The LCF is one
of three output flows of the local
mechanical waste processing and recycling plant. The material is composed of
the residues left after the following processes: shredding, sieving at mesh
sizes of 80 mm and 40 mm, and separation of recyclable metals. The material is
humid and rich in organic matter.
The
material stream (LCF), after the CE solution process, results in two output
flows:
The proposed technology represents of a form of hydro-mechanical treatment. It consists of a specifically designed hydrocyclone, which separates a prepared LCF/water pulp into a solid and a liquid phase: the solid phase containing the impurities, the liquid phase containing the biogenic, biodegradable compounds, then sent to anaerobic digestion.
For logistic
reasons, the hydro-mechanical pre-treatment and the anaerobic digestion will be
located at a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Therefore, the incoming
material will have to be transported from its place of origin (mechanical treatment
plant) to the WWTP, and the relevant logistics need to be organized.
The wet pre-treatment unit will have to be operated and maintained at the WWTP and staff needs to be organized.
Relevant
and benefiting practitioners are predominantly operators of WWTPs.
Plant
operators are generally open to further develop their plants and to take up new
tasks associated with this innovation process. In particular, they are positive
about advancing the co-fermentation process using additional new substrates if
necessary.
The main
concerns about the use of the potential co-substrates produced from LCF are about
possible concentrations of impurities.
The costs
are the major limiting factor. This includes investment, operation and
maintenance. A detailed life cycle cost analysis and a business plan are necessary
to plan expenses and potential revenues.
The project
partner has looked into this technology in detail and compared it with the
existing solution. This technology was found to be competitive regarding costs
and performance.
Test runs
with the prototype of the technologyto analyse its performance regarding
composition of the output material have been conducted successfully.
Yes
Meirer, M., Müller, W. & Bockreis, A. Österr Wasser- und Abfallw (2017) 69: 397. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00506-017-0411-2.
Leonhartsberger, C., Müller, M., Meirer, M., do Carmo Precci Lopes, A. (2018): Endbericht. Machbarkeitsstudie ENARA. Interner Bericht.