Innovative process for reducing diatomaceous earth use and energy demand

Overview

Novozymes presents an innovative processing technique designed to optimize the use of diatomaceous earth (DE) in industrial applications, specifically targeting the fermentation industry. This method not only reduces DE consumption but also converts spent DE into a resource, minimizing environmental impact and enhancing sustainability. By treating DE as a consumable engineered for repeated use rather than a single-use filter aid, this process significantly reduces landfill waste and energy consumption.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Utilizes a non-hazardous, non-flammable formulation to treat spent DE slurries, effectively solubilizing and stripping adsorbed organics.
• Operates under moderate temperature and pH conditions without harsh solvents, ensuring safety and environmental compliance.
• Separates treated DE into a reusable fraction and a recovered organics stream, suitable for esterification, biodiesel, or fermentation processes.
• Demonstrates compatibility with commercial ester and biodiesel plants, maintaining DE permeability and structure for multiple reuse cycles.
• Validated through bench filtration tests comparing regenerated DE with conventional DE in various applications.

Technology readiness level

This technology has reached Technology Readiness Level 6, indicating that it has been demonstrated in relevant environments, with ongoing validation efforts to refine and scale the process for broader industrial application. Future work includes pilot testing across selected plants to further quantify DE reduction, product recovery, and energy impacts.