- what we do
BTA.
The BTA process was developed in the late 1980's, to transform bio-waste (the organic fraction of municipal solid waste) from households and commercial and industrial solid wastes into high-grade biogas and a valuable compost. The first commercial plants went into operation in the early 1990's.
The BTA process consists of two distinct stages, Pre-treatment and Anaerobic Digestion.
Pre-treatment is utilised to remove non-biodegradable, contrary material to optimize the downstream digestion process. The BTA pulper uses a high shear impeller to break down biodegradable material into a suspension that can be pumped to the downstream processes. Light contrary material not readily broken down by the action of the impeller, such as light plastic, textiles and twigs, are removed from the waste stream by a rake. Heavy contrary material, such as stones and glass, are removed as heavy fraction. The remaining suspension is then pumped to a Hydrocyclone Grit Removal System for removal of fine inert material.
The de-gritted suspension from the Pre-treatment stage is then subjected to Wet Anaerobic Digestion. This is typically single stage at between 7 and 13% total solids, and at mesophilic or thermophilic temperatures.
advantages
The Pre-treatment technology actively removes non-biodegradable materials before digestion thus minimizing wear on pumps and other downstream equipment and improving the overall reliability of the process. The removal of contaminants including batteries, plastics, metals and glass ensures the digestate is of high quality and the PAS100 standard is readily achievable from suitable feedstock materials.
