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BIOTIM® UASB

BIOTIM® UASB is Waterleau’s cornerstone anaerobic reactor, known for its simplicity, robustness, and efficiency in treating moderate-strength wastewater.

BIOTIM UASB at DIAGEO Kisumu Kenya brewery
BIOTIM UASB at DIAGEO Kisumu Kenya brewery

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
BIOTIM scrubber
BIOTIM scrubber

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

CCC, Central Cervecera de Colombia
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

Sustainable sugar refining near Paris, France
In September 2023, Waterleau Group embarked on an innovative journey in Nangis, France, addressing a…

BIOTIM® reactors for biogas production from other types of wastewater

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?

Can BIOTIM® UASB handle high-strength wastewater from all food & beverage sectors?

What makes BIOTIM® Scrubber essential in the BIOTIM® UASB process?

How does the energy recovery aspect of BIOTIM® UASB work?

What are the cost benefits of switching to BIOTIM® UASB technology?

How can businesses start implementing BIOTIM® UASB technology?

What are the disadvantages of a BIOTIM® UASB?

How to maintain a BIOTIM® UASB reactor?

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