What is Hot Hearth Biomass Vaporization (HHBV)?
Advanced Bio-Thermal Technologies has developed a unique process called Hot Hearth Biomass Vaporization, or HHBV for short. This isn’t just any bio-thermal technology—it’s a proven, commercially viable system that turns bio-waste from a problem into a valuable resource. Imagine taking what’s usually seen as hazardous or just plain waste and converting it into something green and useful. That’s exactly what HHBV does. It’s simple, effective, and stands out as second to none in the bio-thermal field.
Main Benefits of HHBV Technology
Here’s why this technology really shines:
- Commercially viable with a return on investment in less than 10 years
- Simple and inexpensive to build using off-the-shelf components
- Low operational costs with negligible parasitic loads
- Scalable from less than a megawatt to multi-megawatts of power
- Can be built close to unique feedstock sources, avoiding costly preprocessing and segregation
Bio-Waste to Energy: Turning Manure into Power
One of the standout projects involves manure collected from a massive feedlot housing 90,000 head of cattle. This manure is continuously fed into the Brookes Gasifier, a key part of the Combined Heat and Power system. The gasifier produces exhaust gases at temperatures exceeding 800°C. These high-temperature gases then power a boiler that generates steam, which is used to cook the cattle’s corn feed. It’s a brilliant cycle—waste becomes energy, energy supports the feed, and the whole system runs efficiently and sustainably.
Cremating Culled Carcasses: A Solution from the Mad Cow Crisis
Back in the late 1990s, during the Mad Cow disease outbreak in the UK, six different culling methods were tested. Out of all those, the Brookes Gasifier was the only one capable of completely destroying the prion pathogen responsible for the disease. The result? Only inert ash remained. This demonstrated the gasifier’s unmatched ability to safely and effectively handle dangerous bio-waste, proving its critical role in bio-thermal waste management.
Medical Waste Destruction: Safe and Effective Disposal
In the 1990s, a medical waste management company adopted the Brookes Gasifier to handle bio-hazardous materials collected from hospitals, clinics, and labs. Instead of just disposing of this dangerous waste, the gasifier destroyed it completely. This approach not only ensured safety but also showcased the technology’s versatility in managing different types of bio-waste beyond agricultural applications.
Project Impact: Linking to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – by producing scalable, renewable energy from waste
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through innovative, commercially viable technology
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by reducing hazardous waste and promoting green solutions
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – converting waste into valuable resources
- SDG 13: Climate Action – lowering greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels
Custom-Designed Waste-to-Energy Systems
Advanced Bio-Thermal Technologies doesn’t just offer a one-size-fits-all solution. They custom design waste-to-energy systems tailored to specific needs, using their unique hot hearth auto-thermic vaporization technology. Invented over 40 years ago, this tech has stood the test of time, proving itself commercially viable and efficient. Because it’s scalable, systems can be built right where the feedstock is—no need for expensive preprocessing or sorting. This means the technology can handle a wide range of waste types and energy outputs, from under a megawatt to multi-megawatts, making it flexible and practical for many applications.
