Low Energy Consumption: XACT BioReactor
The hot button for many of the companies and organizations we meet with are energy costs and reducing energy consumption which is driven by soaring energy costs and, in some regions, lack of supply. At the same time, tremendous amounts of organic waste must be managed in a responsible manner. Thankfully, there is a viable solution, because the BioReactor by XACT solves both challenges handily.
Here are the facts and formulas to calculate the energy costs for a 10’ diameter x 100’ long BioReactor. This size of vessel is run by one 10 hp electric motor. The horsepower output for a 10 HP is 746 Watts X 10 = 7460 Watts = 7.46 KW. Accounting for the typical inefficiencies of the motor, let’s estimate it to be about 85% efficient, so the electrical input to the motor would be 7.46 KW / 0.85 = 8.78 KW. Operating for one hour, the 10 hp motor would consume 8.78 KW X 1 Hr. = 8.78 kWh.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average cost of electricity (per kWh, nationwide, as of December 2010) is $0.125/kWh. Thus 8.78 x 0.125 = $1.10
Thus, the energy costs for a 10′ x 100′ BioReactor is:
$1.10 for 1 hour of operation
$26.40 for 24 hours of operation
$792.00 for 30 days
$9,636.00 for 1 year
Now let’s look at how much waste is being composted. The 10’ diameter x 100’ long BioReactor has a capacity of 200 cubic yards. 200 cubic yards of solid organic waste on average weighs 120 tons (assumption of 2 cu. yd. = 1.2 ton). If the organic waste remains in the drum for a 4-day retention period, the energy costs for that period is $105.60. And what do you get for $105.6o? At the end of the 4 days, you will have compost that is 75% mature and pathogen free. Not only will you have composted all the waste for just $105.60, but you will have done so and controlled emissions, VOC’s and odour. So, the the bottom line is:
$105.60 to compost 120 tons of solid organic waste. How is that for low energy costs and consumption! Let’s try plugging in your regions energy costs and see what your costs would be…call any time. Many thanks. D
