ALMAWATECH has expanded and successfully commissioned the existing anaerobic wastewater treatment plant for an international bioethanol producer. The aim of the project was to utilize the vapour condensates and mixed wastewater from the production process to generate energy and produce high-quality biogas.

Project data and design

As part of the expansion, a customized ALMA BHU EGSB reactor (Expanded Granular Sludge Bed) was installed, which is designed for a load of 10,000 kg COD per day.

  • Construction: Stainless steel, welded, project-specific design

  • Volume: 680 m³

  • Height / diameter: 24 m / 6 m

  • Construction: Two-tier design with spiral staircase

  • Equipment: Integrated recirculation and distribution system

Technological features

A key feature of our reactor is the innovative 3-phase separator in combination with a round gas collection system in the reactor head.

This design makes the use of an expansion tank superfluous. As a result, operation is particularly robust, clog-free and free from foaming.

The result: Stable process conditions combined with a high biogas yield.

Added value for the customer

With the new anaerobic stage, the bioethanol producer can:

  • Reliably treat production wastewater (vapor condensates, mixed wastewater),

  • break down high organic loads of 10,000 kg COD/day,

  • Using biogas as a renewable energy source,

  • Reduce operating costs and increase sustainability.

Successful commissioning

The plant was commissioned on schedule by our project team. The reliable biogas production and high degradation performance were already evident in the first few weeks. Thanks to the project-specific design and innovative construction features, the expansion is a complete success for the operator - both technically and economically.

Conclusion

With the new ALMA BHU EGSB reactor ALMAWATECH has once again demonstrated how customized anaerobic reactors can make a decisive contribution to sustainability and energy efficiency in bioethanol production.

We would like to thank our customer for their trust and look forward to further successful projects in industrial wastewater treatment.

EGSB reactor for the production of biogas from wastewater

Photo: Our ALMA BHU EGSB reactor