Quesnel River Pulp produces more than 100 wet tonnes per day of
primary and secondary
pulp residuals. 
The research is carried out in
aerated bays that mimic a full-scale in-vessel composting system.
Pulp residuals are mixed with
compost inoculant and placed
directly in the bays. The compost
is turned twice weekly with an
industrial loader.
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- Composted pulp residuals can be used as an ingredient
in growing media
- Pulp residuals having a moisture content of 75%
moisture can be composted without bulking agent in an in-vessel
composting facility
- Pulp residuals can be composted without adding
fertilizer or manure
- Pulp residuals can be stabilized in 28 days
- In-vessel composting is cost competitive with
windrow composting and allows year-round control
The composting process is enclosed and used aerated
floors to optimize the composting process. Air was supplied to the
composting material to maintain optimum temperatures of 55 to 65
oC. The composting process stabilized the pulp residual,
reduced weight by 50%, killed all potentially pathogenic organisms
and minimized the odor generating potential of the residuals.
This project was funded by Quesnel River Pulp
Company and SilvaGro Nursery Ltd with financial assistance from
the National Research Council of Canada through the IRAP program.
Norwest Laboratories provided support with sample analyses. |
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Growing media made with peat
moss, perlite and composted pulp residual.
Growth trials at Kwantlen College has demonstrated
that composted pulp residuals can replace some of the peat moss in professional
growing mixes. Concept
and layout of full scale composting facility.
click here for
in-vessel composting. |
