Biomix
Compost
MPS48 / FTS Deep Stacker / TRT622
Victoria
Introducing
Biomix is investing heavily in innovative technologies and taking a bold approach to managing more than 100,000 tonnes of green organics per annum! At the end of 2017, Biomix unveiled its premium compost facility at Stanhope. The company designed an EPA-approved in-vessel composting system, engineering its own vessels to better manage air flow and odour. Its compost is produced to AS4454-2012 specifications and regularly sent off for independent and accredited lab testing.
Measuring, monitoring and understanding soil properties is a nuanced undertaking, as biological, chemical and physical indicators all play a role in the success of what we put in the ground. The ongoing business of providing high quality compost is another area conducive to the outcomes of soil health, and thus EPA guidelines and industry regulations govern a best-practice approach. Soil nitrogen and appropriate levels of water improve soil longevity, in addition to providing valuable nutrients and organic carbon through high productivity farming practices. It is within this burgeoning landscape that innovative organics recycling practices are bucking the trend.
Project Highlights
Key outcomes and benefits of the project
The MPS48, FTS Mulch Master & TRT622 replaced a series of conventional machines traditionally used for composting.
The MPS48 focused on removing contamination upfront & improved site safety.
The Mulch Master has reduced the turning frequency of compost windrows by 50%, whilst increasing the moisture content of the compost.
Mulch Master has enabled Biomix to increase production volumes through the utilization of compost deep stacking.
Operational and production cost has also been reduced thanks to the Mulch Master replacing the used of excavators with a higher cost & slower processing time.
The TRT622 produces a 14-millimetre-minus product, the screen has doubled throughput & effectively pulls out contaminants.
Breathing life into compost
Biomix CEO, Vanessa Lenihan says “The thing that is unique about Biomix is the composting vessels were designed by us. We worked with the mechanical engineering firm that designed them and we own the intellectual property around the vessels.” She says that one of the challenges Biomix had is that when it opened the vessels in late 2017, the business began to grow exponentially at a rate it had not anticipated. Likewise, low rainfall onsite and high evaporation presented a challenge to processing compost at the site.
To support its next transition, the company turned to integrated processing supplier FOCUS Enviro for support – a supplier of EDGE Innovate shredding, screening, separating, stacking and sizing equipment. From November last year through to January this year, Biomix acquired three unique new products manufactured by EDGE Innovate. The EDGE MPS48 Picking Station, EDGE FTS Mulch Master (deep stacker) and EDGE TRT622 Trommel replaced a series of conventional machines traditionally used for composting. “Because we grew so fast we had to manage parts of the business quite differently to what we’ve had previously. The EDGE Picking Station is really focused on removing contamination upfront and the Mulch Master has allowed us to process our windrows and get water to them in a way that is highly beneficial” Vanessa says. The EDGE Picking Station was designed to improve safety for waste management sites by reducing the effects of dust, noise and climate conditions for workers. It helps eliminate contaminants such as organics, hard plastics, glass and other deleterious materials.
Vanessa says that Biomix has seen a significant reduction in water loss through windrows by using the Mulch Master, halving the number of times to turn a windrow. “Every time you turn a windrow you lose at least 20 per cent moisture. The Mulch Master allows us to halve the number of turns during the process.” The Mulch Master has increased volumes through deep stacking of compost for Biomix, having previously used excavators and loading circles with a higher cost and slower processing time. Vanessa says that the machine has allowed Biomix to increase the moisture content of its compost as the auger softens the materials and water jets allow the spread of moisture.
RE-THINKING THE PROCESS
The Mulch Master combines traditional flipping and rotation with constant material flow to overcome traditional challenges of compaction, contamination, material bridging and the risk of combustion. Designed for low density, bulky materials such as mulch, compost and soils; the EDGE FTS Mulch Master boasts a large hopper capacity of 15 cubic metres. A 25 per cent additional buffer capacity over the standard EDGE FTS units with a bespoke hopper design prevents material bridging. A variable high speed conveyor enables an even spread of material further regulated via a double screwed forward/reverse auger.
Biomix’s new EDGE trommel also allows Biomix to produce a 14-millimetre-minus product. Vanessa says the screen has doubled throughput and comes with an on-board vacuum system attached that pulls out contaminants such as light plastics. “We’re filling a front lift bin a day of light plastics and there’s no way we’d be able to specifically pick them out by hand – that’s how effective the vacuum system is.”
The TR622 Trommel screen is ideal for multiple applications such as topsoil, recycling, composting and construction and demolition waste. The TR622 comprises a 180-degree radial conveyor, a unique load sensing hydraulic drive system, eco-power saving functionality and a user-friendly HMI control panel to suit varying applications. A hydraulic sliding feature allows for a speedy drum exchange and enables operators to easily lift out the existing drum to replace it with various drum types available. It’s 22-foot-long drum allows it to produce enhanced screening results and top quality fine materials such as compost, gravel, sand and topsoil easily.
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