Research Report. Final Report. Evaluation of a Fine Mesh Screen Manure Treatment Technology Under Manitoba Conditions. For:

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1 Project No Date: June 19, 2013 Revised: April 23, 2014 Portage la Prairie, MB Research Report Final Report Evaluation of a Fine Mesh Screen Manure Treatment Technology Under Manitoba Conditions For: Manitoba Livestock and Manure Management Initiative (MLMMI), Winnipeg, Manitoba

2 June 19, 2013 Revised: April 23, 2014 Portage la Prairie, Manitoba Project # MLMMI # Final Report Research Report Evaluation of a Fine Mesh Screen Manure Treatment Technology Under Manitoba Conditions Lyle Kotyk, P.Eng. Project Leader Lorne Grieger, P.Eng. Project Manager, Agricultural R&D

3 Acknowledgement This project was funded in part by the Canada and Manitoba governments through Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative and the Manitoba Pork Council. Thanks to the Manitoba Livestock and Manure Management Initiative (MLMMI), Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI), and Maple Leaf Agri-Farms for their cooperation in this project.

4 Table of Contents Page Executive Summary Introduction Project Objective Project Description Micro Screen Filtration System Filtration System Process Description Evaluation Facility Setup Project Procedure Operating Procedure Sampling Procedure Evaluation Trials Financial and Technical Feasibility Evaluation Results and Conclusions Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Considerations Safety Considerations...31 Appendix I Results and Analysis... 32

5 1 Executive Summary Amendments to Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship s Livestock Manure and Mortalities Management Regulation serve to limit the land application of phosphorus (P). The majority of the P is contained in the solid manure; therefore, removing the solids will reduce the P content of the liquid manure. Manure processing technologies, which separate out the P with the manure solids, create the possibility of two useable fertilizer fractions: (1) a liquid fraction manure low in P, and (2) a P rich separated solid fraction. The treated liquid manure can then be land applied in the local area, and the solids containing the P can be transported to areas where soils are lacking sufficient P. Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI) performed a farm scale evaluation of a Salsnes micro screen filtration system used to treat liquid swine manure operating in typical Manitoba conditions. Because of the design that utilizes a filtermesh with small openings to remove solids and a novel cleaning system, the potential exists for use in swine operations requiring a manure treatment system. A Salsnes SF2000 micro screen filtration system was evaluated from March 25 to April 16, 2013 at a Maple Leaf Agri-Farms finishing barn in southeastern Manitoba. Trials were performed using three different filtermesh sizes (90, 158 and 340 micron) at various flow rates. Samples were collected of the influent manure stream, treated liquid stream and separated solids. The Salsnes filtration system achieved an average percent P removal of 18.7% for all trials. The average percent P removal ranged from 17%-19% for influent manure dry matter concentrations below 3% and ranged from 15%-21% for influent manure dry matter concentrations above 3%. Individual trial percent P removal results ranged from 5-44% for influent manure dry matter concentrations below 3%. Individual percent P removal results ranged from 12-48% for influent manure dry matter concentrations above 3%. The Salsnes filtration system removed between 25-27% of the solids at low (< 3%) manure dry matter concentrations going into the system and 26-32% of the solids at higher (>3%) solids content. The subsequent effect on nitrogen was also investigated and results reported for the treated liquid and separated solids fraction. P removal results may vary under different conditions as it appears that the influent manure composition can affect the P removal effectiveness.

6 2 1. Introduction Manitoba is implementing numerous strategies in an attempt to reduce the phosphorus (P) loading into Lake Winnipeg. It is believed that elevated P levels in Lake Winnipeg has lead to an increase in the formation of algae blooms, which can be toxic to humans and disrupts the balance of the lake s ecosystem. In addition to municipal and industrial sources, agricultural activity is believed to be a contributing source of P for Lake Winnipeg. Phosphorus from agricultural operations has been identified as a source of P loading in Lake Winnipeg. The potential for runoff is greater in the southeastern region of Manitoba where there is a high density of confined livestock operations. Manure contains several key nutrients required for crop production, among them, P. Therefore, land application on agricultural crop production fields is an ideal use of manure. The problem arises when manure is over-applied, producing soil nutrient levels beyond those required for crop production. Over application often occurs on fields adjacent to animal production. To minimize transportation costs, the manure is often applied within close proximity to its source. Specifically liquid hog manure, composed largely of water, is often pumped directly from the manure storage for land application or transported by tanker to surrounding fields for application. The high water content is due to the current hog manure handling techniques employed in many Manitoba barns. Water is used to rinse the pens, creating a liquid manure that can easily be transported via pumps to the lagoon. However, this high water content dilutes the nutrient content of the manure and significantly increasing the volume of manure, making long range transportation cost prohibitive. Amendments to Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship s Livestock Manure and Mortalities Management Regulation serve to limit the land application of P. The amendments come into effect for most livestock producers on November 10, It is likely that producers in high animal density areas will struggle to comply with the P- limiting regulations while applying manure to nearby land. Therefore, it is anticipated that effective manure treatment will become a major component in allowing Manitoba livestock producer to meet these forthcoming regulations. The manure treatment being considered in Manitoba is one which separates the solid and liquid components of the manure. The majority of the P is contained in the solid manure; therefore, removing the solids will reduce the P content of the liquid manure.

7 3 Adequate reduction of P content will allow continued local land application of the liquid manure. The separated solids can then be transported greater distances to fields deficient in P for enhanced crop production. To facilitate successful compliance with the 2013 P regulations, information on commercially available manure treatment options needs to be available so Manitoba producers can determine which system best meets their requirements. Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI) performed a farm scale evaluation of a manure treatment technology operating in typical Manitoba conditions. A Salsnes SF2000 micro screen filtration system was evaluated from March 25 to April 16, 2013 at a Maple Leaf Agri-Farms finishing barn in southeastern Manitoba. The evaluation included: Effectiveness of phosphorus removal from liquid hog manure Operational and maintenance costs Technical requirements/system complexity The Salsnes micro screen filtration system is typically used in municipal wastewater treatment systems to remove large particles prior to subsequent treatment steps. Using the Salsnes filter as a treatment system for swine manure is outside of the typical operating parameters and design application for the system. Because the Salsnes filtration system uses a very fine mesh size and has a unique air cleaning system, it has the potential to also separate large and small solid particles contained in liquid swine manure and therefore remove P. The Salsnes filtration system was not equipped with a polymer injection system to chemically modify the manure to improve solids and P removal.

8 4 2. Project Objective The primary project objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Salsnes micro screen filtration system at removing P from liquid hog manure produced at a typical Manitoba hog operation. The secondary objective was to evaluate the financial and technical feasibility of the micro screen filtration system. The information collected from the evaluation may be used by producers, regulatory agencies, and the agricultural service industry to determine if the filtration system is suitable for implementation within Manitoba hog operations to aid compliance with the forthcoming 2013 P regulations.

9 5 3. Project Description Achieving the project objectives required significant planning, installation, and operational effort. The filtration system operational requirements were assessed and a process layout was developed. Auxiliary equipment such as tanks, pumps and flow meters were purchased and installed to meet the filtration system, process, and measurement requirements. 3.1 Micro Screen Filtration System The Salsnes micro screen filtration system evaluated was a Salsnes SF2000 demonstration unit supplied by Trojan Technologies. The SF2000 demonstration unit (Figure 1) came assembled on an 84 X 144 skid and included integration of the blower and control system. The main component of the filtration system is a continuous belt (filtermesh) with a very small opening size. The filtermesh sizes evaluated included 90, 158 and 340 micron openings. Figure 1. Salsnes SF2000 Demonstration Unit. The SF2000 skid had previously been used by Trojan Technologies to demonstrate the micro screen filtration technology to potential customers. Therefore, to comply with Maple Leaf Agri-Farms bio-security protocol, PAMI pressure washed and disinfected all components of the SF2000 skid prior to transporting to the evaluation site.

10 6 The Salsnes micro screen filtration system separates the solids and liquids through a number of internal processes. To briefly explain the theoretical operation, the following operational description has been reproduced from a Salsnes filter sales brochure. 1) Wastewater enters the inlet chamber (Figure 2). 2) The solids above the filtermesh create a filter mat. The mat enhances filtration performance as particles build-up on the mesh, creating progressively smaller holes that retain increasingly smaller particles (Figure 2). 3) Water that is filtered past the mesh exits through the outlet (Figure 2). Figure 2. Salsnes Operating Process (1). 4) Wastewater influent rises to a certain level (measured by a water pressure sensor) and the filtermesh starts to rotate like a conveyor belt, transporting sludge and enabling the thickening process (Figure 3). 5) Gravity thickens the sludge to 4-6% DM (dry matter) (Figure 3). 6) Sludge drops into the collection area (Figure 3).

11 7 Figure 3. Salsnes Operating Process (2). 7) Using air (not water) the Air Knife automatic cleaning system removes any remaining sludge from the filtermesh into the collection area (Figure 4). 8) A screw press further dewaters the sludge to 20-30% DM before it exits the unit (Figure 4). Figure 4. Salsnes Operating Process (3).

12 8 3.2 Filtration System Process Description The Salsnes filtration system is designed for continuous flow of influent, effluent, and solids. A significant amount of auxiliary equipment was required to allow the filtration system to operate as designed. Figure 5 illustrates the process flow of the complete system developed by PAMI based on the requirements of the Salsnes SF2000 filtration system. The Salsnes filter system in Figure 5 was supplied by Trojan Technologies, the remaining equipment depicted in Figure 5 was supplied and installed by PAMI. It can be seen that the influent manure entered the filtration system and several separate streams exited. Figure 5. Process flow diagram of Salsnes filtration system evaluation Process Layout The influent manure was continuously supplied to the Salsnes filtration system from a large equalization (EQ) tank. The EQ tank was filled daily with manure from the barn wet well before starting a trial, and not refilled until the trial was completed to ensure a homogenous manure input to the Salsnes filtration system under evaluation. A submersible pump in the wet well was used to fill the EQ tank. The wet well did not have an agitation system installed; therefore, the submersible pump was placed at the solid/liquid interface and drew in solids settled to the wet well floor. The manure in the EQ tank was continually agitated using impellers located at the bottom and middle of the tank to prevent solids in the EQ tank from settling. A manually controlled centrifugal pump, located downstream of the EQ tank, was used to pump the manure into the Salsnes filter. The flow rate was set dependent on the

13 9 operating requirements and processing speed of the filter. A flow meter was installed on the influent manure line to measure and monitor the flow rate of manure being supplied to the Salsnes filtration system. The overflow tank was primarily intended to capture any excess influent manure from the filtration system. If the influent manure flow rate was too high, the manure would spill into the overflow tank. Overflow is not part of the filtration system stable operating process but rather a temporary event that may occur when establishing operating parameters. Overflow did not occur during PAMI s evaluation of the Salsnes filtration system. The effluent is the cleaned, filtered liquid stream, after the removal of solids, which exited the filtration system and entered a collection tank. The effluent tank level was controlled with a level sensor and periodically pumped out through a flow meter to the lagoon. The separated solids exited the Salsnes filtration system via a screw press and were discharged onto a belt conveyor. The conveyor transported the solids to a hopper bin for weight measurement. The solid discharge screw press also squeezed out additional liquids from the solids. These liquids were either collected in the overflow tank and discharged to the lagoon or pumped back to the influent side of the Salsnes filtration system. Sampling and laboratory analysis of these screw press liquids during the initial trials indicated that they contained a high concentration of P, even higher than the influent manure. Therefore, subsequent trials involved circulating these liquids back to the influent side of the SF2000 for further filtration. 3.3 Evaluation Facility Setup To perform the evaluation of the Salsnes micro screen filtration system, PAMI was required to setup a manure treatment technology evaluation facility. The facility was located at a working Maple Leaf Agri-Farms finishing barn located in southeastern Manitoba near Niverville. Locating the evaluation facility at a working barn was essential in order to ensure a consistent and representative manure influent stream for the duration of the evaluation. The Salsnes SF2000 filtration system skid was installed in a sectioned-off room inside a Maple Leaf Agri-Farms finishing barn. The barn functioned on an all-in and all-out production cycle with pit pull manure pits. The room was adjacent to the wet well, which is a pit containing all the hog manure that has been collected and rinsed from the pens, prior to being pumped out to the earthen lagoon. Close proximity to a readily available manure supply was a critical requirement for the project.

14 10 The setup requirements for the Salsnes SF2000 filtration system skid were extensive. In addition, PAMI was advised by Trojan Technologies that use of the Salsnes SF2000 filtration system skid in a swine manure application was very limited, which added several unknown variables to the system, such as the manure influent flow rate. The system setup included the following major components: Purchase and installation of a 6000 L (1600 US Gallon) cone bottom tank for collection of the overflow influent manure from the SF2000. Purchase and installation of a 6000 L (1600 US Gallon) cone bottom tank for collection of the effluent liquid manure from the SF2000. Purchase and installation of a variable speed influent manure pump for supplying manure to the SF2000 for treatment through a varying range flow rates. Installation of a Krohne Optiflux 4000 magnetic flow meter for measuring the influent manure flow rate and total volume. Purchase and installation of a submersible sewage pump and level control inside the overflow tank to pump out the manure as required. Purchase and installation of a centrifugal pump and level control to pump out the effluent tank as required. Installation of a Krohne Optiflux 4000 magnetic flow meter for measuring the effluent flow rate and total volume. Installation of a conveyor belt for collection and transportation of the solid manure exiting the SF2000. Installation of a hopper bin for collection and weighing of the separated solids. Installation of a hot water tank to supply the SF2000 with the required hot water for micro screen cleaning. Rental and installation of a 208 V / 3 phase generator to supply power to the Salsnes filtration system and auxiliary equipment. Figure 6 and 7 illustrate several of the auxiliary components as installed.

15 11 Figure 6. Salsnes SF2000 Setup (Influent and Overflow). Figure 7. Salsnes SF2000 Setup (Solids and Effluent). Some of the required system components were available from previous PAMI manure treatment technology evaluation work. A 20,800 L (5500 US Gallon) cone bottom equalization tank (EQ tank) with an integrated mixing system and secondary spill containment (Figure 8) was used to supply a homogeneous influent manure stream to the SF2000 filtration system for the evaluation. As well, the ventilation system was previously installed and utilized for point source and room exhausting during the SF2000 testing.

16 Figure 8. Influent Manure Tank. 12

17 13 4. Project Procedure With an evaluation project consisting of multiple trials and numerous variables, it is imperative to establish procedures to ensure consistency and repeatability. The Salsnes filtration system evaluation adhered to several defined procedures to ensure confidence and accuracy in the results. A technical representative for Salsnes was on site for the first three days of operation to commission and train PAMI staff in the operation and maintenance of the system. The Salsnes filter evaluation started with a 340 μm filtermesh and progressed using two smaller opening sizes (158 μm and 90 μm). 4.1 Operating Procedure The Salsnes filtration system and auxiliary equipment were operated under controlled and monitored conditions. PAMI attempted to control all variables within reason and evaluate the filtration system performance in response to changing variables. The first step of the operating procedure was to secure an adequate volume of manure for the daily trials. A submersible pump lowered into the barn wet well was used each day to fill the EQ tank with manure. Once filled, two large rotating impellers inside the EQ tank continually agitated the liquid manure to prevent the solids from settling. Prior to operation, all measurement devices were examined to record initial measurements and settings. This included the influent flow meter, hot water supply flow meter, effluent flow meter, screw press liquid flow meter, and the load cell used to weigh the solids hopper bin. After powering up the system, including the Salsnes SF2000 filtration system and all auxiliary equipment, influent manure was supplied to the filtration system. The influent flow rate was set by adjusting the variable speed influent pump and monitoring the influent flow meter to achieve the desired flow rate. It should be noted that influent flow rates were set to achieve optimal P removal with the filtration system. The control system of the Salsnes filtration system operates automatically using sensors to control various functions. Therefore, once the desired flow rate was achieved, no other variable were adjusted for the duration of that trial. PAMI s operating procedure specified that the filtration system was to be run for a minimum of one hour prior to sample collection to allow the system to stabilize. After the stabilization period, samples were collected every half hour. However, due to complications and/or time constraints, it was necessary to expedite some trials. Often on days when two trials were performed, the stabilization period was reduced on the second trial since the filtration system operation was continuous between trials. The data collected from these expedited trials is considered fully valid.

18 Sampling Procedure Accurate sampling of the influent, effluent, and solids was a critical component of the Salsnes filtration system evaluation. Daily samples were collected and submitted to a third party laboratory for analysis. Rush analyses were performed to determine total phosphorus (TP) and percentage dry matter (DM%). These results were used as an indicator to adjust system settings for subsequent trials. Additional laboratory analyses of each sample included total nitrogen (TKN%), ammonium nitrogen (NH 4 -N), total potassium (TK), and bulk density (BD). PAMI developed a sampling procedure to ensure consistent sampling throughout the project duration. The sampling procedure included: Allowing the filtration system to operate for a minimum of one hour after start up to allow the system to stabilize prior to sampling. After one hour, samples were collected every half hour. Sampling order: influent, effluent, and solids. Collect each sample in close time proximity to capture filtration system performance at a specific moment in time. Sampling in triplicate. Samples of each stream were collected every half hour until three representative samples were obtained for each trial. Samples were collected in laboratory approved containers and labelled appropriately (Figure 9). All samples collected were delivered to the laboratory on the same day as collection to reduce the potential for changes in properties due to biological activity. Figure 9. Samples for Laboratory Analysis. The influent manure was sampled from a port on the pressurized influent line supplying the SF2000 filtration system. Sampling was performed on the supply line to achieve a representative influent sample. It was believed that the flow velocity of the influent

19 15 through the supply line would maintain the solid particles in suspension. The suspended solids would readily flow to the sample port along with the liquid content, providing an accurate sample. The influent sample port was located on a 50 mm (2 inch) diameter line approximately 5.7 m (15 feet) upstream of the Salsnes SF2000 influent port (Figure 10). Figure 10. Influent Sample Port (March 25 to April 9 Trials). During an evaluation trial on April 9, 2013, it was discovered that the large four inch influent line was plugged with solids and subsequently plugged the two inch diameter line from the influent pump, cutting off the manure supply to the SF2000 filtration system. The plugged line suggested that the flow velocity in the influent manure line was not high enough to maintain the solids in suspension into the Salsnes filter reservoir. This is indicative of the different properties (higher solids content) that swine manure has compared to municipal waste that the Salsnes filter was designed for. Application specific modifications may be required to municipal treatment systems if intended for use in agriculture. The plugged influent line raised concern about the influent manure sample not being representative of what is entering the filtration system and the solids removal actually being performed in the influent line instead of the filter system. Therefore, a modification was implemented to relocate that influent manure sample port closer to the SF2000 influent port (Figure 11). Extracting the influent sample at the influent entry point provides for a more accurate evaluation of the filtration system performance by knowing precisely the influent manure chemistry entering the system. Sampling was performed from this revised port location for evaluation trials from April 12 to April 16, 2013.

20 16 Figure 11. Influent Sample Port (April 12 to April 16 Trials). Effluent samples were collected from a port on the SF2000 filtration system (Figure 12). The position of the port allows the sample to be extracted just below the micro screen mesh. Figure 12. Effluent Sample Port Location. Solid manure samples were collected at the solid discharge port on the Salsnes SF2000 filtration system (Figure 13).

21 17 Figure 13. Solids Sampling Location. Consistent, representative sampling and subsequent laboratory analyses provided the necessary data to evaluate the effectiveness of the Salsnes SF2000 filtration system at removing P from liquid hog manure. A comparison of the P concentration in the influent and effluent streams was the basis for evaluating the P removal effectiveness. 4.3 Evaluation Trials Numerous trials were performed with the Salsnes SF2000 filtration system. Multiple trials were required to establish trends and to determine the effect of filtration system performance when altering certain variables. Table 1 lists the trials performed. Table 1. Trial Summary. TRIAL # APPROX. INFLUENT FLOW RATE (L/min) TEST DATE MESH (μm)- TRIAL 1 26-Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr Apr R Apr Apr R Apr Apr R Apr Apr Apr Apr R Apr NOTE: R signifies that the screw press liquids were recirculated back into the influent side of the filtration system

22 18 It can be seen that multiple trials were performed with three different filtermesh sizes and various flow rates. The trials on March 26 th and 27 th were performed using a 340 micron filtermesh size, the trials from April 1 st to April 8 th utilized a 158 micron filtermesh, and the trials from April 12 th to April 16 th were conducted using a 90 micron filtermesh. The filtermesh was progressively changed to a smaller size with the anticipation that a finer mesh would be more effective at removing the very fine P particles in the liquid swine manure. It should be noted that the screw press liquid was recirculated back into the influent side of the filtration system for all trial marked with an R. This was done after discovering that the P concentration in the screw press liquid was very high and is typically discharged. For a P removal application in swine manure, the total P removed needs to be considered, therefore, the recirculation step was added to understand what the effective P removal of the filter. This also provides two outputs a liquid with low P concentration and the separated solids with a high P concentration. The influent flow rate was one of the system variables that was modified to determine its effect on P removal. Trials were performed with the flow rate as low as 19 L/min (5 gallons per minute) and as high as 41 L/min (10.5 gallons per minute). The flow rate was varied with the goal of achieving maximum P removal with the SF2000 filtration system. The daily operational capacity of the SF2000 system was not evaluated during the trials. 4.4 Financial and Technical Feasibility Evaluation Utility measurements Two main utilities are required to operate the Salsnes filter electricity and water. Measurements were taken of both to better understand operating costs if installed in a swine manure treatment application. Electrical measurements were taken to determine ongoing operating costs and what components of a system consumed the most electricity. The three main electrical components on the Salsnes filter skid are: the motor driving the filter conveyor the motor driving the solids press the compressor for the air knife system Current measurements (taken using a clamp meter on individual lines) and voltage measurements were taken during operation of the Salsnes filter skid and estimated power consumption calculated. The solids press was running continuously during operation, therefore it could not be isolated from the remaining electrical components plus the filter belt runs on an automated control. It was difficult to isolate the filter belt and solids press, therefore a differential method was used to determine the various components power consumption. The air compressor power consumption could be discretely measured and was therefore subtracted from the overall power consumption

23 19 measurements when various other components were running. Power consumed by the various components at a 70 L/min flow rate, assuming a power factor of one is provided in the Table 2 below: Table 2. Electrical consumption of Salsnes filter skid. Component Power Consumed (kva) Blower alone 12.3 Entire Salsnes skid including blower 13.4 Difference (remaining skid components) 1.1 The electrical cost of operation is based on a flow rate and power consumed. The blower consumption is independent of influent manure flow rate and therefore is a fixed operating cost. The electrical consumption measurements estimated for an 8-hr/day run time and continuous running can be converted to a yearly cost. The electricity costs estimates are provided in the Table 3 below base on a cent/kwh electricity cost. Table 3. Electrical consumption of Salsnes filter skid. Operational Method Yearly Electricity Cost ($) Running 8-hr/day, 365 days/yr $2,960 Running 24-hr/day, 365 days/yr $8,880 The Salsnes filter uses both hot and cold water during regularly scheduled cleaning cycles each day. The flush cycles are described below: hot water flush: 3-minute flush every 6-hours cold water flush: 2 minutes flush every 12-hours The volume of water consumed during the two flush cycles was measured and is provided in the Table 4 below: Table 4. Electrical consumption of Salsnes filter skid. Trial Volume Required for Hot Water Flush (L) Volume Required for Cold Water Flush (L) Average Daily Estimate Continuous Running The total hot and cold water usage is low at a combined consumption of 172 L each day if the Salsnes filter was running continuously.

24 Total P (mg/kg) Results and Conclusions All results are trial averages, calculated from the laboratory analysis results for each of the three (triplicate) samples collected during each trial P Removal Effectiveness The results from PAMI s evaluation indicate that the Salsnes SF2000 filtration system does remove a marginal amount of P on a consistent basis. Figure 14 illustrates that the effluent P concentration is slightly reduced from that of the influent. Table 5 summarizes the influent P, effluent P, P removal (ΔP), and %P removal results for each evaluation trial. It should be noted that the following calculations were used throughout this evaluation: INFLUENT P (mg/kg) EFFLUENT P (mg/kg) Figure 14. Influent P and Effluent P concentrations for Each Trial.

25 ΔP (mg/kg) % P Removal 21 Table 5. Summary of P for Each Evaluation Trial. Mesh- Trial- Sample Approx. Influent Flow Rate (L/min) Trial # Test Date Influent P (mg/kg) Effluent P (mg/kg) ΔP (mg/kg) % P REMOVAL 1 26-Mar % 2 26-Mar % 3 27-Mar % 4 1-Apr % 5 4-Apr % 6 4-Apr R % 7 5-Apr % 8 5-Apr R % 9 8-Apr % 10 8-Apr R % Apr % Apr % Apr % Apr R % Apr % Further examination of the ΔP and % P removal results (Table 5 and Figure 15) suggests that the Salsnes SF2000 filtration system P removal rate is independent of the filtermesh size and influent flow rate. From the evaluation performed, no clear correlation could be observed between the P removal effectiveness of the Salsnes SF2000 filtration system and the aforementioned variables. As a side note, Figure 15 also demonstrates the deficiency when using % P removal as the primary performance measure. Examination of trials and 158-7R illustrates that the ΔP remains relatively low, however the % P removal suggests improved P removal results. The % P removal spikes occur due to the fact that this calculation is a function of the influent P concentration. ΔP is a more accurate representation of the actual filtration system performance % 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% ΔP (mg/kg) % P REMOVAL Figure 15. ΔP and % P Removal for Each Trial.

26 Influent P (mg/kg) 22 Of all the monitored variables, the influent manure properties seemed to have the greatest effect on the Salsnes SF2000 filtration system P removal rate. The relationship between influent manure P concentration and dry matter is quite linear as shown by the high R 2 value of the linear regression in Figure 16. The higher the DM of the influent manure, the higher the P concentration y = x R² = Influent DM (%) Figure 16. Influent P concentration versus Influent DM%. The ΔP does not follow the same linear trend, indicating that DM alone is not the only factor that influences the amount of P that the Salsnes filter can remove. Figure 17 plots ΔP versus the influent dry matter percentage (DM%). It can be seen that the ΔP is very low when the influent DM% is below 1%. The ΔP remains consistent for influent DM% between 2% - 5%, with an average value of 117 mg/kg. The influent DM% was above 6% for one trial, which demonstrated significantly improved P removal. However, as made evident during this evaluation, an influent DM% above 5% is above the average solids content for finishing barns in Manitoba. The average solids content for manure from finishing barns in Manitoba is 3.7% (MAFRI, 2007).

27 ΔP (mg/kg) y = x R² = Influent DM% Figure 17. ΔP versus Influent DM%. Trial demonstrated a significant increase in the ΔP results, as seen in Figure 15 and Figure 17. It is believed that the improved ΔP is the result of unusual influent properties. The influent P concentration and influent DM% for this trial are much higher than those from any other trial. However, with only one data point, a verifiable trend cannot be established to confirm the factors contributing to the improved performance. Therefore, although interesting and perhaps worthy of further evaluation, PAMI considers the trial results to be an outlier. Trial 90-5 demonstrated a significant decrease in the ΔP results, as seen in Figure 15 and Figure 17. It is believed that the decreased ΔP is the result of unusually low influent P concentration and solids content. The influent P concentration and influent DM% for this trial are much lower than those from any other trial. However, with only one data point, a verifiable trend cannot be established to confirm the factors contributing to the diminished performance. Therefore, although interesting and perhaps worthy of further evaluation, PAMI considers the 90-5 trial results to be an outlier.

28 Effluent P (mg/kg) 24 The relationship between the concentrations of P in the effluent manure to influent manure appears to be quite linear, especially for manure with an influent P concentration less than 1,000 mg/kg, as shown in Figure 18. This would indicate that a constant relationship between the influent and effluent manure concentration exists, and a concentration of P in the effluent manure could be predicted for influent P concentrations below 1,000 mg/kg in this trial y = x R² = Influent P (mg/kg) Figure 18. Plot of Effluent P vs. Influent P. A summary of the average P influent and P effluent concentrations along with the ΔP for trials with influent solids content above and below 3% is provided in Table 6.

29 25 Table 6. Summary of Phosphorus Removal. D.M. Trial Type Influent P (mg/kg) ΔP Removal (mg/kg) P Removal Efficiency (%) Avg Range SD Avg Range SD Avg Range SD Low Solids (<3 % D.M.) Including Outlier Excluding Outlier High Solids (> 3 % D.M.) Including Outlier Excluding Outlier The Salsnes SF2000 filtration system achieved an average percent P removal of 18.7% for all trials, which falls considerably short of the anticipated need of many producers in areas where an excess of P is present. The average percent P removal for trials based on the influent manure dry matter ranged from 17%-19% for influent manure dry matter concentrations below 3% and ranged from 15%-21% for influent manure dry matter concentrations above 3%. Individual percent P removal results ranging from 5-44% and 12-48% for influent manure dry matter concentrations below 3%. Individual percent P removal results ranging from 12-48% for influent manure dry matter concentrations above 3%. P removal results may vary under different conditions as it appears that the influent manure composition can affect the P removal effectiveness Solids Removal The focus of the evaluation was P removal. The effect on dry matter (DM) removal is provided for information purposes if a Salsnes filter system were to be installed in a finishing barn. The need to determine the volume of solids produced for both storage requirements and quantity exported or land applied is important during implementation. The solids content of the influent and effluent streams of the individual trials are presented in Figure 19 and Table 7, on the following page.

30 % Dry Matter INFLUENT DM % EFFLUENT DM % Figure 19. Concentration of Influent DM and Effluent DM. Table 7. Effect on solids removal Trial # Test Date Mesh-Trial- Sample Approx. Influent Flow Rate (L/min) Influent DM % Effluent DM % ΔDM % % DM REMOVAL 1 26-Mar % 2 26-Mar % 3 27-Mar % 4 1-Apr % 5 4-Apr % 6 4-Apr R % 7 5-Apr % 8 5-Apr R % 9 8-Apr % 10 8-Apr R % Apr % Apr % Apr % Apr R % Apr %

31 Δ Dry Matter % % Removal DM 27 Similar to the effect on P, the difference between the solids content of the influent and effluent streams provides a better representation of effect the Salsnes SF2000 filtration system has on the solids content as compared to a % removal. The difference and % dry matter removal for the individual trials is provided in Figure 20, below % 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% ΔDM % % DM REMOVAL Figure 20. Comparison of DM and %DM Removal. A summary of the dry matter removal rates of the Salsnes SF2000 filtration system based on manure influent properties is provided in Table 8 below. Table 8. Summary of solids removal. D.M. Trial Type Influent DM (%) ΔDM Removal (%) DM Removal Efficiency (%) Avg Range SD Avg Range SD Avg Range SD Low Solids (<3 % D.M.) Including Outlier Excluding Outlier High Solids (> 3 % D.M.) Including Outlier Excluding Outlier The Salsnes SF2000 filtration system removed between 25-27% of the solids at low (< 3%) manure concentrations going into the system and 26-32% of the solids at higher (>3%) solids content.

32 Nutrient Removal (mg/kg) Effect on Nitrogen The focus of the evaluation was P removal. The effect on nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen removal is provided for information purposes. Results of the TKN and ammonium from all trials are provided in Appendix I. A summary of the results follows Resulting N:P Ratio The focus of the evaluation was P removal through solids separation. Removing the solids affects both the nitrogen and P concentrations individually. The resultant N:P ratio is important for land application of the manure as a crop nutrient. In an ideal situation, the resultant liquid manure could be land applied to maximize P application per acre and meet the crop P and N needs at the same time. Practically, this is not the case as separating solids removes a portion of the nitrogen present in the liquid manure. The effect on the total nitrogen (TKN) relative to total P and the resultant N:P ratio of the influent and resultant effluent streams is provided in Figure 21 and ΔTKN (mg/kg) ΔP (mg/kg) Figure 21. TKN of influent and effluent manure streams.

33 N:P RATIO INFLUENT N:P RATIO EFFLUENT N:P RATIO Figure 22. N:P ratio of influent and effluent manure streams. A summary of the TKN removal rates of the Salsnes SF2000 filtration system based on manure influent properties is provided in Table 9 below. Table 9. Effect of the Salsnes filter on TKN. D.M. Trial Type Influent TKN (mg/kg) Effluent TKN (mg/kg) ΔTKN Removal (mg/kg) Avg Range SD Avg Range SD Avg Range SD Low Solids (<3 % D.M.) High Solids (> 3 % D.M.) Including Outlier Excluding Outlier Including Outlier Excluding Outlier The amount of total nitrogen present in the effluent manure stream was also affected by the solids removal during the filtering process. The removal of both N and P affects the N:P ratio of the liquid fraction that will be land applied in practice. A summary of the resultant N:P ratio of the influent and effluent stream from the Salsnes filter is provided in Table 10 below.

34 30 Table 10. N:P ratio of manure before and after treatment. D.M. Low Solids (<3 % D.M.) High Solids (> 3 % D.M.) Trial Type Including Outlier Excluding Outlier Including Outlier Excluding Outlier Influent N:P Ratio Effluent N:P Ratio ΔN:P Ratio Avg Range SD Avg Range SD Avg Range SD In all trials, the N:P ratio increased after treatment with the Salsnes filtration system. The increase in N:P ratio from the influent to effluent manure streams was greater for lower solids content manure. 4.6 Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Considerations The Salsnes SF2000 filtration system tested by PAMI was developed as a portable demonstration unit to facilitate ease of installation, simplified operation, and reduced maintenance requirements. PAMI s evaluation facility was setup as a temporary site and much of the typical infrastructure required for a permanent filtration facility was omitted to maintain schedule and budget requirements. However, based on PAMI s review of Salsnes installation and operator s manuals as well as the operation of the demonstration unit, a general understanding of these considerations was achieved. In practise, the Salsnes filter system could be installed at existing barns to treat manure directly from the barn, prior to storage in the existing manure storage system. An equalization (EQ) tank between the wet well and Salsnes filter to store up to several days of manure to provide a means of balancing the manure solids and nutrient profile is recommended. The intent of an EQ tank would be to balance the highs and lows of the nutrients and solids content from different pits being pulled. A consistent manure supply would allow the Salsnes filter to run within a narrower operational window. The EQ tank would require agitation to ensure a consistent supply of manure to the Salsnes filter. An alternative could be to treat stored manure if the system were sized to allow rapid treatment of the entire system prior to land application. The manure storage cell would require agitation prior to treating with the Salsnes filter.

35 31 This evaluation was performed without the addition of chemicals to aid in the P removal. A Salsnes filter system has been successfully installed in a fish farm in Eastern Canada using a two pass system. The first pass was performed without the addition of chemicals and the effluent stored. The effluent was chemically treated and sent through the Salsnes filter a second time to remove additional P. Chemical modification of the manure can increase P removal but the amount and costs associated with chemical addition are beyond the scope of this project. 4.7 Safety Considerations Safety needs to be considered when working with liquid swine manure regardless of manure treatments system. The greatest hazard is the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), a gas that can be fatal if inhaled at a high enough concentration. H 2 S concentrations were limited during the evaluation by directly ventilating the Salsnes filter (exhaust port provided) and providing additional point source ventilation at sample locations. A permanent installation will require ventilation to reduce the potential for H 2 S exposure. During winter time, warm make up air will be required to balance any room air exhausted. Additional expense will be incurred during operation to account for the exhaust system operation.

36 32 Appendix I Results and Analysis

37 Trial # Test Date Mesh-Trial- Sample Approx. Influent Flow Rate (L/min) Influent P (mg/kg) Influent TKN (mg/kg) Effluent P (mg/kg) Effluent TKN (mg/kg) Influent N:P Ratio Effluent N:P Ratio ΔN:P ΔTKN (mg/kg) 1 26-Mar % 2 26-Mar % 3 27-Mar % 4 1-Apr % 5 4-Apr % 6 4-Apr R % 7 5-Apr % 8 5-Apr R % 9 8-Apr % 10 8-Apr R % Apr % Apr % Apr % Apr R % Apr % % TKN Removal

38 For further information with regards to this report, please contact: Lorne Grieger, Saskatchewan Operations Manitoba Operations Corporate Services Box 1150 Box 1060 Box th Avenue 390 River Road th Avenue Humboldt, SK S0K 2A0 Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3C5 Humboldt, SK S0K 2A