The document summarizes a case study of a tissue digester unit installed at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center (YNPRC) to provide an alternative to incineration for disposing of carcasses between neighboring ABSL3 and ABSL2 laboratories. It describes the objectives of providing an effective, economical and ergonomic solution. It then discusses the challenge of designing a low-profile, thru-the-wall unit with biosecurity features that is easy to operate. The solution was a 300lb capacity, horizontal, dual-hatch Thermal Tissue Digester unit from PRI-Bio that can be safely shared between the two labs while ensuring biosecurity.

1. HIGHLIGHTS
UNIT SIZE
OWNERS
MANUFAC-
TURER
CASE STUDY
Innovative Thru-the-Wall
Tissue Digester Adds
Flexibility to Multi-Lab Design
By James Laarman, COO PRI-Bio
Project Objective
To provide Emory / Yerkes National Primate Research Center (YNPRC) with an effective,
economical and ergonomic carcass disposal alternative to incineration to be shared
between neighboring ABSL3 and ABSL2 laboratories.
Project Challenge
To design, develop and manufacture a 300 pound capacity, low-profile, thru-the-wall
tissue digester with the requisite biosecurity features to protect laboratory workers and
the environment, that is easy to load, operate and maintain, integrates with BAS and
provides process batch reporting.
Project Solution
PRI-Bio’s ergonomically designed, self-contained horizontal, dual-hatch Thermal Tissue
Digester unit (TTD).
HIGHLIGHTS
• Designed to be safely Shared by
Two Laboratories (ABSL 3/ ABSL 2)
• Embed with Bio-Seal and Dual
18-inch Interlocked Hatches ensure
Biosecurity
• Convenient, Walk-Up Loading
Height with Actuated Safety Covers
and Lid Counter Weights
• Complete, Effective Destruction of
all Protein-Based Materials
• Low Caustic / Low Water Use
• Minimal Training Requirements,
Easy to Use, Low Maintenance
UNIT SIZE
18TTDw-300DH-BS
• 300 lb Capacity per Load
• 316SS Stainless Construction
• ASME Steam/Hot Oil Heated
Pressure Vessel with Relief Vent
Filter Module
• Internal Mechanical Agitation
• NEMA 4 Touchscreen Control Panel
plus Remote Screen
• Sterile Liquid Discharge, Internally
Cooled prior to Sewer Release
OWNER
Yerkes
National Primate Research Facility
MANUFACTURER
PRI-Bio
700 Industrial Dr.
Dupo, Il 62239 USA
(618) 286-5000
www.pri-bio.com
sales@progressive-recovery.com
PRI-Bio is a wholly owned division of
Progressive Recovery, Inc. CausticDigester

2. CausticDigester
PRI BIO | 700 Industrial Dr., Dupo, IL 62239 | p. 618.286.5000 | f. 618.286.5009 | pri-bio.com
Caustic Digester
• Traditional Alkaline Hydrolysis Process
• Stainless Steel Basket Loading / Unloading
• Low-Pressure Operation
• Self-Contained, Automated
• Cost Effective, Easy to Operate System
Thermal Tissue Digester
Wet Discharge
• Optimized Caustic Use
• Eliminates Basket and Remnant Handling Issues
• Reduced Cycle Time
• Containment within ASME Pressure Vessel
• Minimum Operating Cost
Dry Discharge
• Reduced Caustic Use
• Maximizes Water Reuse
• Provides Low BOD Effluent for Sanitary Sewer Discharge
• Provides Solid Mass for Landfill Disposal
Vertical; Thru-the-Floor; Horizontal; Thru-the-Wall (Multi-Facility)
Bio-Seals for High Containment (BSL3, 3+, 3-AG, BSL4)
UL, CUL or CE Labeled ASME, PED or SELO Certified
Hydraulic Cam-Lock Lids Lid Interlocks
Cycle Process Batch Report