Lystek’s initial strategy focused on scaling-up and commercializing its core process for production of a low viscosity Class A concentrated liquid biosolids for fertilizer application using belt press (18-22%) biosolids. However, we have shown that the process is capable of liquidizing biosolids centrifuged to 28-30% solids content. The relative simplicity of the process and the small footprint (1000-1500 square feet) of installed systems allows the Lystek process upgrade to be easily added to existing wastewater treatment plants. The Lystek system is simple, can be installed under $1,000,000 and the operational cost is $80-100 per dry tonne depending on the sludge volumes.

Production of High-solid Class A Fertilizer-value Liquid Biosolids Product

Lystek biosolids processing technology is an innovative energy-efficient and cost-effective process involving a combination of heat, alkali, and high shear mixing to produces a high-solid pathogen-free high-nutrient fertilizer value liquid biosolid product that meets the US EPA ‘Class A’ biosolids standard. One of the most important benefits of the Lystek process is associated with a breakthrough discovery to create a stable high solid and low viscosity liquid material even at a solids concentration of 20-28%. The process can yield a viscosity reduction from levels exceeding 2,000,000 centipoises (cP) to less than 6,000 cP in the processed biosolids that is pumpable with conventional equipment. The Lystek process can effectively treat thickened or dewatered raw or digested sludges. The Lystek System not only reduces the odours in biosolids but also modifies the odour to an “earthy aroma”. Reduced and less offensive odours greatly enhance the public’s acceptance of storage and land application of biosolids. At present price levels, Lystek processed biosolids can provide farmers with more than $400 per acre worth of organic fertilizer that includes many essential nutrients not typically found in chemical fertilizers.

Reduction of Municipal Biosolids Waste

Reduction of biosolids requiring disposal reduces costs associated with storage, disposal, including costs associated with biosolids transport and land application, biosolids disposal in landfill, or further processing such as drying, and/or incineration, or composting, or using other processing or disposal methods. Since Lystek processed and lysed biosolids material is an excellent source of readily biodegradable carbon nutrient, it can be easily utilized by microbes for denitrification and phosphorous removal in a BNR system or in an anaerobic digester. Pilot-scale studies carried out at St. Mary WWTP have demonstrated that relative to a conventional activated sludge system with dewatering, an integrated BNR - Lystek approach has the potential to volumetrically reduce more than 40% of the dewatered sludge disposal volumes and increase methane gas production by 100%. The effluent from the system can also meet any current of future regulatory standards. This is an important consideration for municipal plants with limited storage capacity, limited land availability or application opportunities.

Improved Drying Properties of the Lystek Processed Biosolids

The Lystek process destroys the microbial cells in the biosolids / sludge and releases water trapped in the otherwise thixotrophic dewatered biosolids cake material. Thus Lystek process not only makes the material pumpable like liquid, but it also renders material to be dried at a much faster rate requiring less energy input and easier material handling. Since drying is also an initial step of incineration, it is expected that Lystek processed material would be suitable for incineration.

Application to Animal Manure / Food Processing Waste Biosolids

The Lystek process developed for the municipal wastewater treatment market is also applicable to the treatment of wastes from farm animals and food processing industry. The largest source of animal biosolids (manure) is cattle. In Canada alone, cattle produce approximately 16 million dry tonnes of manure each year – significantly higher amount of biosolids than that produced by humans in the United States and Canada combined. Swine, chickens, turkeys, and sheep produce an additional 6 million dry tonnes of manure annually in Canada.