CONVERTER®

Technology & Process

THE CONVERTER® PROCESS IS A PATENTED AND COMPLETELY MECHANICAL PROCESS BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF MECHANICAL TO THERMAL ENERGY TRANSFORMATION.

It exploits moist heat shredding, without the use of pressure: that mechanically heats the waste by means of the friction generated by a rotary blade and consequent extraction of moisture by evaporation.

In a 30-minutes cycle the Converter® transforms the waste into a final product which is reduced in weight and volume; totally dry and safe.

The Converter® is a risk-free technology. It allows you to treat waste on site and it does not use chemicals, combustion, or microwaves to do so. Furthermore, it is emission free both for wastewater and gases.

The Converter® is used extensively to achieve zero to landfill.

THE PROCESS

STEP 1

WASTE LOADING

The waste is loaded inside the chamber by hand in plastic bags and the lid is closed.

STEP 2

CRUSHING

The rotor starts and accelerates gradually, as the material is finely ground and the temperature rises quickly to about 100 °C.

STEP 3

EVAPORATION

The heat generated by friction in the material causes the evaporation of the waste moisture and the temperature remains firm at around 100°C.

STEP 4

SUPERHEATING

Once all the moisture has been eliminated, the frictional heat causes the temperature of the material to increase to 151°C.

STEP 5

STERILIZATION OR PASTORIZATION

The temperature of the material is held firm at 151°C for 3 minutes, under moist heat conditions through controlled water dosage.

STEP 6

COOLING DOWN

The waste is sprinkled with water in order to lower the temperature of the material to about 100°C. A vacuum pump then lowers the temperature further down to 60°C adiabatically.

STEP 7

UNLOADING IN VACUUM BAG

The treated material is unloaded by centrifugal force through the opening of a servo-operated valve positioned at the bottom of the treatment chamber.

TECHNOLOGIES COMPARISON

CONVERTER®
(moist heat sterilization)
Autoclave
(hot steam process)
Autoclave
with a shedder
Incinerator
(high-heat process)
Continuous process x x  x  x
Integral shredding x x
Unrecognisable waste x
Volume of waste reduction x
Mass of waste reduction x x
Installation requirements Low High High High
Complexity of the installation Low Intermediate High High
Possibility of installation “in situ” x
Technology approval and recognition by countries all over the world High Intermediate High Low
Level of sterelization High Intermediate High High
Odours Low High Intermediate Intermediate
Level of noise Low Intermediate Intermediate High
Treatment of pathological and anatomical waste x

 

CONVERTER®
(moist heat sterilization)
Autoclave
(hot steam process)
Autoclave
with a shedder
Incinerator
(high-heat process)
ROI High Low Low Low
Investment costs High Low Intermediate High
Operating costs Low High High High
Maintenance costs Low High High High
Labour costs Low High High High

 

CONVERTER®
(moist heat sterilization)
Autoclave
(hot steam process)
Autoclave
with a shedder
Incinerator
(high-heat process)
Impact on the environment No Intermediate Intermediate  High
Treated waste recyclable x x x
No contaminated rejection (such as water, steam) x x x
CONVERTER®
(moist heat sterilization)
Autoclave
(hot steam process)
Autoclave
with a shedder
Incinerator
(high-heat process)
No risk related to pressurized vessel x x x
Risk for workforce/personnel health
(no risk of toxic contaminants released
into the air or the treated waste)
No No Intermediate High