Renova and UNTHA collaboration produces RDF in single step

Brazil’s industrial waste specialist Renova Group has advanced its alternative fuel capabilities, in a state-of-the-art collaboration with industrial shredder manufacturer UNTHA Iberica.

The family-owned business has commissioned a single step RDF (refuse derived fuel) production line, enabling it to transform waste into a renewable energy source, using only one shredding machine. An UNTHA XR30000C waste shredder now lies at the heart of the plant, producing a homogenous 50mm fuel for the cement industry.

Renova Group is no stranger to the reuse, recycling and recovery of commercial and industrial ‘waste’. The business has been collecting and treating varied materials – including metals, textiles, plastics, rubber and wood – for 36 years, and has five industrial sites throughout the country.

But passionate about investing in cutting edge technology to advance Brazil’s waste handling capabilities – while minimising the environmental and fiscal impact of the process – Renova Group’s CEO is always looking for continuous improvement.

Aware of UNTHA Iberica’s growing profile in the complex Waste to Energy market, the team conducted business trips to Europe to see exactly what the technology is capable of. UNTHA Iberica demonstrated the XR’s performance handling a number of different input materials to produce an on-specification RDF.

Impressed with the productivity of the machine – not to mention its low operating costs – Renova Group made the switch to UNTHA Iberica.

“We quickly realised that the UNTHA XR would increase our RDF production capacity and give us more process flexiblity, because the robust machine can handle a number of very difficult materials that prove too tough for most other shredders,” commented Renova Group’s CEO Eduardo Pirani.

“But we also knew that the profitablity of our operation would be further improved because the UNTHA XR is so efficient. Consuming up to 75% less energy than diesel hydraulic equivalent shredders, the fuel savings are vast. The machine is also very easy to maintain, with little downtime, meaning general ongoing running costs are very affordable. In fact, our operating costs have already fallen by 40%.

“All of this with such a small footprint, given a single shredder is all you need. It’s very impressive!”

The XR is currently processing 15 tonnes of material per hour, to suit Renova Group’s requirements.

“Everything about this plant, has been designed with Renova Group in mind,” continued Eduardo. “Yes, the XR is very popular worldwide, but UNTHA Iberica took their time to carefully understand our requirements and configure the shredder to suit our exact requirements.

“The machine is now up and running but this is proving to be a fantastic ongoing partnership – our operators work well with UNTHA Iberica’s customer service experts, ensuring our shredder is always in optimum running condition, and we have quick and easy access to spare and wear parts, when we need them. All of these factors matter when investing in shredding technology, and UNTHA Iberica tick all the boxes.”