BIOTIM® UASB
BIOTIM® UASB is Waterleau’s cornerstone anaerobic reactor, known for its simplicity, robustness, and efficiency in treating moderate-strength wastewater.
Other technologies in our BIOTIM® Anaerobic wastewater treatment systems family


BIOTIM® UASB : the Waterleau cornerstone reactor for moderate-strenght wastewater
The Waterleau BIOTIM® UASB (Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket) reactor is a high-rate anaerobic wastewater treatment technology. It’s designed to treat industrial or municipal effluents with medium to high organic loads, converting organic pollutants into biogas in a compact and energy-efficient system.
The BIOTIM® UASB is ideally suited for wastewater with moderate COD concentrations (roughly 2–20 kg COD/m³) and is widely applied in sectors such as breweries, food & beverage, dairy, and potato processing.
For example, more than 25 UASB reactors are operating in the potato processing industry, handling effluents around 5–20 kg COD/m³ with high removal efficiency and biogas recovery.
As the market leader in anaerobic treatment for food & beverage, Waterleau has an enviable track record with UASB installations in breweries, potato factories, and dairies.
The BIOTIM® UASB delivers 90%+ COD removal (often followed by a polishing aerobic step to meet discharge standards) and significantly offsets energy use by converting organic load to biogas.
Many clients have leveraged UASB biogas to generate on-site power or heat – in potato processing, up to 60% of a plant’s electricity needs can be met by biogas from wastewater and waste solids.
From organic pollution to energy
In a BIOTIM® UASB, wastewater is introduced at the bottom and flows upward through a dense blanket of anaerobic sludge granules. As the influent rises, anaerobic microorganisms in the sludge break down the organic pollutants, producing biogas (mainly methane and CO₂) in the process.
A special three-phase separator at the top allows biogas to collect for energy use while the treated effluent exits and biomass is retained. This design results in a compact, energy-efficient system that converts organic waste into energy while producing minimal excess sludge.
Key advantages of the BIOTIM® UASB system
- High Energy Recovery: Converts organic pollutants into methane-rich biogas, providing a renewable energy source that can fuel boilers or generators. This reduces purchase of external energy and can yield substantial cost savings.
- Low Sludge Yield: Anaerobic processes like UASB produce far less biological sludge than aerobic systems (up to ten times less), cutting sludge handling and disposal costs.
- Operational Cost Savings: Minimal aeration needs and energy-efficient operation make UASB cheaper to run long-term than conventional aerobic treatment. Many installations report lower OPEX and maintenance costs due to the simple design and stable biology.
- Proven Reliability: UASB technology is simple and robust, with over 100 installations in breweries and hundreds more in various industries worldwide. Its performance in treating high-strength effluents (breweries, distilleries, food processing) is well-documented, providing confidence in its efficacy and stability under real-world conditions

Biogas pre-treatment with the BIOTIM® scrubber
A key component in maximizing the biogas utility from the BIOTIM® UASB process is the BIOTIM® Scrubber. This cutting-edge solution for biogas desulfurization efficiently extracts hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and other sulfur compounds from biogas, safeguarding cogeneration equipment from corrosion and ensuring the biogas meets energy use standards.
Incorporating the BIOTIM® Scrubber elevates the sustainability and economic value of the generated biogas, positioning it as a cleaner, more adaptable fuel alternative.
BIOTIM® UASB's impact on the food & beverage industry
Waterleau's leadership in anaerobic wastewater treatment is supported by a robust portfolio of successful implementations across the food & beverage industry's various sub-sectors. These success stories not only attest to our proficiency and dedication to environmental stewardship but also invite industry leaders and environmental managers to explore the BIOTIM® UASB technology.
By adopting this innovative technology, businesses can make strides in their sustainability objectives, transforming their wastewater management practices, enhancing energy recovery efforts, and contributing to a healthier planet.
Start recovering biogas from wastewater
For more information on how BIOTIM® UASB technology can transform your wastewater management practices, enhance your energy recovery efforts, and contribute to a greener planet, contact Waterleau today. Together, we can embark on a journey towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
Our BIOTIM® UASB technology cases

Sustainable Brewing in Colombia: How Waterleau's BIOTIM® UASB Transforms Central Cervecera
The CCC Brewery treats different wastewater & waste streams before safe discharge to the open water bodies.

Sustainable sugar refining near Paris, France
BIOTIM® reactors for biogas production from other types of wastewater
- BIOTIM® Anaerobic Tower : UASB technology for small plots
- BIOTIM® UAC : biogas production from more difficult wastewater
- BIOTIM® CSTR : biogas production from vicious, solid-laden waste streams
- BIOTIM®An MBR : biogas production and quality water in one
- BIOTIM® Solids : biogas production from municipal sludge
Start recovering biogas from concentrated wastestreams
For more information on how BIOTIM® CSTR technology can transform your wastewater management practices, enhance your energy recovery efforts, and contribute to a greener planet, contact Waterleau today. Together, we can embark on a journey towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
Frequently asked questions on BIOTIM® UASB Technology
How does BIOTIM® UASB technology contribute to sustainability?
BIOTIM® UASB technology contributes to sustainability through its efficient wastewater treatment process that not only purifies water but also generates renewable energy in the form of biogas. This approach significantly reduces the CO2 footprint by minimizing the need for energy-intensive aeration processes typical of aerobic systems. By converting organic waste into biogas, a clean energy source, it supports the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, aligning with global sustainability goals and promoting a circular economy in the food & beverage industry.
Can BIOTIM® UASB handle high-strength wastewater from all food & beverage sectors?
Yes, BIOTIM® UASB is specifically designed to manage high-strength wastewater characteristic of various sub-sectors within the food & beverage industry, including breweries, dairies, and potato processing plants. Its effectiveness lies in the technology's ability to treat bio-rich effluent, efficiently breaking down organic pollutants into biogas, thus making it suitable for a wide range of applications within the industry.
What makes BIOTIM® Scrubber essential in the BIOTIM® UASB process?
The BIOTIM® Scrubber plays a crucial role in the BIOTIM® UASB process by enhancing the quality of the biogas produced. It does so through the desulfurization process, removing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and other sulfur compounds from biogas. This step is essential for preventing corrosion in cogeneration equipment and ensuring the biogas meets quality standards for energy use. The scrubber effectively increases the economic value of the biogas, making it a cleaner and more versatile fuel option.
How does the energy recovery aspect of BIOTIM® UASB work?
The energy recovery aspect of BIOTIM® UASB works by transforming the organic pollutants in wastewater into biogas, a renewable energy source. This process occurs in the anaerobic treatment where dense anaerobic bacteria digest organic matter within the wastewater, producing biogas. This biogas can then be captured and used to generate electricity or heat, reducing energy costs and dependence on non-renewable energy sources, thus contributing to the sustainability goals of the food & beverage industry. Working mechanism/
1. Influent Distribution (Bottom)
- Wastewater enters the reactor at the bottom.
- A special distribution system ensures even and upward flow through the sludge blanket.
2. Sludge Blanket Zone (Middle)
- The reactor contains a dense sludge bed formed by granular anaerobic biomass.
- As wastewater flows upward, anaerobic microorganisms digest organic matter (Chemical Oxygen Demand or COD).
- The biological process produces methane (CH₄) and CO₂, forming biogas.
3. Three-Phase Separator (Top)
- Located at the top of the reactor, the 3-phase separator plays a key role:
- Biogas is captured and collected (often sent to energy recovery systems).
- Treated effluent exits the reactor from the top.
- Biomass settles back into the sludge blanket, ensuring high biomass retention.
4. Biogas Pretreatment and Biogas Use
- Biogas is stored or used to generate heat and/or electricity via CHP (combined heat and power).
- This reduces the facility’s energy bill and carbon footprint.
- The biogas needs desulfurisation with a BIOTIM® scrubber prior use
What are the cost benefits of switching to BIOTIM® UASB technology?
Switching to BIOTIM® UASB technology offers several cost benefits, including reduced energy consumption, lower operational and maintenance costs compared to aerobic treatment systems, and the generation of biogas, which can be used as a renewable energy source to power facilities. These factors contribute to significant savings over time, making BIOTIM® UASB an economically viable option for businesses seeking to improve their wastewater management systems while also reducing their environmental impact.
How can businesses start implementing BIOTIM® UASB technology?
Businesses interested in implementing BIOTIM® UASB technology should begin by conducting a thorough assessment of their current wastewater treatment systems and sustainability goals. Contacting a specialist like Waterleau, the provider of BIOTIM® UASB technology, is a crucial next step. Waterleau can offer expert guidance on the integration process, tailored to meet the specific needs and capacities of the business. This may include feasibility studies, design and engineering services, installation, and operational support to ensure a smooth transition to a more sustainable and efficient wastewater treatment solution.
What are the disadvantages of a BIOTIM® UASB?
Long Start-Up Time: Establishing a stable microbial community can take several weeks.
Temperature Sensitivity: Performance drops significantly in colder climates without additional heating.
Effluent Quality: May require post-treatment to meet discharge standards.
Nutrient Requirements: Requires proper nutrient balance to maintain microbial health.
Potential for Odors: Anaerobic processes can produce unpleasant odors if not properly managed.
How to maintain a BIOTIM® UASB reactor?
Monitoring: Regularly monitor pH, temperature, and organic loading rates to ensure optimal conditions. Check biogas production rates and composition to assess reactor performance.
Nutrient Balance: Ensure a balanced supply of nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus) to support microbial health. Supplement nutrients if necessary based on wastewater characteristics.
Temperature Control: Maintain an appropriate temperature range (typically 25-35°C) for efficient anaerobic digestion. Use heating systems if operating in colder climates to sustain microbial activity.
Influent Quality: Pre-treat influent to remove large particles and toxic substances that could harm the anaerobic microorganisms. Maintain consistent flow rates to avoid hydraulic shocks to the system.
Gas Management: Ensure proper collection and handling of biogas to prevent pressure build-up and potential safety hazards. Regularly inspect and maintain gas collection and flaring systems.
System Inspections: Conduct routine inspections of mechanical components, such as pumps, valves, and mixers. Check for leaks, corrosion, and wear, and perform timely repairs to prevent system failures.
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