Waste management in the meat processing industry: Conversion of paunch and DAF sludge into solid fuel

The calorific properties of a mixture of paunch cake solids and DAF sludge were predicted from literature and industry consultation to validate the product. This study shows that the concept of pelletizing and frying paunch is economically feasible. The complete frying and dewatering of the paunch and DAF sludge mixture produces pellets with energy content per kilogram equivalent to coal. The estimated cost of this new product is half the price of coal and the payback period is estimated to be between 1.8 and 3.2 years. Further research is required for proof of concept, and to identify the technical challenges associated with integrating this technology into existing meat processing plants.