Device turns organic matter into fertilizer

A team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University has developed a device that can improve the efficiency of food waste treatment while eradicating foul smells.

Powered by hydrothermal technology, the device can quickly convert organic matter present in food waste into products such as acetic, formic and humic acids.

According to team leader Jin Fangming, the device can treat around 5 metric tons of food waste within an hour without producing any poisonous gases, residue or smell.

The device completed its first trial run on July 1, successfully turning 100 tons of food waste into liquid fertilizer and humic acid powder in 20 hours.

Jin said the hydrothermal method is a cleaner alternative to incinerating garbage and requires less space compared to landfills. A waste treatment plant powered by hydrothermal technology that can treat 100 tons of wet waste a day would only require a space of 60 square meters. In contrast, a plant that relies on the commonly used anaerobic procedure or composting method to process the same amount of waste would need a space of 2,000 sq m.

The team added that the hydrothermal conversion device can be easily disassembled and installed and boasts lower energy consumption and operating costs compared to traditional treatment methods.

"The size of the equipment is changeable and can be adapted to the different places it is used in, including supermarkets, schools and towns," said Jin.

Although the device has already been used to deal with food waste in Gaodong, a town in the Pudong New Area, since July 20, Jin said further upgrades will be made in the future to reduce energy consumption and boost efficiency.

The team is also working on upgrading the technology so that the device can treat all types of waste that comprises organic matter.

caochen@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily Global 07/25/2019 page9)