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BioEcoSIM - An innovative bio-economy solution to valorise livestock manure into a range of stabilised soil improving materials for environmental sustainability and economic benefit for European agriculture
Collaborative Project
Project code:
308637
Contract period:
01.10.2012
- 30.09.2016
Budget:
3843073 Euro
Coordinating institution:
The Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology
BioEcoSIM comprises R&D and demonstration of an integrated approach and business model that has wide EU27 applicability in the agriculture sector. The new European Bio-economy Strategy aims to increase the use of bio-based raw materials. Thus, large quantities of fertilisers will be required. Therefore, this project targets to produce sustainable soil improving products that can be easily handled, transported, and applied. BioEcoSIM will valorise livestock manure as an important example of valuable bio-waste into 1) pathogen-free, P-rich organic soil amendment (P-rich biochar), 2) slow releasing mineral fertilisers and 3) reclaimed water. By doing this, we will i) reduce negative environmental impacts (eutrophication of water bodies, and NH3 and N2O emissions) in intensive livestock regions, ii) help to decrease NH3 produced by the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process, (iii) mitigate EU’s dependency on the depleting mineral sources for P-fertilisers, (iv) increase water efficiency use in agriculture and (v) support European Strategies and Directives, while generating economic benefits in the agriculture and bio-economy sector.
The project will combine three innovative technologies 1) superheated steam drying and non-catalytic pyrolysis to convert carbon in manure into P-rich biochar and syngas, 2) electrolytic precipitation of struvite and calcium phosphate and 3) selective separation and recovery of NH3 by gas-permeable membrane. Energy required in-process will be generated through combustion of syngas, thus reducing the pressure on finite fossil fuel. Water reclaimed from manure will be utilised for livestock production and/or irrigation. The sustainability of this approach will be validated against standards ISO14040 and ISO14044. Implementation of the R&D results will help fulfil the need for economically viable and environmentally benign practices in European agriculture to move towards a more resource-efficient and circular economy.
Collaborative Projects
Thermal process for solid fraction
Leading institution:
The Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology
Phosphorus precipitation process for liquid fraction
Ammonia recovery
Integrated Laboratory-Scale Unit
Integrated Pilot-Scale Unit
Demonstration and Validation
Leading institution:
Department of Biobased Products and Energy Crops
Integrated sustainability impact assesment
Exploitation and dissemination
Project management
Leading institution:
The Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology
