It's well known that the planet is undergoing a climatic shift and many of its resources are depleting. The UK has a target to send 50% of all household waste to compost, recycle or reuse by the European Union Waste Framework Directive.

Aim

The team were tasked by Veolia Environmental Services, to optimise a mechanical biological waste treatment plant, specifically, the in-vessel composting (IVC) process and them perform a critical analysis by developing a new, alternative design for an IVC plant. The group used Veolia's current plant at Pitsea, Essex as a basis for their work.

Objectives

The project was composed of three aspects; review, optimisation and redesign of an IVC plant.

• Review and optimise the civil specifications, construct materials and aeration system used in the IVC plant to improve throughput and durability.
• Develop a novel design for a new IVC plant based on plant requirements
• Evaluate all in terms of life cycle costs and sustainability.

IVC redesign

 

Objectives: reduce the movement of the compost and shredding, optimise mixing and aeration of the compost.

Option 1: Rretractable roof Pros: Easy access for machinery, simple to construct. Cons: Poor insulation.	Option 2: Inclined auger Pros: Automated process, fully sealed. Cons: Low capacity.	Option 3: Archimedes silo Pros: Mixing hardware built in. Cons: Process would become continuous.

 

Full project details