Effective solidification of digestate
Technology description
| The name of the technology: | Effective solidification of digestate |
|---|---|
| Challenge: | The development of biogas plants focused on processing biodegradable waste with the goal of producing low-emission biogas or biomethane (as a substitute for natural gas) leads to the overproduction of so-called digestate, which is the liquid residue remaining after the anaerobic degradation of biomass. This material can be used as a fertilizer; however, its main disadvantages include problematic storage — in terms of capacity, cost, and odor emissions from the liquid digestate. Additional issues include high transportation costs when used directly as a fertilizer, limited commercial usability, and a relatively low nutrient content compared to commonly used fertilizers. |
| Description: |
The described solidification technology for liquid odorous digestate is based on the application of dewatering additives, which enable the stabilization of the originally liquid digestate into a solid, odorless product without nutrient loss and without the need for evaporating excess water. This product is commercially usable as a green fertilizer (e.g., for hobby gardeners). A key advantage of this technology is its simplicity compared to digestate thickening methods (e.g., using evaporators), resulting in lower capital investment requirements. It can also be easily processed into user-friendly pellets or granules, while remaining a biofertilizer, as all contained nutrients originate from the original fermented biomass. Solidification significantly facilitates both storage and transportation of the digestate. |
| Commercial opportunity: |
The technology is applicable for operators of biogas plants. It also provides a commercially viable, pelletizable alternative fertilizer in the form of solidified digestate derived from biodegradable waste, aligning with the principles of circular economy. |
| IP protection status: | N/A |
| Development status: |
Phase 3Corresponds with TRL 5 and TRL 6 Technology validation and implementing it in real environment. Testing the technology outside of the laboratory and its adjustment to external conditions.
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| Partnering strategy: | Co-development Collaboration investment licensing spin-off |
| More information: | https://theses.cz/id/ipkh9b/?lang=cs;zoomy_is=1 |
| Images: |
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| Categories: | Environment and Climate Agriculture Chemistry Chemical and bioengineering |
| Owner of a technology: | Univerzita Pardubice |
