Weltec Biopower upgrades municipal wastewater treatment plant in Bavaria

Technical operator SüdWasser GmbH, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany, has commissioned the biogas plant manufacturer Weltec Biopower, Vechta, Germany, as the general contractor for the setup of an anaerobic digestion unit and the use of sewage gas to generate energy in a combined heat and power (CHP) plant for the existing wastewater treatment plant in Burgebrach, Bavaria, Germany, which serves a population equivalent of 13,000. In addition to the aerobic treatment stage, the organic material will be subjected to anaerobic treatment starting from April.
 

To ensure optimum treatment of the daily influx of 16 m³ of raw sludge with a dry matter content of 4 to 4.5 percent, a specially designed V4A stainless-steel digester has been installed. In it, a diagonally installed long-axis agitator will mix the sludge in order to gently carefully promote the microbiological transformation to methane. With its 420m3 capacity and a flexible gas storage roof with up to 68m3 storage volume, the bioreactor is large enough to run the CHP plant with its electrical output of 28kW and thermal output of 58kW without any interruptions. The generated power will be used directly at the facilities, and the heat will be employed both for speeding up the digestion process and for use at the sewage treatment plant site.
 

Apart from the energy generation and the sludge stabilization, the minimization of odor emission was another decisive factor in favor of the Weltec anaerobic stage. Prior to the upgrade, this problem occurred constantly in Burgebrach.
 

The plant upgrade also delivers financial advantages: The benefits and the bonus under the German Combined Heat and Power Act (KWKG) will result in a yearly cost advantage in the medium five-digit range. Weltec Biopower will provide further information on the anaerobic stage at the IFAT in Munich (Hall: B3, Booth: 205) from May 30 to June 3.
 

After a biogas plant goes live, Weltec Biopower offers additional support through its mechanical and biological service team. 24/7 availability and an in-house lab contribute significantly to the efficiency of the plant. In addition, since 2008 the company has ensured certified internal quality and environmental management in accordance with the ISO 9001 and 14001 standards.