High temperature aerobic digester targets organic content using extremophile bacteria

Advetec has launched an enhanced version of its high temperature aerobic digestion process. The Rapid Thermal Organic Reduction system, or ‘RapTOR’, a development of the company’s Bio-Thermic Digester (BTD), has been reengineered to increase throughput and extend the range of difficult waste streams that can be processed. These include sewage sludge, food waste, mixed solid waste and Organic Fines, digesting organic content during a 72-hour cycle. Waste volumes with the next generation RapTOR has been increased and sustainable reductions between 45% up to 95% have been achieved depending on the waste stream. At its heart is a cocktail of extremophile bacteria and specially developed nutrients which thrive at high temperatures, rapidly digesting any organic material and extracting clean water to leave a waste product that can be used as RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel) or as a soil improver, depending on the input waste stream.

Enhancements to the RapTOR include a new heat and moisture recovery system, to improve biological efficiency and reduce running costs. This takes heat generated by the exothermic process and re-used to sustain the high temperature environment for the bacteria.