Wet Anaerobic Digestion Systems

The global food industry faces a significant challenge in managing the vast quantities of organic waste generated throughout the value chain. Landfilling this waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and represents a lost resource. Wet anaerobic digestion (WAD) emerges as a technologically advanced and environmentally sound solution, converting food waste streams into valuable renewable energy and nutrient-rich biofertilizer. At CD BioSciences, we specialize in providing state-of-the-art WAD systems specifically designed for the unique characteristics of food industry waste, enabling businesses to achieve sustainability goals while creating economic value.

Fig 1.  Wet anaerobic digestion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (Omar A.R., 2024)

Our company offers comprehensive wet anaerobic digestion solutions tailored for food manufacturers, processors, retailers, and food service providers. Our WAD systems are engineered to efficiently process high-moisture organic waste streams typical of the food industry, such as processing residues, expired products, kitchen scraps, and sludges, transforming them into biogas and digestate through a controlled biological process.

Technical Principles

Wet Anaerobic Digestion is a biological process where microorganisms break down biodegradable organic material in the absence of oxygen and at moisture levels typically above 85% (Total Solids < 15%). The process occurs within sealed reactors under controlled temperature conditions (mesophilic or thermophilic). Microbes metabolize the organic matter through four key stages: hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis. The primary outputs are:

• Biogas: A mixture composed mainly of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), which can be used to generate heat, electricity, or upgraded to biomethane (renewable natural gas).
• Digestate: A nutrient-rich residual material containing stabilized organic matter, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and micronutrients, suitable for use as a biofertilizer or soil conditioner.

Technical Features

Our WAD systems are characterized by:

• High Efficiency for Wet Feedstocks: Optimized for liquid and slurry-like food wastes, ensuring effective mixing and microbial contact.
• Robust Process Stability: Designed to handle variations in feedstock composition common in the food industry.
• Energy Recovery: Maximizes biogas yield for significant renewable energy generation.
• Volume Reduction & Odor Control: Significantly reduces waste volume and contains odors within the enclosed system.
• Nutrient Recycling: Produces a valuable digestate, closing the nutrient loop.

Technical Classification

WAD is distinct from dry anaerobic digestion, primarily defined by the lower Total Solids (TS) content of the feedstock (typically <15-20%). Common WAD reactor designs include continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTR), which are well-suited for homogenous, pumpable food waste slurries, ensuring consistent processing and biogas production.

Application Areas

• Food and beverage manufacturing plants (e.g., dairy, brewery, fruit/vegetable processing)
• Large-scale commercial kitchens and catering operations
• Supermarkets and food distribution centers
• Agricultural operations with significant food processing residues
• Municipal organic waste collection programs focused on source-separated food waste.

Environmental Benefits

• Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Diverts organic waste from landfills, avoiding methane emissions, and displaces fossil fuels through biogas utilization.
• Renewable Energy Production: Generates clean energy (heat, power, or biomethane).
• Waste Management: Provides a sustainable alternative to landfilling or incineration.
• Resource Recovery: Recycles valuable nutrients back into the agricultural cycle via digestate.

Our Services

To ensure the optimal performance and seamless integration of our WAD solutions, CD BioSciences provides a full spectrum of services tailored to meet the specific needs of our food industry clients. Our commitment extends beyond technology provision to encompass the entire project lifecycle. We offer:

• Feasibility Studies and Feedstock Analysis: Assessing technical viability, potential energy yield, and economic returns based on specific waste streams.
• Custom System Design and Engineering: Developing bespoke WAD plant designs optimized for client-specific feedstocks, site constraints, and energy requirements.
• Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC): Turnkey project delivery, managing all phases from detailed engineering to plant construction and commissioning.
• Commissioning and Start-up Support: Ensuring smooth plant initiation and performance ramp-up, including biological process stabilization.

• Biogas Upgrading and Utilization Consulting: Advising on the most effective use of biogas, including Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, boiler fuel, or upgrading to biomethane for grid injection or vehicle fuel.
• Digestate Management Solutions: Assisting with the analysis, processing (e.g., dewatering), and identification of beneficial reuse options for the digestate.

Company Service Advantages

Contact Us

Wet anaerobic digestion provides a powerful solution for the food industry to sustainably manage organic waste while generating renewable energy and valuable resources. CD BioSciences is your expert partner, offering tailored, reliable WAD systems and comprehensive support services. By converting food waste liabilities into assets, we help our clients enhance their environmental performance, achieve operational efficiencies, and contribute to a circular economy. Contact us to explore how our WAD solutions can benefit your operations.

How to Place an Order

Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.