Frequently Asked Questions
As part of our aim to be a leading information source on all things waste management and renewable energy related we have drawn together a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help answer any queries you many have on our products, waste management issues, renewable energy and environmental issues.
2 Is there anything it does not process?
3 What categories of animal by-product will it process?
4 Is it the best available technology?
7 How do you know it will work?
12 What service options are available?
13 How strong is the water/effluent removed?
15 What about air emissions and dioxins?
16 What about plastics, pvc and polystyrene - does it matter?
19 Do I need planning permission?
21 What is the payback period?
23 Will a TherMec unit reduce my carbon footprint?
24 What moisture content can we process up to?
25 Will it reduce my food miles?
1 Is it incineration?
No it is not incineration. The technology pre-treats the waste and converts it into a biomass fuel which can then be used in closed combustion or gas conversion technology. It is required to be compliant with the Waste Incineration Directive but this is due to the energy recovery equipment not the TherMec dryers.
2 Is there anything it does not process?
Metals cannot be added into the machine. In line with the Animal by Product regulations the machine is not legally allowed to process CAT 1 and some CAT 2 animal by products.
3 What categories of animal by-product will it process?
As a recognised novel technology for processing animal by products the technology can process all CAT 3 and some CAT 2 animal by products. CAT 1 ABP cannot be processed through the machine along with parts of the nervous system which are in CAT 2.
4 Is it the best available technology?
It is a unique technology which has the ability to process food and non-recyclable packaging waste without segregation. In some cases this will mean it is the best available technology. Overall it is the best option if you are looking for energy recovery and a zero waste to landfill policy for your company. No other disposal route can offer this.
5 Can I sell the fuel?
Although it may be possible to sell the fuel this negates much of the benefits you would receive as a business. Using the fuel yourself provides far better ROI as it allows you to greatly reduce your external energy costs by using the biomass fuel to provide energy for your factory.
6 Is it a continuous process?
No, it is a batch process. It typically takes around 24 hours for a complete cycle from loading through to discharge.
7 How do you know it will work?
We have carried out extensive R+D into the technology over the past ten years and have a number of installations in operation around the UK. We have also carried out over 300 trials on different waste streams meaning we have processed most types of food waste through the equipment providing us with a confident base guarantee it will work. If we think it will not work we will advise you of this during the sales process.
8 What is the cycle time?
A typical cycle time is 24 hours. This may vary depending on the moisture content of the waste but normal cycles are 24 hours from loading through to discharge.
9 What is the machine life?
Provided the machine is maintained correctly it has a lifespan of at least 20 years.
10 How big is the machine?
The size of the unit will vary depending on the model. For information on this please visit our download section and download the product spec sheets which outline the footprint of the various installations.
11 How is the machine loaded?
The TherMec units have an auto loading facility.
12 What service options are available?
There are a number of service options available to you. We offer a three tier maintenance contract service of Gold, Silver and Bronze. Details of these packages can be found on the maintenance contract page of the website and a datasheet outlining each package can be downloaded from the download section of the site.
13 How strong is the water/effluent removed?
The strength of the water effluent will vary depending on the waste going into the machine. In most cases it is a moderate level effluent which can be drained straight to foul sewer without further treatment.
14 Is the effluent safe?
The effluent is safe but it should not be handled without the correct protective clothing. It is unlikely that you will need to handle it as the system will automatically drain it to your nearest drainage point.
15 What about air emissions and dioxins?
There are some emissions from the equipment. These come from the biomass boiler system. They are similar in makeup to the emissions which come out of a conventional household boiler.
16 What about plastics, pvc and polystyrene - does it matter?
You can process most types of plastic through the machine. However, loaded PVC and polystyrene into the machine is not permitted. Although these can be processed they produce harmful emissions during the energy recovery stage and as such cannot be processed through the equipment. All modern starch or protein based packaging can be processed through the machine and produce negligible levels of emissions.
17 Does it smell?
Provided the machine is cleaned at regular intervals it will only produce low levels of odour. Because the waste entering the equipment is “fresh” on that day it does not have time to begin smelling like waste which is placed in skips daily. Most food factory’s produce a level of odour due to the cooking process and the smell from the installation will not be noticeable above this.
18 Does it have a chimney?
Yes it does have a chimney. Height will be determined after a topographical survey has been carried out prior to installation of the facility.
19 Do I need planning permission?
Yes you will need planning permission from your local council.
20 Do I need an IPPC licence?
Yes, you will need an IPPC license for the installation.
21 What is the payback period?
The payback period will vary depending on the energy value of the waste and the quantity produced. As an example a 50% moisture content waste in a 4 tonne machine will provide payback in around 3 years. During the quotation stage we will calculate a payback period for the installation based on your current energy costs and waste. This will be included in the formal quotation.
22 What will it cost me?
This cost of the machine will vary depending on its size and whether you purchase a complete system with energy recovery system or just a TherMec drying unit. Price details for the TherMec equipment can be found on the data sheets in the download areas of the site. Prices for complete systems are available upon request for a quotation.
23 Will a TherMec unit reduce my carbon footprint?
Yes, a TherMec unit will reduce your carbon footprint. By removed the need to landfill waste you are reducing the carbon emissions for transport in relation to your company. Processing waste on-site and utilizing the energy produced also means that your external energy requirements are cut, leading to the displacement of fossil fuels and a reduction in carbon footprint. Although there are CO˛ emissions from the equipment the volumes are significantly less than the volumes displaced.
24 What moisture content can we process up to?
The equipment can process waste with a moisture content of up to 80%. Above this it is not energy efficient to process the waste. Waste which is wetter than 80% can be processed but we advise adding in cardboard or similar in order to absorb some of the moisture and reduce the moisture content to below 80%.
25 Will it reduce my food miles?
The equipment will help to reduce your food miles. Food miles takes into account transporting of food waste to its disposal method and as the equipment is on your site the food miles for transporting waste will drop to zero.