Capacity

The AGF Process expands the capacity of existing digesters by 3 to 4 times their current capacity while using 1/4th the land area, and 1/8th the volume of a single digester. The AGF process uses less energy than required to mix a conventional digester. SRT/HRT ratio's above 3.0 are commonly used.

Volatile Solids Destruction

The AGF Process substantially increases the SRT of a digester and as a result, substantially increases the volatile solids conversion to gas. (70% to 80% VS destruction using AGF alone and 80% + with AGF Pasteurization Process ).

We have created a plot of VS destruction vs SRT for the different existing technologies including AGF. This plot shows that each of the technologies achieves a common VS destruction as a function of SRT. The issue becomes the cost effectiveness of achieving that SRT/VS Destruction. We believe that AGF is significantly less expensive than the other technologies.

VS Destruction vs SRT Plot as a PDF.

Operational Flexibility

The influent solids do not have to be thickened to the extent required for conventional digestion. More dilute influent solids can be fed. In addition, dewatering requirements are not based on influent sludge volume. The solids can be concentrated in the digester while the dewatering schedule is adjusted to accommodate the needs of the operator. Incorporating AGF solids removal reduces the need to clean digesters.

Solids Dewatering

The time required to dewater waste solids is reduced to 1/3rd of the time required to dewater conventionally digested solids. Dewatering polymer is also reduced while cake solids concentrations are increased.

Gas Quality

The AGF process produces a high quality gas. Ninety percent reductions in H2S levels and fifty percent reductions in CO2 levels can be achieved.

Scaling

Struvite formation and precipitation are inhibited through the AGF gas flotation process.

Effluent Quality

Both soluble and particulate constituents can be removed by gas flotation. A high quality liquid effluent is produced from which nitrogen and phosphorus can be recovered.

Storage

Biosolids are stored in existing digesters but their solids concentration is increased. This allows the digesters to in a sense work more efficiently. This enablest a plant's total processing capablity to be significantly increased just through the use of the AFG process without any need for additional digesters.