Design and Installation of EFB/POME Bunkers for Oil Palm.

The Growing Designs team has developed an innovative process of resolving the problem of Palm Oil Mill Waste. Our process takes the Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB), combines the Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) and any other mill wastes, and composts the entire waste stream into a valuable and stable fertiliser that will substitute around a third of most plantations inorganic requirements. This is a completely organic and sustainable process that completely mitigates methane emissions.

How do EFB/POME bunkers work?

The empty fruit bunches (EFB) and other mill wastes are loaded into an invessel composting bunker constructed with an aerated floor. A high-pressure fan system ensures all the substrate remains aerobic, and the whole process is temperature and oxygen-controlled.

To produce homogenous compost, the EFB is layered into the bunker using the Bunker Filler while simultaneously adding the POME. The material is moved after a few days using a front-end loader in combination with the Bunker Filler and the process is repeated to prevent sour spots and to maintain the organic process. As the process is completely aerobic there are no methane emissions.

During the high sustained temperature profile, the POME is added increasing the NPK (nutrient value of the substrate). The material stays in-vessel for approximately twenty-four days, after which it is removed and taken to the plantations to act as a slow-release fertiliser.

All the data is recorded to provide the client with digital information to achieve the essential accreditation.

Training and Cultural Guidance

Our company philosophy has always been to provide the right solution with the emphasis on practical implementation. Our team trains the operatives in the theory of how the system works along with practical hands-on guidance and assistance at the completed facility. We continue with backup visits to ensure that the knowledge has been fully understood and implemented. We also offer virtual support and monitor the bunkers daily offering support if requested by the client.

Local Economy

Where possible we strongly believe in supporting the local economy and purchasing materials locally. The Growing Designs team provides the engineered design, layout and practical knowledge working in conjunction with the Client to enable your nominated local contractor to construct the proven Invessel Composting System. These bunkers combined with our other technologies, offer a practical and robust solution to environmentally sensitive problems.