Stercore Pyrolysis

Process & contact

STERCORE pyrolysis

STERCORE HOLDING BV

WEB: www.stercore.nl
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Updated 01/24

Input materials

Manure, digestates, crop and food industry wastes: 25%+ dry matter content.

Output products

- Biomethane
- Liquid CO₂
- Heat: 5MW heat/hour
- Bio-Based Carbon (enhanced biochar), for fertiliser and soil improver uses.

Specifications,3 depending on input materials:
- Form: solid, as pellets, powder or granules
- Water content 2-12%
- Organic carbon 49-52%
- C/N 12-18.

Contaminant levels:
- typical heavy metals within regulations.
- PAK16:0.01-0.05 mg/kg
- Thallium: 0.09 mg/kg
- ndl-PCB: 0.0 mg/kg
- PCDD/F 0.38 mg/kg
- Pharmaceuticals: ND
- Pathogens: ND

Typical nutrient contents (on demand)
- N: 0.3 – 0.4 %
- P: 0.1 – 0.4 %
- K:  0.2 – 0.6 %
- Mg: 0.2 – 0.4%
- Ca: 1 – 2 %

Process description

1. Bio-active composting ensures pre-drying to 80% DM and pathogen removal (5 days at average 70°C).

2. Continuous (24/24) pyrolysis system with variable temperature and residence time (proprietary information). The input compost is processed into 20% water, 40% biogas and 40% solids (biochar). All solids remain / fixed in the biochar (Bio-Based Carbon)

3A. Syngas treatment system with specifically designed methane process.

3B. Bio-Based Carbon processing, mixing/adding customer specific NPK / micronutrients / organic matter, etc.

The whole system is constructed in a modular way.

Operating status

A first full-scale installation is under construction, expected to be operational in the second half of 2025. The capacity (input raw material) is 350 – 400 kt/y (25%+DM)

The outputs are:
23 million m³ / y biomethane
30 kt/y liquid CO₂
85 kt/y Bio-Based Carbon
5MW 70°C heat.

Two demo/pilot installations, batch and continuous, have been operated for a total time  of about 15 months.

Photos: rotary drum and pre-drying installation designed by suppliers.