Energy and water efficient continuous sterilisation of ABP from food wastes for AD based energy and material recovery
Lead Participant:
C-TECH INNOVATION LIMITED
Abstract
Energy and water efficient continuous sterilisation of ABP from food wastes for AD based energy and material recovery
C-TECH INNOVATION will develop an innovative and efficient sterilisation system incorporating high temperature ohmic heating technology to allow the safe, low energy processing of animal by product (ABP). Ohmic heating is a volumetric heating technology which can effectively process almost any pumpable fluid with extremely high energy efficiency (>95%). This technology will provide an improved method for the pre-treatment of materials entering AD systems by
• reducing the requirement for water addition
• improved energy efficiency in sterilisation
• robust non fouling operation
• continuous flow operation with effective microbial kill throughout the material
Secondary benefits through integration into an AD system
• increased energy recovery through onsite AD biogas production
• safe recovery of materials for use in fertilizers (digestate)
Disposal of animal by-products (ABP) is a challenge that exists at hundreds of locations in the UK. Around 50% by weight of all animals entering abattoirs is removed from the food chain and is classified as Animal by Product (ABP). Depending on the risk to human health this waste is classified as; very high risk (catergory 1), high risk (category 2) or intermediate risk (category 3). The current ABP regulations (APBR) stipulate recommended treatment times and temperatures for the classes of material, however Regulation 208/2006 allows for alternative methods of treatment for ABPs if a specified level of reduction in specific pathogenic organisms is achieved.
The efficient sterilisation will be the key enabling technology for an economically viable recovery process as current methods are energy intensive and difficult to implement. The innovative sterilisation strategies used will also provide a preliminary hydrolysis of feedstock which will enhance and speed up digestion in the subsequent stages.
C-TECH INNOVATION will develop an innovative and efficient sterilisation system incorporating high temperature ohmic heating technology to allow the safe, low energy processing of animal by product (ABP). Ohmic heating is a volumetric heating technology which can effectively process almost any pumpable fluid with extremely high energy efficiency (>95%). This technology will provide an improved method for the pre-treatment of materials entering AD systems by
• reducing the requirement for water addition
• improved energy efficiency in sterilisation
• robust non fouling operation
• continuous flow operation with effective microbial kill throughout the material
Secondary benefits through integration into an AD system
• increased energy recovery through onsite AD biogas production
• safe recovery of materials for use in fertilizers (digestate)
Disposal of animal by-products (ABP) is a challenge that exists at hundreds of locations in the UK. Around 50% by weight of all animals entering abattoirs is removed from the food chain and is classified as Animal by Product (ABP). Depending on the risk to human health this waste is classified as; very high risk (catergory 1), high risk (category 2) or intermediate risk (category 3). The current ABP regulations (APBR) stipulate recommended treatment times and temperatures for the classes of material, however Regulation 208/2006 allows for alternative methods of treatment for ABPs if a specified level of reduction in specific pathogenic organisms is achieved.
The efficient sterilisation will be the key enabling technology for an economically viable recovery process as current methods are energy intensive and difficult to implement. The innovative sterilisation strategies used will also provide a preliminary hydrolysis of feedstock which will enhance and speed up digestion in the subsequent stages.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| C-TECH INNOVATION LIMITED | £390,675 | £ 390,675 |
Participant |
||
| RICARDO-AEA LIMITED | ||
| INNOVATE UK |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Mike Williams (Project Manager) |