04 Dec MBR wastewater technology exceeds expectations.
We’ve been busy at Stewart & Cavalier Ltd navigating the findings from a trial I blogged about back in March. Following on from our visit to Kandos in mid-western NSW, Australia where we were invited to see a MBR (membrane bio-reactor) treatment package being trialed, we are delighted to report exceedingly positive findings.
Global population growth shows no signs of slowing down with New Zealand being no exception, so wastewater considerations and innovations must evolve rapidly to fit this need. The current trend of considering environmental impact within the service sector generally has meant, as an industry, we need to look to economically viable high quality solutions that will take us into the future.
Kandos currently use a traditional Trickling Filter sewerage treatment process used to remove organic matter from wastewater.
Whilst this method worked well for its time and still would had demand remained constant, cracks were beginning to appear in the form of unpleasant smells due to high levels of methane and sulphides, pH levels above the license limit due to algal growth in the maturation ponds, etc. This almost 50 year old treatment site was in need of some serious regeneration. It was time to consider a new option.
Just how good is this Membrane Bio-Reactor as a modern day wastewater solution? Let’s firstly deconstruct the MBR and explain what it actually is. It is a wastewater treatment process containing membrane filtration with biological activated sludge treatment. Not hugely popular down under just yet, however this technology has been hailed as a future-proofed solution worldwide for the last 10 years.
As far as sewage treatment goes, the MBR is cutting edge to say the least, transforming sewage to clear, high quality water. It’s environmentally sound with a small carbon footprint.
The results of the trial at the Kandos plant have demonstrated the MBR process produces effluent quality that meets and exceeds current EPA standards for release to sensitive waters.
In a nutshell, here are a few numbers:
- Excellent conversion of ammonia to nitrates with an average residual NH4 of 0.02 mg/l
- A 69% reduction in phosphorous without chemical dosing (environmental tick)
- pH levels reduced from 9.13 to below the limit of 8.5
Overall, an excellent quality of effluent was achieved. Stewart & Cavalier are excited to offer this solution as official engineering partner for Mena Water NZ.
To get with the future in wastewater, visit the Mena Water New Zealand website or contact our Sales Engineer, Ross Burrell on +64 27 533 4966.
