Biosolids pose significant challenges for wastewater treatment plants. Transportation costs for disposal are extremely costly, with the bulk of the cost resulting from the high water content of the material. Similarly with land application, transportation is limited due to the costs associated with transporting a material with a high water content. Furthermore, as population increases, land available for application continues to decline. At the end of the day, municipalities are left with few options and growing demand.
FEECO is a leader in process design and equipment manufacturing, bringing a fresh perspective to the biosolids challenge based on our decades of experience in granulating organic materials into marketable fertilizer products.
EQUIPMENT
As the industry’s preferred supplier of organic fertilizer production equipment and systems, FEECO can offer municipalities and waste processors a wealth of opportunity in converting biosolids into more usable products through granulation and drying equipment.
Biosolids Granulation
The granulation of biosolids mitigates the environmental and economic challenges associated with waste management, instead bringing a new stream of revenue to the table through a marketable fertilizer product.
FEECO granulation systems are extremely customizable and produce a premium granular fertilizer product** that minimizes odor and has little attrition.
The technologies mentioned here are proven and backed by our international reputation in providing the best in fertilizer production equipment and complete process systems.
MIXER-DRYER PROCESS FLOW DIAGRAM
The mixer-dryer process configuration is a common approach to upgrading biosolids into a premium fertilizer product. Digestate cake is first processed in a mixer, typically a pugmill mixer, in order to combine the cake with a liquid binder and any other desired nutrient inputs or beneficial additives, transforming the feedstock into a granular product.
After granulation, the biosolids are dried and cooled, rendering a premium organic-based fertilizer product that exceeds EPA Class A requirements.**
**When heavy metal thresholds are below the set standard in the raw material, fertilizer produced through a FEECO granulation system goes beyond EPA qualifications for pathogen destruction for a Class A Biosolid. (According to the EPA’s 503 regulations)
BENEFITS OF GRANULATION
Improved Product Handling
Granules are more easily handled, transported, and applied.
Reduced Waste Management Costs
Dry granules are much less costly to transport than raw biosolids, because of the reduced moisture content.
Reduced Runoff
Dry granules aid in the prevention of runoff, because they are used only as needed, and do not add additional moisture to the soil.
Premium Product
Additives can be included in the process to create custom products and fertilizer blends, allowing the product to be tailored to specific soil needs and nutrient management programs, or to be sold as a premium product.
Additional Source of Revenue
In addition to reduced waste management costs, a granular fertilizer product can provide an additional source of revenue.
Enhanced Nutrient Management
Granular fertilizer makes it easier to effectively follow and monitor application rates for a nutrient management program. It is also a valuable tool in precision agriculture applications, where a granular product provides improved dispensing capabilities.
Drying & Cooling
FEECO rotary dryers and coolers offer high-capacity options for drying and cooling biosolids. Fluid bed dryers are also available.
Bulk Material Handling
FEECO also provides an extensive line of bulk material handling equipment for conveying biosolids around the facility. This includes custom bucket elevators, belt conveyors, reversing shuttle conveyors, and steep incline conveyors, along with pieces to increase the flexibility of your handling system, such as belt trippers and plows, and belt feeders.
PARTS & SERVICE
FEECO offers a comprehensive offering of parts and service to keep your equipment running its best for years to come. This includes a variety of field services, process and equipment audits, spare parts, and more.
RESOURCES
BIOSOLIDS ARTICLES
Opportunities in Recycling Phosphorus
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Options in Pre-Conditioning Organics for Granulation
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BROCHURES
