2023-11-21 11:00:04
The research team WASTE2VALUEattached to the group PLEASE from the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), specializes in the material and energy recovery of biomass waste. His main focus is hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), in line with the principles of the circular economy.
Now, in a work published in the magazine Waste Managementthe group has described a process to create a stable carbonaceous materialharmless and suitable for use as solid biofuel from the hydrothermal co-carbonization of pig manure and lignocellulosic biomass.
Los pig manure They are a waste that is difficult to treat and highly polluting, so its control is mandatory in Spain. Because the hydrothermal co-carbonization process is carried out in the presence of water, a liquid fraction rich in soluble organic matter and nutrients, in particular phosphorus, is obtained, which allows recover biogas rich in methane and inorganic biofertilizers.
Pig manure is a waste that is difficult to treat and highly polluting, so its control is mandatory in Spain.
These results open a new way for the transformation of pig manure, which used to be used for composting in agricultural crops with negative environmental impacts such as eutrophication, nitrification and greenhouse gas emissions.
Furthermore, the resulting compost It has low added value. The solid product of HTC treatment improves the characteristics of the initial waste, increasing the carbon content and calorific value, while reducing the levels of nitrogen, sulfur and ash.
Hydrothermal carbonization
Performed at temperatures of 180ºC to 250ºC and with short residence times (5 to 240 minutes), the HTC process eliminates pathogenic microorganisms and degrades emerging contaminants, such as drugs and hormones. In addition, it facilitates the transfer of phosphorus and less thermally stable compounds to the liquid fraction, where they can be recovered, generating products with high added value, such as biofertilizers and energy (biogas).
The anaerobic treatment of the liquid fraction allows obtaining an effluent with a low concentration of organic matter that could be used as irrigation or cleaning water in the same pig farms.
These findings confirm that HTC is a promising technology for obtaining valuable products from agro-industrial waste.
These findings confirm that HTC is a promising technology to obtain valuable products from agro-industrial waste, while enabling the recovery of water in a closed cycle and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting a sustainable process.
Thus, the process is sustainable from an energy point of view, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting the production of renewable, clean and environmentally friendly biofuels.
Image of the pilot plant that develops this new technique/Ángel Fernández Mohedano
In addition, this technology offers a solution for the elimination of pig manure ponds and, from an energy perspective, allows the recovery between 5 and 6 times more energy than anaerobic digestion of slurry without pretreatment.
Offers a solution for the disposal of pig manure ponds, from an energy perspective
The resulting biofertilizers have a high content of essential nutrients for plants and low levels of heavy metals, meeting the requirements of European Union regulations.
WASTE2VALUE, in collaboration with Arquimea Agrotech, has developed a htc continuous reactor for the treatment of pig manure, lignocellulosic biomass and other organic waste, such as sewage sludge and biowaste, transforming them into products with high added value.
Rights: Creative Commons.
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