We are proud to join Anglian Water Services and an extensive team of partnering companies and academia on the current Triple Carbon Reduction initiative, part of Ofwat's Water Breakthrough Challenge.
The Triple Carbon Reduction project aims to showcase an integrated solution addressing three potential carbon benefits, aligned with the objectives of the whole water industry to achieve Net Zero by 2030:
OxyMem is not like other solutions. OxyMem MABR is a fixed-film technology that doesn't use conventional aeration to move, treat and discharge water.
OxyMem™ MABR can help us meet Net Zero emission targets in wastewater treatment thanks to exceptional oxygen transfer efficiency. The process works on the same principle as human lungs, with oxygen being transferred via a concentration gradient. In humans oxygen flows easily into our airways and reaches a point where the magic happens; oxygen diffuses on a molecular level, from high concentration held within the lungs, to our bloodstream and metabolising cells throughout the body where oxygen levels are lower. In the OxyMem™MABR process, oxygen flows easily to the internal surface of tiny hollow fibre membranes. From here oxygen readily diffuses across the membrane wall to an active biofilm layer on the outside surface, which is constantly depleting oxygen as it breaks down wastewater pollutants. Oxygen moves from high concentration to low concentration 24/7.
As diffusion occurs at the membrane wall, direct to an attached growth biofilm layer (bacteria), bubbles are not required within an MABR system. This means the excessive energy typically consumed to generate bubbles within conventional aeration systems, to force air under water (~ 5-10m) and then through thousands of perforations (<1.5mm), can be saved.
The results are considerable OPEX saving over other upgrade solutions for the life of the plant.
This Packaged OxyMem™ MABR solution comprises two parallel steel tanks, each equipped with three OxyFilm MABR modules. The dedicated process blower supplies air to both tanks. The design incorporates a unique feature: one tank utilises air to the MABR, while the other boasts the capability to augment the oxygen concentration in conjunction with electrolyser.
Vent gas from the MABR undergoes rigorous testing for oxygen and nitrous oxide concentrations. To facilitate seamless control and monitoring, a control kiosk houses the local control panel and all quality analysers. The installed Packaged OxyMem™ MABR plant is showcasing the impact of MABR technology on energy consumption and greenhouse gas reduction. This installation marks a significant milestone as the first commercially available packaged MABR with the purpose of triple carbon reduction in the United Kingdom.
Once the system is running, OxyMem™ MABR will be assessed as to low energy requirements, reducing nitrous oxide emissions, pollutant reduction, usage with oxygen enriched air (working alongside hydrogen plant where oxygen is by-product). One bank of modules will be run with ambient, atmospheric air while the another is run with oxygen enriched air (as shown below in the process flow diagram).
The project will focus on a few potential key benefits for the water sector. Hydrogen generation through electrolysis will provide a source of energy, where the oxygen produced from generating hydrogen may be utilised in an MABR system to target increased efficiency and reduction in nitrous oxide process emissions.
– Giulia Pizzagalli, Innovation Projects Manager, Anglian Water Services
The project will focus on a few potential key benefits for the water sector. Hydrogen generation through electrolysis will provide a source of energy, where the oxygen produced from generating hydrogen may be utilised in an MABR system to target increased efficiency and reduction in nitrous oxide process emissions.
– Giulia Pizzagalli, Innovation Projects Manager, Anglian Water Services
Full scale commercial MABR units were provided within two package plants.
Project Timeframe
Treated effluent can to be used to make hydrogen, which acts as a greener source of energy for the sector (vehicle fleets etc). In making hydrogen, oxygen is also produced as a byproduct and this oxygen may be sent back to the upstream water treatment stage for efficient use within an MABR system.
Owners and operators of treatment plants face multiple challenges, and that not all plants are the same; they therefore may not all be upgraded in the same way. For example, some facilities may be space limited, others not, some may have existing tanks that can be utilized or repurposed, and some may benefit from a side stream process or a dedicated upfront high load pre-treatment phase to ease pressure on a downstream legacy process. This being the case, OxyMem™ engineers gather the necessary information and tailor MABR solutions to meet specific clients' needs.
Yes, OxyMem™ MABR is just a wastewater treatment technology, but it’s from this century and is forging a new standard in terms of best engineering practice. It is a fixed-film technology that does not use conventional bubble-aeration to move, treat and discharge water.
Are you ready to talk about process NET ZERO emissions and reducing power consumption at your wastewater treatment plant?