Sanciflex has developed a unique process, both in concept and technology, which is referred to as “thermal hydrolysis”. Thermal hydrolysis is the autoclaving process which uses heat, steam, pressure and rotation. Saturated steam is used in the autoclave at around 160°C and the autoclave vessel is pressurized to maintain five (5) Bar for a period of up to 45 minutes. This allows time for the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) material to fully ‘sterilize’. This process condenses the raw waste by up to 85% of its original volume.

This process causes plastics to soften and flatten. Paper and other fibrous materials disintegrate into a fibrous organic material. Bottles and metal objects are cleaned and labels removed. When the process is completed, the steam flow is stopped and the pressure vented via a condenser.

The size and number of autoclaves used will vary depending on the required daily MSW volume. Sanciflex uses either a duplex or triplex autoclave configuration, with each having a volume of 6-10 tons. We are able to efficiently operate up to nine (9) autoclaves in one facility.

Sanciflex testing has determined that small vessels are more productive and efficient (lean methodology) than the larger vessels. Our testing has also determined that larger, heavier and more pressurized units can result in more equipment failures and maintenance issues.

When MSW exits the autoclave, the recyclable material is automatically sorted, graded and recycled using sophisticated, automatic, high capacity, sorting equipment.