SWITZERLAND – Bühler’s Energy Recovery Center, established in collaboration with Belgium’s Vyncke, is now fully operational and set for customer trials.
Launched officially on November 20, the facility heats Bühler offices in Uzwil by utilizing biomass produced at its application and training centers.
Beyond heating offices, this unique Energy Recovery Center serves as a global application hub, empowering customers to explore the potential of energy recovery from side streams, thereby reducing their carbon footprint, waste, and energy expenditure.
The Energy Recovery Center (ERC) merges Bühler’s expertise in biomass fine grinding and preparation, ensuring optimal fuel production, with Vyncke’s combustion proficiency and cutting-edge technology, enhancing energy yield.
Vyncke has installed its distinctive red-walled boiler at Bühler’s site, employing the pioneering technology of multi-staged pyro gasification turbix combustion for agricultural fuels.
This advanced system, incorporating fuel injection and primary and secondary combustion air injection, promises improved combustion efficiency and subsequently reduced emissions.
This pioneering plant serves dual objectives. Primarily, it manages and generates sustainable energy, fed by diverse side streams from Uzwil’s application and training centers. This integrated solution processes fuel, generates hot water, and redistributes this energy to heat buildings.
Secondly, it acts as a testing ground for biomass side streams from Bühler’s global customer base. The center examines various materials like wheat bran, rice husks, and cocoa shells.
The ERC methodically assesses these by-products individually or in mixtures to optimize combustion techniques. Scientific evaluation by the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (EMPA) explores R&D outcomes and potential applications of boiler ash, such as fertilizer or building material production.
This venture exemplifies how industries can harness their by-products, aiming to curtail the food industry’s carbon footprint.
Guided by a sustainable transformation, it stands as a unique, comprehensive research facility exploring side streams from food and agriculture processes.
The core focus of this technology-driven center lies in furnishing the industry with high-efficiency, low-emission solutions contribute to a sustainable future.
“Integrating Vyncke’s energy recovery processes broadens our offering, steering our customers toward more sustainable production,” states Johannes Wick, CEO of Grains & Food at Bühler.
“With the Energy Recovery Center and our application and training centers, customers have a definitive platform and expertise to validate their future investments.”
Advancing toward sustainability
In 2020, Bühler and Vyncke initiated a strategic partnership. While Bühler leads innovation and pioneering developments, Vyncke contributes its craftsmanship and combustion technology prowess.
Operating since 1912, Vyncke delivers cutting-edge energy solutions to industries transitioning away from fossil fuels, favoring decentralized solutions.
Their technology harnesses energy from organic process waste, redirecting it from landfills to create valuable resources. With over 4,000 references spanning industries, Vyncke leads in innovation and technological proficiency.
Peter Vyncke, owner of Vyncke, emphasizes, “Industries rely on our solutions to reduce fossil fuel consumption. With Bühler, we aim to set the standard in reducing the food industry’s CO2e footprint.”
Leveraging their strengths, the close partnership between Bühler and Vyncke seeks to guide the industry toward a resilient, sustainable future.
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