Thermophilic digester for rapid decomposition of mill mud

Mill mud presents substantial operational, financial, and environmental challenges to the sugar industry in Australia. Isis Central Mill, during the milling season, generates nearly 100,000 tons of mill mud. The storage and disposal of such a large volume of waste pose logistical difficulties and financial burdens. Moreover, mill mud emits a pungent odour that can cause discomfort and potential health issues for workers. Although mill mud is commonly used as a soil amendment, its improper use can result in contamination of sensitive aquatic ecosystems, including the Great Barrier Reef. Therefore, it is imperative to prioritize the development of sustainable solutions for the effective management and utilization of mill mud in the sugar industry.

The timeframe for the decomposition process poses a significant challenge when it comes to composting mill mud. Traditional composting methods typically require 90-180 days to fully convert organic materials. However, considering the high volume of mill mud production, relying on conventional composting alone is not feasible for developing mill mud into a commercial product. As a solution, this project aims to make a thermophilic digestor customised for treating mill mud rapidly. The digestor will be used to rapidly decompose mill mud and develop agronomic products organic fertilizer, and potting mix.