The BEKON dry fermentation plant in Munich, Germany. (photo: BEKON)
BEKON, a private company started to develop its dry fermentation process in July 2003. AWM (Munich's waste management company) expanded its capacity in April 2006.
The plant uses only 4% of the energy it produces to run its operations. (photo: BEKON)
This is the organic matter (ie: feedstock material) that gets processed. Approximately 80% is yard waste; 20% is kitchen waste.
The organic material is placed in these garage-like buildings (air-tight digestors) for four weeks. Percholate is sprayed over the biomass to aid fermentation. (photo: BEKON)
The organic material inside reaches 40 degrees C. The resulting biogas is used to generate electricity. (photo: BEKON)
After the biowaste has been digested, it is spread into windrows and further composted. (photo: BEKON)
The windrows of composting material, turned occasionally, reach 60-65 degrees C. At this stage the material becomes "hygenic" (it reaches 55 degrees C for two weeks).
The finished compost is sieved to 40mm.
Contaminants that are sieved out of the finished compost get sent to an incineration plant.
Mr. Holger Huhle, Head of Plants, talking with Mr. Jakovos Theodoridis, who gave the tour.
This banner describes the process.
