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As the leading global provider of thermal hydrolysis process (THP) technology, our systems are built on years of experience and know-how. We are also deeply dedicated to the continuous development of the technology as exemplified by our new offerings and research endeavours.

Cambi’s Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP) technology is available in most countries around the world. Should a municipality or utility be interested in our technology, we are available to discuss and assess the potential impact of our systems on their business and community. Typically, interest in our technology is expressed through a public tender— a formal and structured process where the municipality or utility invites proposals from companies to provide specific products or services. This ensures transparency and fair competition.

The pricing of thermal hydrolysis projects depends on a variety of factors, including the size and model of the THP system, its unique features, the inclusion of complementary equipment, delivery costs, whether or not Cambi is hired directly or via a contractor, and many more. A customised quote is achieved through a collaborative effort between Cambi and the municipality or utility in question.

Thermal hydrolysis is an advanced treatment process used primarily in wastewater management to break down organic matter, such as sludge, more efficiently. It involves heating the sludge to high temperatures and applying pressure, which effectively "cooks" the material, making it easier to digest in subsequent processes like anaerobic digestion. By doing this, thermal hydrolysis helps increase the production of biogas (a renewable energy resource), reduces the amount of sludge that needs to be removed from the site, and improves the overall efficiency of wastewater treatment plants. It is an innovative technology that not only benefits the environment but also helps facilities operate more sustainably and cost-effectively.

Thermal hydrolysis is most commonly used by medium and large wastewater treatment plants using anaerobic digestion to stabilise the wastewater solids fraction. These plants typically have solids/ sludge lines processing at least 10 tonnes of dry solids per day. The main feedstock is primary and/ or secondary sludge, also known as waste activated sludge. In some plants, food waste or other organic wastes are mixed with the sludge prior to THP processing.

Thermal hydrolysis results in specific benefits depending on the configuration it is used in. Across all configurations, however, two results are consistent: reduced biosolids or final sludge cake volumes, and increased biogas production. In the most common configuration, where THP is used before anaerobic digestion, the technology typically halves biosolids volumes and can increase biogas output by up to 50%.

THP systems vary according to size and other features. The plant's size and desired sludge processing capacity will determine what standard THP model fits best. THP models are classified by the size of the reactor and the number of reactors per train or THP system, and a plant may choose to have several trains of a smaller model rather than a model with a larger capacity. Other considerations or unique needs also affect the plant's design. These include the space available for the THP, the climate of the country or region, additional features wanted by the client relating to energy efficiency, redundancy, etc.

Cambi THP models differ mainly in the size and number of their reactors or vessels, which translates to the system's processing or loading capacity. There are four models: the B2, B4, B6, and B12. The number following "B" corresponds to the vessel size, so a B2 system has reactor vessels with a capacity of 2 cubic meters. Each system or "train", as it is called, can have anywhere between 2-6 reactors. So a B6-4, for example, has 4 reactors, each with a size of 6 cubic meters.

Cambi's Services division has several long-term offerings for clients after a THP system commences operations. These include but are not limited to technical support during annual shutdowns, site management services, operator training, the sales of spare parts, the provision of upgrades and expansions, and real-time monitoring of the THP system via Cambi Plus. Plus is a digital platform for THP system monitoring that can provide clients with data and recommendations for efficiency.

The implementation or execution of a THP project or system differs from client to client but generally follows these steps: engineering design, manufacturing and factory tests, physical delivery of the THP system to the site, installation, on-site tests and commissioning.

Thermal hydrolysis breaks down organic matter at high temperatures and pressures, making it easier for the anaerobic digestion process that follows to extract biomethane or biogas from sludge. By increasing the sludge's biodegradability, it boosts biogas production by around 30-50% compared to conventional anaerobic digestion. The increased biogas can then be converted into electricity or heat, reducing reliance on external energy sources, which are often fossil fuel-based.

Thermal hydrolysis can significantly reduce wastewater treatment plants' carbon footprints. By enhancing biogas production, it allows for greater energy recovery, reducing reliance on external fossil energy sources. Additionally, it reduces the volume of biosolids that need to be transported. When further thermal processing, such as drying or incineration, is required, the energy demand decreases significantly. Overall, thermal hydrolysis helps optimise energy efficiency and contributes to a more sustainable, low-carbon operation.

The reuse of biosolids occurs via one of two methods: land application or thermal processing such as drying, incineration or pyrolysis. Land application reuses biosolids either as soil improver or fertiliser or as a medium for landscaping, reclamation or restoration. Methods like incineration, on the other hand, can use biosolids as fuel or feedstock for cement production. National regulations for biosolids reuse and local land availability often determine which option the plant chooses.