Composting and digestion are often seen as the same thing. Both methods process biodegradable materials like discarded organics, following three main constituents — the input, product, and byproduct. Inputs are feedstocks like manures, sludges, and food scraps. Feedstock is very important, as 60% of bioethanol is derived from it. Products are the compost or the energy produced from the composting piles. Byproducts are the process's outputs, such as gasses or leachate.
Even though the process may look simple and basic in theory, the latest advancements in technology and techniques are making it more and more efficient, which we will explore in this article in detail.
So, what exactly is the difference between the two? The answer is — oxygen. Composting is aerobic, so it needs oxygen. On the other hand, digestion can be aerobic, anaerobic, or both. But it does not usually need oxygen, so it's anaerobic.
Advancements in Anaerobic Digestion
Anaerobic digestion facilities first gained popularity during World War II when the world faced energy problems. Recently, researchers, businesses, and industry experts have a growing interest in anaerobic digestion due to two key advantages:
- It meets the demand for ever-increasing energy requirements
- It is ideal for managing environmental pollution
However, we still need more tech progress before this process can replace conventional energy-producing processes at scale.
Latest Technologies and Practices in Anaerobic Digestion
Anaerobic digestion technology provides smart and sustainable food waste solutions to produce renewable energy.
Let's talk about some recent technological developments in anaerobic digestion (AD).
Anaerobic Co-Digestion
Even though a long-established technology with recent research and advancements, the anaerobic digestion process is getting increasingly efficient. At its core, the technology uses a combination of different feedstocks to produce a high methane yield and microbial stability.
We can treat different types of feedstocks together in the co-digestion process.
Pretreatment of Feedstock
Another recent technique, pretreatment of feedstock makes the anaerobic digestion process more efficient. It involves applying various physical and chemical processes to the feedstock to make its complex molecules easily digestible for microorganisms. This enhances the production of biogas.
High-Solid Anaerobic Digestion
Most processes can handle liquid waste well, but only a few can help with solids. The high solid anaerobic digestion (HSAD) system is efficient for the management of high-solid wastes. It utilizes a higher concentration of solids for enhanced biogas production while reducing the volume of digestate.
Thermophilic Digestion
Another way to enhance biogas production is to make its conditions favorable. High temperatures have been found to increase biogas production and are efficient in the destruction of pathogens.
The thermophilic digestion process is ideal for managing high organic loads and industrial wastes like waste streams.
Advanced Digestate Treatment
With the more advanced recovery and separation technologies, we can now better manage the nutrient-rich residue that is the byproduct of anaerobic digestion. Also called resource recovery, the latest methods like dewatering and nutrient recovery systems enable operators to process the digestate without causing environmental damage.
Examples of Successful Implementations
Here are a few practical examples of these processes making a change.
East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Digester Project
The EBMUD Digester Project utilizes a co-digestion process and maximizes biogas production. Its advanced anaerobic digestate facility processes organic waste and produces renewable energy.
South Side Wastewater Treatment Plant (SSWWTP)
SSWWTP has a thermophilic AD system for treating sewage sludge. The eco-friendly process generates maximum biogas for energy. The digestate produced is also used as a soil amendment, making it a sustainable waste management.
Advancements in Aerobic Composting
The need for improved processes and smart food-waste solutions has led to recent progress in aerobic composting technology.
Innovations in Composting Technology
The following are some of the top real-world innovations in aerobic composting technology.
In-Vessel Composting Systems
The in-vessel composting system decomposes organic waste in a controlled environment. This leads to faster processing and better odor management. Recent progress in the in-vessel composting system include temperature monitoring, aeration, and other processes that ensure process optimization and consistent quality products.
The system is more suited for urban areas or places with limited space.
Aeration Technology
Aeration technology facilitates aerobic composting by making the conditions more suitable for it. It also facilitates microbial activity and includes forced air composting and passive aeration. As a result, the composting process is smoother and faster, yielding high-quality compost.
Many companies use perforated pipes, air blowers, and automated control systems, all of which help distribute oxygen evenly and decrease overhead and other costs.
Biofiltration Systems
One of the most commonly integrated systems in composting facilities is biofiltration. These systems are widely popular because they can capture and treat odorous gasses produced by composting. Microbial communities are essential to these processes as they minimize unwanted odors and environmental impacts.
Benefits in Real-World Applications
While anaerobic digestion and aerobic composting may seem complicated, there are many real-life examples that prove these systems can work efficiently. These processes help the quality of the soil and the overall health of plants.
Increase Processing Capacity
Composting facilities can now process larger quantities of organic waste more efficiently and produce biogas. Recent tech progress allows composting facilities to provide sustainable food waste solutions worldwide.
Improved Quality
Progress in areas like aeration, biofiltration, and process control have led to the yield of premium compost. This compost is high in demand in agriculture, landscapes, and soil remediation projects.
Low Environment Impact
One of the main concerns with compost is its environmental impact. The facilities minimize ecological damage through enhanced control and process management.
Conservation for Resources
The composting facilities convert organic waste into valuable soil amendments. Thanks to them, organic waste is diverted from incinerators and landfills to minimize greenhouse gasses and conserve our resources.
How EcoRich Utilizes Technologies for Food Waste Solutions
We, at EcoRich, are a leading facility and provider of food waste solutions. We use cutting-edge technologies in aerobic composting and anaerobic digestion to provide sustainable waste treatment services.
Let's look at how we integrate the technology in our processes to yield optimized solutions.
Anaerobic Digestion and Aerobic Composting
We follow a broad organic management system combining aerobic composting and anaerobic digestion. This leads to efficiency in waste management and maximizes our resource recovery from organic waste streams.
Our anaerobic digestion processes high-moisture organic wastes and produces biogas for renewable energy production. At the same time, the aerobic composting processes stabilize the digestate to produce high-quality compost for the soil.
Advanced Technology
We employ the latest technologies in food waste solutions. The focus is on ensuring product quality and resource management, which is done through extensive monitoring and control.
With our advanced technology, we are constantly upgrading our infrastructure and processes to ensure maximum optimization and minimal environmental emissions.
Customized Solutions
We work closely with clients to develop specialized solutions for their needs. At EcoRich, we offer cost-effective solutions, whether it’s an agricultural firm, food processing facility, or others.
Future Outlook
With the world moving toward renewable energy resources and waste management solutions, the demand for anaerobic digestion facilities continues to grow. EcoRich is already meeting this rising demand with expanding anaerobic digestion facilities.
Here are some more ways our company ensures it stays abreast of the changing market dynamics.
- Working on creating a sustainable and regenerative waste management system by adopting the circular economy principles.
- Looking for more innovative solutions. This includes nutrient recovery from digestate and producing valuable bioproducts from organic residue.
- Actively engaging people with workshops, educational initiatives, and other outreach programs to create community awareness about environmental hazards.
Want to learn more? Contact EcoRich today for a consultation and learn how waste management techniques can help your company achieve its goals while minimizing food waste costs.
