Canadian firm Lystek International announced in November the commercialisation of its first, low temperature, low pressure mobile Thermal Hydrolysis Processing unit (Lystek Mobile THP®) – described as a first in the biosolids and organics management sector in North America. It was conceived in response to growing market demand from smaller scale treatment plant operators for sustainable biosolids management solutions in support of the movement toward resource recovery, says Lystek.
Rick Mosher, Chief Technology Officer, said the new, Lystek Mobile THP unit “extends the opportunity to a wider range of wastewater treatment facilities to participate in the many benefits of Thermal Hydrolysis with a compact package based on our proven, award-winning technology.”
In terms of scalability, the Lystek Mobile THP unit is the company’s smallest commercial system built to date. It employs a modular design and – so says the firm – extends the proven advantages of Lystek’ s in-plant Thermal Hydrolysis solutions by providing a compact, cost effective package that is capable of rapid implementation. It is designed to operate entirely within two vertically stacked 50in containers and requires minimal, external utilities.
Lystek says its Mobile THP can provide operational flexibility for generators of biosolids with options to:
• Produce a federally recognized, Class A quality biofertilizer product;
• Optimize the value of digester infrastructure through such measures as decreased output volumes to reduce management costs and increased biogas production for subsequent conversion to “green” energy and/or;
• Create a cost-effective, alternative source of carbon for Biological Nutrient Removal systems
The unit will be made available for installation as a permanent solution in smaller scale facilities where the operating parameters and capacity of the unit can be matched to processing needs, or it will be leased for shorter terms to confirm market demand or to address challenges requiring time-sensitive solutions, while developing a long-term, full-scale plan.
“Capital remains a primary constraint for many small to medium sized treatment plants who are also tasked with managing ageing infrastructure and the risk of evolving regulations surrounding biosolids management, Lystek Mobile THP offers a practical solution to respond to these changes in a cost effective manner, particularly when a full facility upgrade may be premature or not required,” said Mosher of Lystek. “We are excited to be able to offer this option.”
