially unchanged. Odour is suppressed by the air distribution, with control over the height of the bed.    (US6065224-A)      Apparatus for (1) aerobically treats, conditions and/or dries moist,at least partly organic, material which is solid or paste-like. The apparatus has a vessel (2) which is internally-partitioned, with supporting bodies (8a-d). A pair of air-permeable partitions enclose a reaction volume (4). Externally these partitions define air supply (5) and off-take chambers (6). The apparatus also includes transporters, conveyers, chargers, emptiers, air ducts, blowers, valves, dampers, slide plates, and controllers. Louvered walls (3a-b) have lamellae adjusted in angle, spacing, length and/or width. Supports (8a-d) are spatially distributed and offset, reducing wet material pressures, loosening packing.    Also claimed is a method of composting, using the apparatus.    USE -   The apparatus is used for the pre-treatment, conditioning and/or making hygienic of organic residues and organic waste, including industrial and communal clarified sludge, waste from agricultural production, mass raising of animals, horticulture and industrial food production. The apparatus gives long-term stabilisation of residues, and/or produces fertilisers, growth media and soil improvers.    ADVANTAGE -   The composter overcomes problems of poor material distribution, excessive compaction and poor air distribution into the centre of the mass. The supports improve the flow of materials such that fresh material cannot bypass the process, leaving essentially unchanged. Odour is suppressed by the air distribution, with control over the height of the bed.