Moving Closer to Energy Independence in Water Reclamation

Abstract

Aerobic biological treatment processes are large consumers of electrical power in conventional water reclamation systems. Moving to an alternative approach that excludes aerobic biological treatment and focuses on anaerobic digestion produces about 35% more biogas. Eliminating the energy intensive aerobic treatment step in a water reclamation system and simultaneously producing more biogas, brings the system closer to energy independence. Results from previous pilot testing and modeling suggest that up to 65% of the plant energy needs could be met by an alternative water reclamation treatment train that includes microfiltration (MF) and reverse osmosis (RO) and excludes aerobic biological treatment.