FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?
ORCA utilises an aerobic digestion process that converts food waste into an effluent safe for discharge, via a grease arrestor, into the municipal wastewater system. The unit accelerates the breakdown of food waste through a combination of our proprietary Microorganisms and Bio Chips, oxygen and water.
DOES THE PROCESS WORK?
Yes. Our technology employs aerobic digestion using a naturally occurring Microorganism inside a moving bed biofilm reactor. By balancing the environment inside the reactor, the process is able to break down solid organics into wastewater, on average within 24 hours.
HOW OFTEN & HOW MUCH CAN I FEED THE ORCA?
This will be dependent on the type of food waste you put in it. But as a general rule it is advised you try and feed every 2 to 3 hours. The higher the frequency of feeding, the greater yield of digestion over a 24-hour period.
IS THERE ANY RESIDUE LEFT OVER?
As long as organic material is being placed in the ORCA there will not be any residue left over. Keep in mind that some items will take longer to be digested. For example, lettuce and peelings will digest much quicker than chicken bones. The Microorganisms will keep digesting the organic waste until it is in the form of a ‘grey wastewater’ which then goes through the .44mm screen at the bottom of the ORCA.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE EFFLUENT WHEN IT LEAVES THE MACHINE?
Once the effluent is discharged from the machine, it is disposed of directly into the internal drainage system, via a grease interceptor, where it then flows into the public sewage system. From here, it will be treated at the wastewater treatment plant and discharged into rivers, lakes or other sources as clean water.
HOW LONG IS THE INSTALLATION PROCESS?
Once pre-installation requirements are confirmed, installation can be completed in one day.
SHOULD I EVER TURN THE MACHINE OFF?
No, the ORCA should never be turned off and should be running continuously. Only in the event of an emergency should the ORCA be turned off. Turning the machine off will halt digestion, and kill the microbe colony inside the machine.
DO MICROORGANISMS AFFECT THE SAFETY OF OUR WORK ENVIRONMENT?
The Microorganisms used in ORCA are naturally present in the environment, and are not harmful. Like any waste product, you should take normal precautions while handling ORCA food waste or effluent, but it does not pose a danger to the air, water, or to employees that work with the ORCA system.
