Sulzer’s wastewater treatment specialists developed a customized solution to mix the sludge, a key part of the process, helping the plant, to increase biogas production by 20-30%. One of the first of its kind, the utility that serves around 90’000 people is now on track to achieve energy neutrality by 2030.

The Rivierenland Water Authority in the Netherlands is investing in new infrastructure to improve the performance of its wastewater treatment systems while also reducing its impact on the environment. The Energie Fabriek West (Energy Factory West) project in Sleeuwijk consolidates three wastewater treatment facilities into one and includes new technology to produce biogas from sludge to supply a power generation unit. With this, it plans to become energy neutral by 2030.

The plant’s process relies on a highly complex flow-control system, pumping the sludge between different compartments and mixing it to prepare it for maximum biogas production. Sulzer’s wastewater treatment specialists developed a customized approach to mix and prepare the sludge, allowing it to be broken down more efficiently to produce increased amounts of biogas. The company supplied a range of pumps, agitators, turbocompressors, diffusers and a flow booster, all with the highest levels of efficiency to help the plant reach its goal of energy neutrality.