ManPas is a manure hygienisation device that thermally treats manure at 70 °C by utilizing the heat generated by microbial degradation activity in the manure itself. The process complies with the EU’s hygienisation requirements for manure. After treatment, the manure no longer poses a disease risk or contains viable weed seeds. The entire hygienisation process takes a maximum of three days, with the actual hygienisation phase lasting just over an hour.
The unit consists of a silo and a discharge screw. It features an automated treatment process in which manure is pushed forward with the screw only after the required time at the target temperature has been reached. Temperature sensors monitor the hygienisation phase, and the manure will not exit the machine unless the temperature has exceeded the set threshold, for example, 75 °C.
Hygienised manure can be used as a soil improver or as bedding material in stables and barns. At the same time, the device reduces the need for manure storage, meaning that a traditional manure pit may not be necessary—only product storage might suffice. Hygienised manure can also be transported directly to its end use or user’s storage as it is no longer a risk material.
ManPas device, photo: Ilpo Pölönen
Hygienised peat-based horse manure has also been successfully tested as a growing medium for Chinese cabbage—see the research results from HAMK here:
Chinese cabbage grown on hygienised horse manure – HAMK
Horse manure recycling has been particularly challenging, as there are few recipients. Gate fees have been paid to have it composted or processed at biogas plants.
ManPas helps significantly reduce manure disposal costs. Compared to composting, the process is much faster and results in lower nutrient losses. In addition to horse manure, the device is also suitable for the solid fraction of separated cattle slurry. Suitability for broiler production is currently under investigation, as is also the enrichment of the solid fraction with biochar.
All self-heating biomasses that require hygienisation are suitable for the ManPas device. The best results are achieved with fresh biomasses, as microbial heat production diminishes within about three weeks.
Good bedding materials include chopped straw, wood shavings, or peat-based bedding. The device’s efficiency is highest when the process is continuous and the input material self-heats to at least 60 °C in the silo.
Technical specifications of the ManPas device
The first official ManPas machine was completed in June 2023 with serial number 1. In practice, it is still considered a prototype. The ManPas 1000 model has a capacity of 1–1.5 m³ of hygienised manure per day, and larger models will be developed in the future. Earlier testing was conducted with the initial prototype. As development progresses, documentation of the process will be collected for self-monitoring purposes.
Photo: Ilpo Pölönen
The device is owned by Manpas Oy. It is sold without feeding and discharge conveyors. In some cases, neither belt is needed if loading is done with a loader and discharge happens directly into another room located at a lower level.
To ensure smooth operation, a feeding system to the silo is recommended unless the farm already has a suitable tractor with a front loader. Additionally, a discharge conveyor is needed to remove moisture from the product and lift it to the necessary height, for example, to fill large bags.
The sales price is still being determined, but depending on the overall setup, pricing starts at approximately 2 000 € per horse. For example, on a 20-horse stable, the cost would be about 40 000 €. The 1–1.5 m³ daily capacity corresponds to bedding manure from 30–40 horses or the solid fraction of slurry from about 50 cows.
Thanks to microbial heat production, electricity consumption and operating costs remain low, as only a 10–20 °C temperature increase is typically required. Since the rest of the equipment operates for only a few minutes per hour, electricity consumption is minimal. The energy cost is approximately €4/m³ of treated manure. On top of this, the investment cost must be amortized.
Learn more about the ManPas device here:
Manpas lannan hygienisointilaitteisto hevos- ja maatiloille – ManPas.fi