Results from pilot plants installed at operational sites managed by Severn Trent Water and Aqualia have demonstrated HYBACS’ effectiveness in removing ammonia, nitrogen and phosphorus to levels which comply with the general requirements of the EU’s Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.
Severn Trent Water’s sewage treatment works in Coleshill, near Birmingham, UK, treats municipal wastewater containing discharges from a light industry park. Over a ten week period from June to August 2009, the HYBACS plant removed more than 97% of ammonia and over 70% of TN (Total Nitrogen), with TN removal levels in the final week peaking at an average of 93%. Similarly, the Aqualia plant has demonstrated over 90% removal of TP (Total Phosphorous) over recent weeks.
Mark Jones, Waste Water Strategy R&D manager for Severn Trent Water said: “UK water companies have to seek new ways of reducing costs while continuing to invest in infrastructure and improve treatment performance. However, as treatment improvements using conventional technologies often require greater space and energy, companies such as ours have a substantial interest in seeking out and deploying innovative solutions. Bluewater Bio’s HYBACS process is such an innovative solution with significant potential as demonstrated at the pilot scale at one of our operational sites. We are exploring the next steps with Bluewater Bio to evaluate the potential application of the technology at full-scale at a suitable site.”
In addition to power savings, the HYBACS process offers CAPEX reductions of up to 30% and a land area footprint reduction of up to 40% compared with conventional treatment technologies. HYBACS eliminates the need for water companies to construct large additional tanks of the type needed to upgrade conventional treatment plants to deliver nutrient removal performance. HYBACS can also be used to upgrade the general treatment capacity of conventional plants.
Frank Rogalla, director of Innovation & Technology at Aqualia, said: “At Aqualia, we are challenged by the delay in implementing the EU WWTD in Spain, amplified by the water scarcity in much of the country. HYBACS looks attractive as a cost effective upgrade that leads to reuse water quality and a key tool to meet the new requirements while taking advantage of existing infrastructure. We are excited to work with Bluewater Bio who have an impressive commitment to their technology and are looking forward to the next step beyond our pilot experience.”