Anaerobic Treatment
The principle of anaerobic treatment is the utilization of anaerobic bacteria (biomass) to convert organic pollutants or COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) into biogas in an oxygen free environment.
Anaerobic micro-organisms (specific to oxygen-free conditions) are selected for their ability to degrade organic matter present in industrial effluents. More precisely, organic pollutants are converted into biogas (methane + carbon dioxide) and a small amount of biosolids.
The energy-rich biogas can then be used in the plant process (for boiler-feed and in generators) to produce "green" electricity and heat.
A proven, energy-efficient method to treat industrial wastewater
Anaerobic treatment presents several advantages over aerobic alternatives:
- Low energy use
- Small reactor surface area
- Lower chemical usage
- Reduced sludge handling costs
It is possible for an anaerobic plant to be energy neutral or even an energy producer.
Veolia's expertise in anaerobic treatment
Through its Biothane line of processes, Veolia offers various anaerobic systems adapted to the characteristics of the wastewater to treat. Each system is especially designed to achieve the highest efficiency possible.
Applied Biothane anaerobic technologies include:
Biothane UASB Plant
- Biothane UASB
The Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket technology is a proven and reliable process. It is a maintenance-free, corrosion-free and rugged process with a straightforward design
- Biobed® EGSB
The Expanded Granular Sludge Bed is an extremely compact, high performance anaerobic treatment process for industrial effluents using granular sludge
Biobulk CSTR Plant
- Biobed® Advanced
Reactor combining the excellent performance of the UASB reactor with the cost effectiveness of an EGSB system
- Memthane® Anaerobic MBR
Treatment of high-strength waste streams, maximizing COD and TSS removal and eliminating disposal costs while generating methane-rich biogas
- Biobulk CSTR
Completely Stirred Tank Reactor for treatment of wastewaters that contain high concentrations of non-dissolved substances and fats
Biothane SEAD® Plant
- SEAD®
Shear Enhanced Anaerobic Digestion is a high-rate, completely-mixed anaerobic digestion process for digestion of sludge and biodegradable solid
- Upthane™
Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) treatment system specifically designed for the treatment of low-strength wastewater like municipal sewage
With its Biothane Biogas Scrubbers, Veolia also provides complementary solutions to clean the produced biogas. By making it safe to work with, it can serve as a source of renewable energy that can be utilized in the production process.
Biothane® Anaerobic Treatment Brochure
Case Study
Carbon Footprint Technology Comparison
BIOBED® EGSB vs. Activated Sludge
A beverage producer wanted to eliminate one of their highly energy intensive waste processing steps, which would result in an increase in the COD load of the wastewater.