This is how dry digestion works

Our dry digestion plant in Lelystad consists of fourteen biocel reactors which are opened and closed using special air-tight doors. All our reactors have been constructed using a special concrete frame which can be pressurized. The reactors are filled with a mix of fresh organic waste and a small amount of inoculum from a previous batch. The inoculum is added to maintain thermophile microorganisms in the process to continue the process of rapid digestion. The first phase of the digestion process is also known as the aerobic phase. Oxygen in the air is rapidly converted into CO2 due to the presence of organic materials in the biomass. After a period of time, all the oxygen has reacted resulting in an anaerobic environment. An anaerobic environment converts biomass into methane and CO2 which are also known as biogas. The biogas produced is stored in a gas buffer tank and subsequently fed into a cogeneration unit where the gas is converted into electricity and heat. After a reaction period of approximately 30 days nearly all the organic materials in the biomass inside the reactors have been converted into biogas. The remaining digestate is used to produce high-quality organic fertilizers and soil mixes.

Photo: © Fotostudiowierd