Production of nitrogen-rich fertilizers by membrane stripping

Production of nitrogen-rich fertilizers starting from WWTP anaerobic sludge by membrane stripping
Digestion sludge contains an important amount of nitrogen. The so-called centrate (the liquid part of these sludges, after centrifugation), is normally conveyed back to the inlet of the WWTP. A new process developed by Alpha Wassertechnik (https://www.alphawt.ch) and Membratec allows the extraction of a large part of this nitrogen to be exploited as a mineral fertilizer. This technology is based on a membrane process that allows the dissolved gaseous components to be separated from their liquid. 85% of the nitrogen contained in the centrate is thus concentrated as a fertilizer in the form of ammonium sulphate, at a concentration of 80 gN / l. 

This process has the following benefits for WWTPs: 

  • Valorisation of nitrogen waste as fertilizer. 
  • Reduction of the ammonium load in the wastewater treatment: 
    • Reduction in the use of oxygen in the biological treatment step;
    • Reduction of the ammonium load in the treated waste water; 
    • Reduction of the N2O production (the main greenhouse gas produced by WWTPs), with the possibility of accessing Klik subsidies.
  • Limited space requirement and modularity of the process (unlike stripping towers). 

For further information: https://www.aquaetgas.ch/fr/eau/eaux-us%C3%A9es/ag2018-01_fa_p%C3%BCrro/


Membratec SA
Ecoparc de Daval C 1
CH - 3960 Sierre
Switzerland

Tél.+41 (0)27 456 86 30

Cookie policy

By continuing to browse this site, you agree to the use of cookies to improve your user experience and for the generation of visit statistics.

You can customise the use of cookies using the buttons below.

Accept all Reject all My preferences