Digestate processing without separator
Digestate processing without separator
Ralf Borgmann has been operating a Dorset dryer for five years without a separator but with backmixing. This is where wet material is pre-mixed with dried material before it is loaded on the dryer. He chose backmixing for its transportability and nutritional value. In a nutrient overflow area, exporting nutrients is crucial. The dried fertilizer has been transported to East Germany, and Ralf plans to sell it to the peat industry in the future.
In the digestate tank, an agitator ensures uniform DM content for trouble-free operation. The storage for dried material is dustproof to prevent dust spreading. Error messages or breakdowns are rare, occurring every two to three weeks due to minor disturbances like stones. Regular cleaning of the air scrubber is essential for the system’s function, taking about 15 minutes daily.
“I’m operating a Dorset dryer now for 5 years, without separator, but with remixing. I have decided for the remixing, since the dried output is very transportable and also because of the nutritional value.”
Ralf Borgmann
Ralf advises against over-optimizing the plant for digestate throughput, recommending small changes in settings. The training period after commissioning was short, taking only a week. His 300 kWth dryer processes more heat than designed, and he is very satisfied with its performance.
“My 300 kWth dryer even processes more than the amount of heat for which it was designed. I am very satisfied with the dryer and would buy it again at any time.”
Ralf Borgmann
