The UK aim of achieving targets for zero food and packaging into landfill have clearly focused attention on ways of developing technology that can contribute to a significantly reduced reliance on carbon based fuels and reducing emissions. Of particular interest is the potential for converting problems associated with the disposal of organic waste materials into energy generation through the process of anaerobic digestion.
P&M Pumps Ltd have worked with the UK’s water utility companies for over 20 years in various anaerobic digestion applications and during the last 10 years have witnessed a very positive change in the way that waste has been considered as a source of alternative energy. During this time P&M have provided specialist knowledge and expertise along with their Vaughan ROTAMIX mixing systems which has resulted in a 100% performance over the life of the plant.
ROTAMIX is a large scale pumped mixing system that guarantees a complete mix inside the anaerobic digester by suspending all organics, fats, oils and grease (FOG), grit and non-organic solids into a homogenous mix. The system uses strategically positioned large orifice jet nozzles which create a mixing action compatible with mixing waste materials. At the ‘heart’ of the system is the Vaughan Chopper pump which allows optimum liquid velocity and pressure to be introduced at pre-determined positions inside the tank, without fear of clogging the pump or nozzles. This enables any solids that are fibrous and prone to re-weave, to be constantly reconditioned.
It also maximises the effective volume of the tank by eliminating settlement of solids on the tank floor – a process best described as ‘dual zone mixing’. Overall energy costs are comparable with existing mixing technologies due to the ability of the system to be operated on an intermittent basis, in addition to it being able to quickly move the entire contents of the tank from standstill. This also allows important maintenance to be carried out on the chopper pump that supplies the recirculation and mixing action inside the digester, without reducing the effectiveness of the digestion process.
Here are the many features and benefits of ROTAMIX.
Retained digester volume and minimal settlement with over 90% remaining operational during its working life. Effective solids reduction and continuous recirculation during mixing ensures full distribution and breakdown of solids, both mechanically and biologically. Increased and retained gas production is maintained to levels seen at system start without drop-off. Minimal cleanout costs due to continuous solids suspension. And finally low installation costs as all rotating equipment is externally mounted and internal equipment is easily installed.
Further information on ROTAMIX is available from:
P&M Pumps Ltd, Sawtry, Huntingdon, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 1487 830123
Email: sales@pumpmix.co.uk
Website: www.pumpmix.co.uk