Massive autoclave plant to be built in Gateshead

Graphite Resources Ltd already has planning permission for the plant to be built at a site in Derwenthaugh, which is being developed as a merchant facility, without being attached to a major local authority waste contract.

A computer-generated image of the proposed Derwenthaugh Ecoparc

The so-called Derwenthaugh Ecoparc could become one of the very first facilities in the UK to treat mixed municipal waste through autoclaving, which involves the “cooking” of waste with high-temperature steam.

The plant will also include machinery to separate recyclable materials from the mixed waste being treated.

There has been some delay to the project since planning permission was granted by Gateshead council in 2005, because of the difficulty of putting in place the finance needed. The interest of investors has since been stirred by the rising Landfill Tax (see letsrecycle.com story), and Graphite Resources has now secured finance for the plant from the Allied Irish bank.

It is now hoping to go ahead with construction within a matter of months. It plans to bid for waste management contracts in the North East, including a contract with Gateshead council.

Speaking to letsrecycle.com this week, Graphite Resources director Michael Thompson said: “Construction will start in the summer of this year and we are looking to be operational by January 1st 2009.”

” We will be looking to bid for a whole range of contracts in the North East “
– Michael Thompson, Graphite Resources Ltd
He explained: “There is demand everywhere in the UK for these types of waste management facilities and we will be looking to bid for a whole range of contracts in the North East.”

Technology
The technology for the plant is similar in some respects to mechanical biological treatment (MBT) projects in that it includes standard separation machinery to remove recyclable metals and plastics from the mixed waste.

This physical separation occurs after the mixed waste has been treated by the autoclave process, which has been likened to a pressure cooker. This process breaks down the organic fraction of waste at 160 degrees Centigrade. The fibrous residues can then be either turned into a refuse-derived fuel or anaerobically digested to generate a biogas for energy generation.

The process can achieve an 80% diversion rate from landfill, it is claimed.

Mr Thompson said: “Autoclaving is the most simple technology for waste treatment and it makes materials easier to separate off afterwards for recycling. And because people understand that steam sterilises there has been no opposition to the proposal.”