From design to installation

In 2022, CLEANTECH LATVIA, together with SIA “BIOMUND”, SIA “KABIŅSALA”, the association “Latvijas Jauno zemnieku klubs” and the Latvian University of Biosciences and Technology, began work on the project “Protein recovery from agricultural residues using insects and the development of a new life cycle”.

One of the key stages of the project is to create a pilot plant in which agricultural residues will be processed using insects. Despite various challenges in the process of creating the pilot plant, significant work has been carried out within the project, from detailed design to the creation and installation of the plant.

First, the procurement for design work has been completed. A detailed project has been developed for the entire construction of the cultivation equipment, which includes 3D visualizations and a list of necessary materials, including drive elements. The project includes individual drawings for the manufacture of parts, including general drawings of laser cutting layouts, welded parts, as well as drawings of turned and milled parts. Secondly, after the design was completed, a procurement was made for the supply of equipment frame materials. This step provided the opportunity to assemble and install the equipment frame in accordance with the developed project. The assembly work proceeded smoothly and was carried out in high quality, providing a stable foundation for further installation work on the equipment.

The next important step was the procurement for the supply of materials for the air exchange and feed supply system. As part of the project, an air exchange system with an air recovery unit for heat energy recovery was fully installed. In addition, the initial air exchange system was also balanced to ensure an appropriate environment for the growing process.

In the context of the procurement, the procurement for the supply of pneumatic components, which is an essential component of the equipment’s functionality, was successfully completed. Pneumatic components will ensure precise and efficient operation of the equipment, which is critical in the breeding process. In addition, a procurement has been made for the purchase and installation of gates. Industrial sectional gates and two high-speed gates have been installed, which separate the larval breeding area from the service area, to ensure an optimal level of hygiene and safety and to effectively organize work in the equipment premises.

The procurement for the supply of motors and reducers has also been successfully completed. In accordance with the project and procurement specifications, 26 electric motors and appropriate set of reducers have been delivered. These elements are essential for the mechanical operation of the equipment, ensuring effective and stable process control.

Overall, the project has been accompanied by various challenges, as evidenced by the extension of the project deadline – it is planned to be completed in June 2025. Currently, work is still underway on the installation of the pilot plant, but it is predicted that the testing process of the equipment will begin in the near future. The project’s pilot plant is a significant step towards providing modern and efficient solutions for processing agricultural residues to recover valuable proteins.