Technologies: Anaerobic Digestion (AD)

Wehrle’s BIODIGAT® process is an advanced anaerobic digestion system comprising a high-rate bioreactor based on the ‘expanded granular sludge bed’ (EGSB) principle. The bioreactor is distinguished by its patented 3-phase system which separates the treated water and the biogas very efficiently from the granular sludge ‘pellets.’ This provides stable performance and a very small footprint due to low hydraulic retention.   

BIODIGAT® Anaerobic Digestion Plant

The BIODIGAT® process provides a superior approach for the treatment of different industrial effluents with higher concentrations of organic substances. This proven anaerobic technology provides long-term economic efficiency and sustainability. In addition to low operating costs and minimal sludge production, the system delivers an energy profit from the biogas which can be supplied to a boiler or utilised on-site for electrical power generation.

Wastewater is typically pre-treated using dissolved air flotation (DAF) technology prior to entering the anaerobic digester. Typically, a BIODIGAT® plant designed for a capacity of 1000 m³/d with a wastewater COD of 5,000 kg/d post-DAF treatment, would produce approximately 2,000 m³ of biogas per day with a potential energy content of up to 14,000 kWh.

Anaerobic digestion systems can be combined with Wehrle’s advanced membrane bioreactor (MBR) process for further ‘polishing’ of the wastewater to provide direct river discharge as required. The potential for water re-use using MBR permeate is then possible and further treatment by reverse osmosis (RO) or activated carbon absorption can be incorporated into process solutions to meet water specifications for alternative uses on site.

Please Contact Us for further information on this technology.