Industrial wastewater treatment

Emefcy’s EBR for industrial wastewater treatment is based on three components new to biological wastewater treatment: - Anodes (in anaerobic conditions): Where the bacterial oxidation of the organic matter occurs - Cathodes (which are exposed to air): Where the corresponding reduction reaction takes place - An electrical circuit that includes the external load connecting the anodes to the cathodes. A biofilm naturally develops on the anode oxidizing the organic matter into carbon dioxide. Protons migrate through the water and electrons travel through the electric circuit towards the cathode. The reaction on the cathode is due to a reduction of atmospheric oxygen in the presence of protons to water. As a result organic matter is oxidized and an electric current is produced rather than energy being consumed during the process. Emefcy’s SABRE saves significant energy by eliminating the need to blow compressed air through the wastewater for aeration. The reactor is based on breathable membranes rolled in a spiral in which wastewater flows in constant contact with oxygen. Oxygen diffuses through the breathable membrane into the wastewater. On the water side of the membrane an aerobic biofilm develops. Deeper inside the water an anoxic biofilm develops. The heterogenic microbial population enables the concurrent removal of organic matter and nitrogen. Nitrification by autotrophic bacteria in the layer attached to the membrane wall and de-nitrification by heterotrophic bacteria on the anoxic layer occur simultaneously.