Siemens' advanced thermal waste converter

The system is turning heads in the recycling and waste processing world because of its ability to process previously unrecyclable materials and its efficiency in using the exhaust heat generated by the Vortex to produce electricity, district heating and food production through hydroponics. 

The Clean6 Vortex is not only 98% efficient on waste destruction but also requires less than half the waste compared to competing technologies to produce power.

Significantly, the thermal conversion system can 'upscale' material that was deemed unrecyclable and only suitable for landfill.

The outstanding feature of the system that sets it apart from competitors is that the pyrolysis and oxidisation processes used in the Clean6 Vortex instantly volatilises material at temperatures significantly higher than those found in standard incineration plants (1,400 to 1,700°C versus 850 to 1,100°C). This results in increased efficiency, lower emissions and very low residue outputs.

Siemens will supply the end-to-end solutions for producing the thermal conversion systems, including the G120 Inverter, the S7-1500 controller, the ET200 I/O for control cabinets, process instrumentation (flow and level sensors), control products, power supplies, HMI, IoT box, Scalence managed switches and further products that are still under discussion. This integrated approach provides diagnostic benefits, such as secure remote access and opens the door for IoT connection.

Siemens’ products will be used in all four main components of the Clean6 Vortex and the entire Xetrov sustainable waste to energy solution, including the thermal conversion unit, hammer mill, boiler and potentially steam turbines.

Xetrov, headquartered in Yorkshire, has built and operates its waste-to-energy plant in Pollington. It creates both standard and bespoke modules suitable for the UK roll-out of decentralised waste-to-energy plants.

Each solution includes a minimum of one Clean6 Vortex which processes up to 8,000 tons of waste per annum and can be upsized to multiple in series systems depending on the client’s waste supply or power generation requirements.

“Siemens is delighted to have been selected by Xetrov for supplying end-to-end solutions for the ground-breaking Clean6 Vortex,” said Brian Holliday, Managing Director, Siemens Digital Industries UK. 

“The benefits of this conversion technology to the community and its potential contribution to the UK’s net zero emissions targets are going to be huge. This technology is in sync with Siemens’ own goals of achieving a net zero carbon footprint by 2030 across all our production facilities and buildings globally. We are fully geared and equipped to meet the specific requirements of Xetrov as it continues its mission of revolutionising waste processing and recycling.”

“We have been scouting for a partner that understands and shares our goals,” said Ashleigh Ruxton, Founder & CEO of Xetrov. “Siemens brought to the table a slew of products that will go a long way in making our solutions stronger and smarter. Our Vortex technology is not only 98% efficient on waste destruction but also requires less than half the waste compared to competing technologies to produce power. In all this, the role of the technology supplier is very critical. The digital technologies used are the future of machine development, deployment and are important for remote secure connectivity for future proofing our innovative product.  

“We have a strong commitment to environmental, social and economic sustainability and want to contribute to both the UK and Global zero-landfill targets and a reduction of carbon based emissions (CO and CO2),” Ruxton added. 

Xetrov Group’s mission embraces the circular economy, carbon reduction, low-to-no emissions, decentralised power generation and zero landfill. The Clean6 Vortex will have a very high 98% conversion rate with only 2% residue, against the 80-90% efficiency rate of incinerators used in the industry.  

The Clean6 Vortex has exhaust emissions, which are significantly lower than required by the Industrial Emissions Directive. In addition, the technology does not produce fly ash, as other incinerators normally do. Inert and partially vitrified residues are typically 2% and are certainly below many of the alternative technologies. 

The product is in sync with the UK Government’s target of having no more than 10% of waste going to landfill by 2035 against the current rate of 24%.