Thermal Desorption Unit Project in Africa: A Clean Transition for Waste Management Company
On December 29th, 2025, Beston Group successfully launched a high-efficiency oil sludge treatment project in Africa. Utilizing advanced TDU pyrolysis technology, the project converts industrial hazardous waste into high-value resources, marking a significant step forward for the region in achieving a circular economy and meeting environmental regulatory standards. Below are the detailed insights into this project:
Beston engineers are carefully commissioning the TDU system under the bright sun (Credit: Beston Group)
Issues Faced & Core Objectives
Issues: A mid-sized solid waste management company in Africa had long struggled with massive accumulations of oil sludge. Their previous incineration methods caused severe smoke pollution and a harsh operating environment (high temperatures and odors), making it impossible to meet local environmental regulations.
Objectives: To implement advanced pyrolysis equipment that is stable in operation, highly automated, and capable of resource recovery.
Large volumes of oily drill cuttings staged on the ground for treatment
Solution & Action: BLJ-16 TDU System
After a thorough assessment of the client’s site conditions and processing requirements, Beston Group provided a high-performance BLJ-16 Thermal Desorption Unit (TDU) solution. Below are the key project specifications for your reference:
Model Configuration
Model: BLJ-16 thermal desorption unit (standard configuration)
Process capacity: 16-18t/batch
Working method: Batch
Feeding system: Integrated combination of screw feeding and belt conveying
Project Information
Raw material: Oil-based drill cuttings (moisture & oil content: ~35%)
Project start date: March 27, 2025
Successful operation date: December 29, 2025
Project duration: 277 Days
Workers conducting the feeding test on the TDU system (Credit: Beston Group)
44 Days Rapid Deployment: Visual Highlights of On-Time Delivery
From November 16 to December 29, 2025, Beston Group team completed the on-site installation in just 44 days. 📸 Explore the highlights of our installation process below:
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Installation of the Manifold of TDU System
Precision Joint Assembly on Site
Welding the Piping of TDU System
Dust Removal Unit Structural Assembly
Unloading Water Cooled Screw Conveyor
Installation of the Steel Support Structure
Project Value & Results
Following the successful 15-ton oil sludge commissioning run in late December 2025, the plant is now fully operational, delivering the following key values to the client:
Environmental compliance: The closed-loop operation eliminated the smoke emissions associated with traditional incineration.
Economic circularity: The produced pyrolysis oil not only fuels the equipment but the surplus also generates additional profit for the client.
Brand elevation: The stable operation of this project has helped the client transform from a traditional “incineration station” into a benchmark enterprise for environmental treatment in the region.
Group photo of Beston technical team with African clients after the successful commissioning of TDU system (Credit: Beston Group)