Dry Anaerobic Digestion: SMARTFERM Plug Flow, Continuous Processing

Plug Flow Dry AD Technology

Zero Waste Energy offers a high solids system for facilities larger than 15,000 tons per year  for almost any organic material utilizing Thoeni’s continuous High Solids Anaerobic Dry digestion technology for biogas production.

Based on its 25 years of experience and specialized knowledge, Thoeni’s continuous flow digester is ideal for dry organic waste, even if it contains a high level of impurities. Key components, including the accessible and heated, digester floor and the robust and powerful agitator,  are proven and patented. This SMARTFERM plug-flow process is characterized by high performance, low operating costs and ease of maintenance.

The core of the Thoeni process is the unique plug-flow digester capable of treating, high-solids material. A slowly rotating paddle agitator ensures the optimal mixing of the digestion substrate, to create a high biogas yield. Hot water flows through heating elements in the steel bottom, heating up the substrate. The system is highly automated with a robust process control system requiring very little operator time.

This SMARTFERM system provides the ability to scale very well for higher facility throughputs to over 100,000 tons per year.  The unique process features an ideal solution for the production of renewable natural gas for the local collection fleet or pipeline injection.

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