Attachment 3B - Process Design Strategy - OREZ · 132005.638.06

PR25001 Noosa Composting Facility
Process Design Strategy




2.3.    In-vessel Composting (IVC) System
In-Vessel Composting (IVC) is the confirmed composting methodology for this project. The
constrained footprint favours an enclosed process that minimises the space required for both
active composting and maturation.




          Figure 1: Example IVC system render from Noosa CF tender submission (Drawing
                                          No. P0050_1).

Understanding In-Vessel Composting

In-Vessel Composting (IVC) is a fully enclosed, forced-aeration composting method.
Feedstock is loaded into a sealed tunnel, and composting takes place within that contained
envelope for a fixed retention period, rather than in an open pile or windrow exposed to the
weather. Air, temperature, and moisture within the tunnel are actively managed throughout
the cycle, rather than relying on passive airflow or periodic mechanical turning as in open
composting methods. This is the primary distinction between IVC and open windrow
composting, and it is the basis for IVC's suitability to sites, such as the NRRF, where odour
control and a constrained footprint are driving considerations.

A typical tunnel cycle proceeds as follows:

   1. Premixed feedstock is loaded into the tunnel and the entrance sealed.
   2. Air is forced through the base of the pile via a plenum or floor duct system, supplying
      oxygen to the aerobic microorganisms driving decomposition and removing the
      heat, moisture, and carbon dioxide generated by that activity.
   3. Aeration is typically controlled by temperature, meaning airflow is automatically
      increased or decreased to hold the pile within a target range, rather than run at a
      constant rate regardless of process conditions.
   4. At the end of the retention period, the tunnel is unloaded in the same manner it was
      filled.




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