CONVAERO System
Biological drying stabilises the material, increases the calorific value (substitute fuel), reduces the volume and simplifies the separation of different components.
The CONVAERO drying system provides a controlled and monitored environment in which the micro-organisms decompose organic material under the specially developed CONVAERO membrane cover. An aeration system in the base provides a steady flow of air through the waste to remove moisture while maintaining sufficient heat for water evaporation. This utilises the natural process heat generated by the microorganisms present in the waste during the decomposition of the organic material. The temperature in the waste pile can thus rise to 60 to 70 °C. The water is efficiently evaporated without additional heat input. After a drying process lasting from two to four weeks, the rest of the waste is a dry (≤ 20% moisture), odourless and stable mixture that is safe to handle and easy to separate.
The process offers the following advantages:
CONVAERO drying systems are particularly effective in solving odour problems. These are one of the biggest challenges in waste treatment. The resulting leachate is collected by the aeration system and safely discharged to an interim storage facility or treatment plant. In addition, the energy consumption is relatively low compared to other drying methods - such as thermal drying. The outdoor operation also means that solar heat can be optimally utilised. In addition, the membrane means that there are no problems with unwanted waste being carried away by wind or birds. After around 3 weeks, the residual water content in the waste is 20 % or less, depending on requirements. The system is designed for the treatment of municipal solid waste (MSW) or fine waste (MSW fines). However, it can also dry any other solid waste with a sufficient organic content.
Large plants benefit from the use of our BACKHUS CON lane turners. The innovative system of line transfer with membrane increases water loss through evaporation, reduces space requirements and minimises handling effort. At the same time, the operation is kept clean thanks to the side walls.
In smaller plants, CONVAERO drying can also be operated with wheel loaders only. In this case, the organic waste is dried in bays that are closed on three sides by concrete walls. A special membrane winder on a trailer makes it easier to set up and cover the bays. It also prevents damage to the membrane.
Drying with the CONVAERO system is also part of our Eggersmann FUEL process for more sustainable substitute fuel. Biological drying reduces the water content in the municipal solid waste. This means that the biomass contained in the waste is also utilised, turning it from a disruptive factor into a fuel. This significantly increases the amount of usable energy in the waste.