Canada’s First Zoo-Based Biogas Plant
In December 2020, ZooShare Biogas Co-operative achieved a significant milestone by completing the construction of Canada’s first zoo-based biogas plant. Located across the street from the Toronto Zoo, this innovative facility is dedicated to recycling organic waste, including 2,000 tonnes of manure from the Toronto Zoo and 15,000 tonnes of inedible local food waste. The biogas plant transforms these organic materials into renewable energy, providing power to over 250 Ontario homes annually.
This process results in a noteworthy annual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 20,000 tonnes of CO2 , and it also facilitates the return of valuable nutrients to the soil in the form of highquality fertilizer.
Project Partners
- Fitec Environmental Technologies Inc.
To construct this biogas facility, Octaform’s PVC stayin-place forming system was chosen as the ideal solution for the construction of an Anaerobic Digester with a diameter of 50 feet and a height of 33 feet, as well as an End-Storage Tank with a diameter of 118 feet and a height of 26.33 feet. Octaform’s system offered several distinct advantages for this project, making it a superior choice compared to traditional cast-in-place concrete or membrane systems.
Octaform Advantages
Cost Savings
Octaform’s solution provided decreased total costs compared to traditional methods involving concrete and polyurethane applied membrane coatings. This cost efficiency was instrumental in keeping the project within budget.
Construction Effieciency
Octaform’s system significantly reduced construction time and labor requirements. The ease of installation contributed to a streamlined construction process, saving valuable time and resources.
Built-In Insulation
Octaform’s system incorporated insulation directly into the structure. This ensured optimal thermal performance, with the thermal mass of concrete on the interior of the structure and insulation on the exterior, reducing operating costs.
Simplified Maintenance
The durability of Octaform’s tank interior was a crucial factor. The system resists corrosion and requires no mid-life servicing or re-coating, further reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Corrosion Resistance
Octaform’s PVC stay-in-place forming system offered superior corrosion resistance compared to traditional concrete and membrane systems. This durability ensures a longer service life for the infrastructure.
Outcomes
The collaboration between Octaform, Fitec Environmental Technologies Inc., and ZooShare Biogas Cooperative resulted in the successful construction and operation of Canada’s first zoo-based biogas plant. This facility not only recycles organic waste to generate renewable energy but also significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, benefiting the environment and the local community.
The advantages of Octaform’s PVC stay-in-place forming system, including cost savings, construction efficiency, and long-term durability, made it the ideal choice for this project. Additionally, Fitec’s expertise in process equipment and system design played a critical role in the project’s success.
Overall, the ZooShare biogas plant serves as a remarkable example of how innovative solutions and partnerships can address environmental challenges while delivering economic benefits to the community. It stands as a testament to the effectiveness of Octaform’s technology in the field of sustainable energy and waste management.
Fitec Environmental Technologies Inc.
Fitec Environmental Technologies Inc. played a pivotal role in the success of the ZooShare biogas plant. As a trusted process equipment supplier and design and engineering company with 17 years of experience, Fitec specializes in providing cost-effective, robust, and reliable solutions to the organic waste and anaerobic digestion industries across North America. Their expertise is particularly valuable when handling high total solids and highly abrasive and contaminant-laden feedstocks.
Fitec’s involvement in the project, in partnership with Octaform, contributed to the successful construction of the biogas plant. With their experience and commitment to high-performance system designs, Fitec played a crucial role in ensuring the facility’s efficiency and long-term reliability.
We have delivered multiple projects with Octaform tanks and have been impressed not only with cost savings but the speed of installation. Octaform offers assurance against leaks, corrosion, and other performance issues. On our last project, Octaform came in at about 10% less than a coated concrete tank but offers a permanent PVC liner. Compared to steel tanks in North America, Octaform tanks are coming in 30-40% less expensive with similar service life expectations and great thermal performance.
