Technology

Concrete technologies to meet the environmental challenges of today and tomorrow

Features of the HBI solution

The core of our technology is based on two innovative thermochemical processes, HTC (Hydrothermal Carbonization) and Gasification, complemented by an advanced CRM Separation system. These processes allow us to valorize waste sludge by transforming it into reusable energy and nutrients, with a view to a circular economy and environmental sustainability.

HTC - Hydrothermal Carbonization

The HTC process involves treating sludge in a pressurized aqueous environment at about 200 °C and 20 bar. Under these conditions, chemical reactions are triggered that transform the organic matter in the sludge into a solid hydrothermal carbon (hydrochar), while reducing the volume of waste and stabilizing contaminants. This initial step is essential to prepare the material for the next stage of energy valorization.

Gasification - Syngas Production

Next, the HTC-treated material undergoes a high-temperature (750-800 °C) gasification process. At this stage, the organic material is converted to syngas, a mixture of combustible gases that feeds a boiler inside the system. The heat produced is sufficient to cover the entire heat demand of the HBI system, making the system energy self-sufficient.

Separation CRM - Recovery of Nutrients and Critical Resources.

On completion, the CRM (Critical Raw Materials) Separation system enables processing of residual ash from gasification to separate contaminants and recover high-value nutrients. Through the addition of a catalyst, the process extracts phosphorus, potassium and other micro- and macro-nutrients, which can be used as fertilizer feedstocks. In this way, we turn waste into resources, helping to reduce dependence on synthetic chemical fertilizers.

Wastewater sludge management

HBI technology is designed to adapt to different types of sludge, always ensuring maximum recovery efficiency.

We can deal:

  • Civil sludge both dried and dewatered, including matrices digestate, optimizing volume reduction and resource recovery.
  • Industrial and pharmaceutical sludge, characterized by high carbon content (>20-25%), which thanks to the HBI process can be safely and efficiently valorized, reducing environmental impacts and disposal costs.

Thanks to this flexibility, HBI offers a unique solution for civil and industrial installations, meeting different management needs.

Why choose HBI technology?

  • Reduction in residual sludge: decrease > 90% in the amount and weight of waste to be disposed of, resulting in lower transportation and delivery costs.
  • On-site energy recovery: valorization of the energy contained in sludge for the production of electricity and thermal energy for self-consumption, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and promoting the energy neutrality of the sewage treatment plant.
  • Water recovery: reuse of more than 85% of the water contained in the treated sludge, fed back into the purification process for a more circular and efficient use of the water resource.
  • Removal of emerging micropollutants: removal of microplastics, antibiotics, organic molecules and biological agents, improving the quality and safety of treatment.
  • Valorization of critical raw materials: recovery of nutrients as circular resources (subject to End-of-Waste qualification).
  • Alignment with European directives: in line with European circular economy, sustainability and decarbonization goals.