Energy from wastewater
Unfolding the energy potential of wastewater and municipal sludge reducing grid dependency.
Energy recovery from organic pollution and sludge
Waterleau is recognized by Global Water Intelligence as one of the top 10 global providers in both anaerobic and aerobic biological wastewater treatment technologies, thanks to its proprietary BIOTIM® (anaerobic) and LUCAS® (aerobic) systems. The BIOTIM® anaerobic reactor range helps to recover energy from the organic compounds in wastewater, organic waste, and municipal sludge.
In the food and beverage industry, we are the undisputed leader helping production sites to significantly cut down on the energy bill and opex.
In the potato processing industry for instance, up to 60% of a potato processing plant's electricity needs is recovered from anaerobic digestion of wastewater and potato waste.
Recovering energy from wastewater
Energy from wastewater: BIOTIM® anaerobic reactor range
The BIOTIM® anaerobic reactor portfolio includes solutions for treating wastewater with different ranges of organic load or dry matter content.
Where space is scarce, the BIOTIM® high-rate anaerobic tower combines high removal of organic load and high biogas yield with limited footprint.
For high-yield biogas with high-quality effluent recovery, the BIOTIM® anaerobic tower is a compact solution helping in limiting the energy and carbon footprint.
BIOTIM® reactor range
- BIOTIM® UASB for loads ranging from 2-20 kg COD/m³
- BIOTIM® UAC for loads ranging from 20-80 kg COD/m³
- BIOTIM® CSTR for loads ranging from 50-70 kg COD/m³
- BIOTIM® Solids: for energy recovery from municipal sludge
- BIOTIM® Anaerobic Tower : the UASB for very small plots
- BIOTIM® Anaerobic MBR : the Waterleau biogas and clean water combo
Energy from sludge: BIOTIM® Solids
Our BIOTIM® Solids sludge digester provides biogas while significantly reducing sludge volume. In the BIOTIM® Solids sludge digester, sludge is digested under mesophilic conditions. The recovered methane needs treatment before fueling the combined heat and power generation units.
Biogas desulphurization: BIOTIM® Scrubber
Biogas desulphurization is necessary to increase life duration of combustion engines. The BIOTIM® Scrubber uses activated sludge from biological wastewater treatment as a washing medium, omitting chemicals reducing costs for both water and chemicals.
Want to recover energy form organic compounds in wastewater?
Frequently asked questions
Why is energy recovery from wastewater important?
Energy recovery from wastewater is pivotal for several reasons.
It represents a sustainable method to generate energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. This process not only contributes to energy self-sufficiency for wastewater treatment facilities but also aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.
By transforming waste into energy, facilities can mitigate operational costs and promote a circular economy where resources are reused and conserved. Energy recovery plays a crucial role in sustainable development, supporting industries in becoming more eco-friendly and resilient against energy scarcity.
How does wastewater become energy?
Wastewater is converted into biogas, a clean, renewable energy source, through an eco-friendly and efficient process. Our technology harnesses the power of anaerobic digestion, where microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, producing methane-rich biogas.
This biogas is then captured, purified, and converted into electricity, heat, or biomethane, offering a versatile energy solution for industries and municipalities. Embrace sustainability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and achieve energy self-sufficiency with our innovative wastewater-to-energy systems.
What are potential environmental impacts of energy recovery from wastewater?
While energy recovery from wastewater significantly benefits the environment by providing a renewable energy source and reducing emissions, potential impacts must be managed. These include the need for careful handling of residuals from the energy recovery process, which could harm local ecosystems if not treated or disposed of properly.
Technologies used in energy recovery, such as anaerobic digestion, must be closely monitored to prevent any unintentional release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Nevertheless, with appropriate management and technology, these impacts are minimal compared to the substantial environmental benefits.
Are energy recovery systems scalable?
Yes, energy recovery systems from wastewater are highly scalable. They can be adapted to serve facilities of varying sizes, from small community-based plants to large industrial operations.
The scalability allows for the customization of energy recovery solutions to fit specific needs and capacities, making it a viable option for diverse sectors including breweries, dairy, and textile industries.
This flexibility is crucial for broad adoption, enabling entities of all sizes to contribute to sustainability efforts and reduce their carbon footprint.
What are the Advantages of Using Biogas as an Energy Source?
Biogas, derived from wastewater treatment processes, offers several advantages as an energy source. It is renewable, reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources and helping mitigate climate change.
Biogas production from wastewater treatment also contributes to waste reduction and the promotion of a circular economy. Furthermore, using biogas can lead to significant cost savings for industries and municipalities by providing a self-sustained energy supply, improving energy security, and reducing operational costs associated with waste disposal.
How to recover energy from organic pollution and sludge
We transform the challenge of wastewater into an opportunity for
sustainable energy creation. Our state-of-the-art energy recovery
solutions harness the untapped potential of organic pollution and
sludge, converting them into valuable biogas. This innovative approach
not only supports the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions
and dependence on fossil fuels but also offers a cost-effective way to
power your operations.
For which purposes can recovered energy be used?
Recovered energy from wastewater can be used for various purposes, enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of operations across sectors. It can power the operations of wastewater treatment plants, reducing their energy costs and reliance on the grid.
Additionally, the energy can be utilized for heating and cooling purposes within industrial processes or in nearby buildings, contributing to the reduction of overall energy consumption.
Recovered energy can also be converted into electricity or upgraded to biomethane, a renewable natural gas, offering a versatile energy source for industries, municipalities, and residential areas.
Waterleau's energy recovery facilities and cases
A capex-free upgrade for Martens Brewery
A new treatment strategy materialized in an out-of-the-box approach and a long-term partnership.
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
Find your local contact
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Contact us today. We are looking forward to help you reach your sustainable development goals.
