Abstract: The invention relates to a process for deodorizing and disinfecting a bioorganic material. The process provides for nitric acid to be formed by a displacement reaction between at least one nitrate salt and sulphuric acid, the nitric acid being mixed with the bioorganic material to be deodorized and disinfected. By forming the bioorganic material and nitric acid into a homogeneous paste having a pH below 2.5, the nitric acid will react oxidatively with the odorous components of the bioorganic material to form a chemically deodorized and disinfected reacted paste. The process can then be completed by neutralizing the reacted paste, which can hence be rendered suitable for forming a wet, organically enriched inorganic fertilizer mix that can be dried and pelletized into a compact particle fertilizer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for converting a bioorganic material such as sewage sludge into a wet, organically enriched inorganic fertilzer mix that permits drying and pelletizing into a compact particle fertilizer form. The process provides for effective odour control as well as disinfection of the bioorganic material, which are essentially required in accordance with United States Environmental Protection Agency regulations in relation to land applications of bioorganic materials. The drying and pelletizing process through heating of the fertlizer mix also serves to provide a sterilized particle fertilizer as required by the above regulations for particular applications. The process also provides for chemical reactions to occur that result in the formation of fire retardants which serve to avoid fire hazards that could otherwise be associated with the drying and pelletizing process.