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This paper describes an opportunity for commercial application of NASA space-based technology. Specifically, it describes application of the University of Florida's patented space-based SEBAC-II solid waste management technology to the US beet sugar industry. The project is entitled “Conversion of Biomass into Energy and Compost through Sequential Batch Anaerobic Composting”, and is being funded by the Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund. It will be carried out by a team of researchers from the University of Florida in partnership with American Crystal Sugar Company (ACSC) of Moorhead, MN, and Minnesota Technology Inc. (MTI) in Minneapolis, MN. American Crystal Sugar generates 400 tons of sugar beet tailings daily. These tailings are a waste by-product of the raw sugar beet receiving, handling and washing operations. Currently, the company pays to have this material hauled away at the rate of 16 truckloads per day.

The technical feasibility of applying anaerobic digestion for reduction and stabilization of the organic fraction of solid wastes generated during space missions was investigated. This process has the advantages of not requiring oxygen or high temperature and pressure while producing methane, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and compost as valuable products. High-solids leachbed anaerobic digestion employed here involves a solid-phase fermentation with leachate recycle between new and old reactors for inoculation, wetting, and removal of volatile organic acids during startup. After anaerobic conversion is complete, the compost bed may be used for biofiltration and plant growth medium. The nutrient-rich leachate may also be used as a vehicle for nutrient recycle. Physical properties of representative waste feedstocks were determined to evaluate their space requirements and hydraulic leachability in the selected digester design.