Joint heating center Biotta and Rathgeb

Biopioneers rely on woodchip heating for heat and process steam

General information

The companies Biotta AG and Rathgeb Bio have maintained a cooperative partnership for years. Since September 2019, the two companies have also been jointly operating a wood heating center.

For over 60 years, Biotta has stood for a colorful range of vegetable and fruit juices - 100% natural, 100% organic. With every bottle of Biotta juice, a piece of tasty nature is sent out into the world. Close cooperation with regional organic farmers is an integral part of the company's holistic philosophy. One of these partners is Rathgeb Bio. The company is run by the third generation and has developed from a simple family business into a leading supplier of
organic products. Today, Rathgeb produces over sixty different vegetables and potatoes.

Wood steam heating center in Tägerwilen

In addition to its headquarters in Unterstammheim, Rathgeb owns greenhouses in Tägerwilen, where Biotta AG also has its headquarters. Four years before the project is realized, the neighboring companies discuss the possibility of a joint heating center for the first time. After a detailed examination of all the options, the regionally associated companies decide in favor of wood as a domestic energy source. A feasibility study for a heating center including steam generation for process heat is commissioned.
is commissioned. External energy experts deal with the energy-related questions and come to the conclusion that a wood-fired heating system with a high utilization rate over the entire year is the best possible fossil-fuel-based heating system.
throughout the year is the best possible fossil-free option.

Challenging project

After a long planning phase, the plant was commissioned in September 2019. Markus Geschwandtner, CFO Biotta: "The Schmid company advised us competently at all times in this demanding project and enjoys our full confidence". Christian Rathgeb, Managing Director at Rathgeb, concurs with this opinion: "Thanks to the extraordinarily competent and committed project manager of Schmid AG, the wood combustion plant could be successfully realized".

Heat and process steam

A Schmid UTSR-2400.42 moving grate furnace is installed with a Denox combustion chamber for additional reduction of NOX values. The plant supplies 3.4 tons of steam per hour and 600 kW of heat from the condensing unit. For Biotta, the wood combustion plant supplies the process steam for production (processing of vegetables including decanter for juice extraction, pasteurization and filling of juices) as well as heat for the office and production property. At Rathgeb, keeping the plants frost-free in winter and healthy in summer is central, which is ensured by climate control of the greenhouses.