Treatment of Fermentation Residues
For the enthusiastic amateur gardener, the method of composting organic waste for recycling natural fertilizer into the nutrient cycle may be sufficient; however, a different method is necessary in the waste and disposal industry. The innovative method of anaerobic biowaste fermentation was established in the mid 1990s. This technology has demonstrated its worth as a method of recycling to save energy, protect the environment and conserve resources. Decanters from GEA Westfalia Separator make an important contribution in this respect.
Installation example of wet fermentation
The size of the items of biowaste is reduced to a maximum of 60 mm by removing all foreign substances such as plastics, metal and textiles. Water is then added and the mixture is treated at 70 °C for an hour. After sand has been removed and the fibers broken down further, this mixture of biowaste and water has a grain size of less than 10 mm and can be fermented under anaerobic conditions in a digesting tower. A significant side effect of the fermentation process is the production of biogas, which can be used to generate electricity after it has been dried and cleaned, and more than covers the fermentation system‘s own energy requirement. Decanters from GEA Westfalia Separator are used to dewater the fermented biomass from the fermenter by separating solid particles and dewatering them to a free flowing dry consistency. The solids, which are discharged by the decanter are a valuable fertiliser which is suitable for use in gardening, agriculture and forestry. The clear centrate is recycled into the fermentation process.