By Paul Lavender, HaskoningDHV UK Ltd
To address this knowledge gap Haskoning and Newcastle University have developed a research programme to overcome the challenges to understand the impact of TF processes on emissions. This programme will use the BE:WISe Wastewater Research Centre which was jointly developed by Newcastle University and Northumbrian Water and is located at Birtley WwTW’s. The BEWISe centre was funded by EPSRC to be able to trial treatment technologies at scale, with feed from the main WwTW’s under controlled conditions.
This project is jointly supported by six water companies (Northumbrian Water, Scottish Water, United Utilities, Dwr Cymru, Southern Water and Yorkshire Water) as well as the National Biofilms Institute. The project delivery team comprises a consortium of leading academic specialists and consultants from Cranfield University, Mott MacDonald, Jacobs, and Farmiloe Fisher.
The trial will involve running two TF units in parallel as “control” and “test” filters, allowing the impact of specific conditional and process changes to be observed in one filter against the control. The filters have been specifically designed to allow the airflow to be controlled and quantified, enabling accurate emissions measurement.
A testing programme has been developed which will allow the impacts of loading rate, recirculation rate, airflow, temperature and wetting rate, over time, to be observed as well as monitoring how short-term changes can affect the emissions profiles. The filters are designed to allow samples to be taken through the filter to also support fundamental research on the microbial communities. The project will initially deliver a 12-month programme of testing with the opportunity for future work to focus on opportunities for mitigation that may be identified.
By conducting these controlled trials within an existing facility, the project will increase accuracy, reduce costs, and accelerate knowledge and value from the data.
Reporting timelines are designed to feed into AMP8 decision making, enabling the industry to understand how to account for, optimise, and mitigate emissions from TF plants.
The trials are being aligned with other research in the UK and internationally to allow the consortium partners to embed the findings into their clients’ net zero strategy.
The programme also allows for academic partners to apply for additional funding from bodies like the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
Emerging technologies for aqueous and gaseous phase measurements (including laser measurement of N2O) will play a key role in future monitoring and this project offers an opportunity for equipment vendors to demonstrate new technology on the live plant.
Join our trial to reduce UK trickling filter process emissions
The project remains open for other UK or international water utilities to participate. Contact bewise@ncl.ac.uk.
