Wastewater coming from breweries is biologically and chemically heavily contaminated, the most important parameters being the biochemical oxygen requirement and sulfides that, when inadequately areated, can lead to olfactory problems (hydrogen sulfide). The federal government’s central wastewater processing agency stipulates strict maximum permissible values for the direct discharge of a brewery’s wastewater. Indirect discharge facilities are subject of different permissible values, varying partly depending on the specific communities. In any case, compliance with the permissible values is highly relevant for wastewater treatment plant operators in the vicinity of a brewery. Many restrictions are to be observed with regard to treating a brewery’s wastewater. It has a high concentration of easily degradable organic compounds (BSB5), disinfectants are being used and the pH value is very fluctuant, as acidic and alkaline cleaning agents are alternated during the CIP (Cleaning In Place) processes. The occurring loads of harmful substances are diluted in the mixing and equalization tanks and leveled out with regard to the pH value. The water level in the compensating tanks fluctuates greatly and wastewater from a brewery tends to develop odors due to its high temperature (> 35 °C) and easily degradable components. Detergents (surfactants) from the CIP processes are often the reason for a reduced and insufficient oxygen transfer to the wastewater as a result of very low oxygen transfer factors (alpha values). These alpha values very much depend on the choice of aeration system that is applied. Additionally, wastewater from a brewery often contains diatomaceous earth, which is carried over from the filtration process and is very fine-grained and highly abrasive... Read more: www.invent-uv.com/blog/2017/07/31/wastewater-treatment-in-breweries/

German Industrial Park equipped with three INVENT HYPERDIVE®-Mixers In order to optimally treat the industrial wastewater of the Weinheim Industrial Park in Germany, INVENT’s mixers and experience were used. Three HYPERDIVE®-Mixers were able to be installed and put into operation. Approximately 50 companies have settled in the Weinheim Industrial Park near Mannheim, Germany, in an area of more than 800,000 m². Nearly 6,500 employees go in and out every day. Of course, wastewater is also produced in a corresponding scale, which is biologically treated in the mixing and equalization basin belonging to the park. For treatment, it is necessary to swirl up sludge near the bottom of the basin and move it into a flow. To accomplish this, the HYPERDIVE®-Mixers from INVENT were chosen. These are submersible drive mixer systems that can be very easily integrated into already filled systems and do not require any bridge construction. Functionality of the HYPERDIVE®-Mixer The HYPERDIVE®-Mixer is a vertical mixer with a hyperboloid mixer body installed close to the ground and a submerged drive in a cage design. Due to its hyperboloid shape, it generates a strong radial bottom flow and thus keeps particles in suspension. It also ensures complete mixing of the feed flows. It is therefore the optimum mixer for all suspending and homogenization tasks required for water and wastewater treatment, especially in very deep basins. The tripod base is made of solid coated steel, making it sufficiently heavy to hold the HYPERDIVE®-Mixer firmly in place during operation and at rest. It holds the submersible drive and leads the electric cable past the mixer body. A stainless steel lifting cable is attached to the top of the frame and allows the entire unit to be easily lifted in and out.... Read more: https://invent-uv.com/blog/2023/09/27/wastewater-treatment-in-industrial-park/

On the outskirts of Zwanenburg, Mobilis—together with Croonwolter&dros, RWB Water and other partners within the Water Treatment Alliance (WZA)—completed the renovation and expansion of the Zwanenburg wastewater treatment plant. The project is part of the integrated AWS programme of the Rijnland Water Authority, aimed at making the regional wastewater system future-proof. The main challenge was to carry out construction while keeping the treatment plant fully operational. Through a phased construction approach, existing installations remained safely in service while new components were added. Concrete structures, civil works and mechanical installations were carefully coordinated to ensure seamless integration. The plant was expanded to handle additional capacity from two new pumping stations. Mobilis delivered, among other works, an expansion of the aeration and settling processes, new sludge-line components, durable civil structures, and integration with the electrical and control systems by Croonwolter&dros. Close collaboration within the design-and-build team enabled fast decision-making and continuous technical optimisation. Sustainability was a key focus in both design and execution. The upgraded facility achieves approximately 15% energy savings and is prepared for future sludge processing at Haarlem-Waarderpolder, where sludge will be converted into biogas. According to Division Director Remco Lensen, the Zwanenburg project demonstrates what Mobilis stands for: technical craftsmanship, innovation and building with impact. The upgraded treatment plant provides a robust, future-ready foundation for the entire region.

Water 4.0 is no longer science fiction, but an established reality. It stands for wastewater treatment with real-time station monitoring, predictive maintenance and demand-driven system optimisation. These benefits in turn bring greater efficiency, lower costs and significantly easier handling. The utility company in Bietigheim-Bissingen (D) is a great example of how this works in practice. Bietigheim-Bissingen is a large district town in Baden-Württemberg. The wastewater treatment plant is designed to serve around 140,000 inhabitants, has several settling tanks and distributes the air required for biological wastewater treatment to the tanks via control valves. Originally, three turbo blowers were installed. However, the operator was looking for a solution that would increase the efficiency of the plant, not only by using new aerators, but also a smarter aeration control system and easier-to-operate compressed air equipment. The previous subsystems had to be made more intelligent and communicative in order to provide predictive compressed air supply based on collected data. Strictly speaking, the concept of using intelligent data within the framework of Industry 4.0 and Water 4.0 is not new. Implementation of digital technology in machines has been standard practice for some time and machine control systems equipped with sensors form the basis for the intentions behind Water 4.0. However, it is the latest generation of much more powerful communication networks, databases and computers - together with the development of smart controllers - that have finally made the full realization of the concept possible.

Slaughterhouse De Coster (Danis Pork Masters) in West Flanders had an existing water softener that no longer met the sustainability and efficiency requirements of the modern food industry. The company wanted to upgrade the installation to increase capacity while significantly reducing salt and water consumption during regenerations.

During the second installment of our webinar series, we’re diving into electrodialysis. Electrodialysis (ED) is rapidly gaining attention as a flexible, electrically driven separation technology for desalination, resource recovery and process intensification. Yet for many engineers and R&D professionals, electrodialysis still feels like a “black box”. In this entry-level webinar, dr. Harm Wiegerinck, electrodialysis specialist at EMI Twente BV, will give insights into the basics of electrodialysis and connect them directly to research that’s going on in industry. What you’ll learn: • Basic driving forces of electrodialysis • Where electrodialysis fits compared to pressure-driven membrane processes • Membrane types in electrodialysis • Overview of common polymers used in ion-exchange membranes and why material choice matters for performance and durability • Basic electrodialysis stack architecture • Industrial case study highlights This webinar is ideal for: • Process engineers, R&D scientists and technologists in industry • Professionals who already know the basics of membrane technology and want to understand what electrodialysis can add to their toolbox • Anyone exploring ED for desalination, concentration, selective ion removal or resource recovery Practical details Date: 31 March 2026 Time: 14:00–15:30 CET Location: Online Registration: Participation is free, but registration is required. Sign up via this link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/d35a1304-a7e1-4140-a476-693e33f4918b@b29525e8-8d7c-4308-92dc-b8056b109e9c

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires that the quality of surface water and groundwater in Europe must meet defined standards by 2027 at the latest. For the Dutch manufacturing industry, this means a significant tightening of wastewater discharge standards, including limits on heavy metals and other contaminants. In practice, we see that many manufacturing companies are still insufficiently prepared. Production is running, and a wastewater treatment system is often already in place, but in many cases it proves inadequate to meet the requirements that will be actively enforced from 2027 onwards. From Consultation to Enforcement Until now, the focus has been on consultation and transition periods. From January 2027, enforcement will begin. Companies that do not comply with the tightened discharge standards face the risk of: -Violations of discharge permits, -Penalty payments or production shutdowns, -Costly modifications under time pressure. Wastewater containing heavy metals, process chemicals, or fluctuating pollution loads in particular can become a critical bottleneck. Chemical-Free Treatment At our workshop in Borne, we develop solutions that meet the WFD requirements for 2027. One example is the Morselt REDBOX, based on electrocoagulation. In this process, contaminants are removed using electricity instead of chemicals. This results in a process that: -Is safer for employees, -Remains stable and robust under fluctuating loads, -Reduces costs through lower chemical consumption, -Is future-proof in terms of legislation and regulations. WFD 2027 Quick Check To give Dutch companies quick insight, we have developed a WFD 2027 Quick Check. In just a few minutes, you can see: -Whether your installation meets upcoming requirements, -Where potential risks lie, -And whether additional measures are required. Would you like to know whether your company is WFD-ready for 2027? Feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to send you the Quick Check.

What is chlorine gas and how toxic is it? Chlorine gas, also called dichlor, is a yellow-green gas with a strong, pungent odor. It is heavier than air and therefore spreads quickly along the ground. Even at low concentrations, chlorine gas can be harmful: it irritates the eyes, nose, and throat and can cause shortness of breath or coughing fits. When inhaled, chlorine gas damages the respiratory tract and can lead to serious lung diseases or suffocation. At higher concentrations, it is even life-threatening. Where is chlorine gas used? Despite its dangers, chlorine gas plays an important role in various sectors. Chlorine gas (dichlor, Cl₂) is widely used in various industries, primarily due to its strong oxidizing, disinfecting, and reactive properties. It is frequently used in the chemical industry, including in the production of solvents. Chlorine gas is also found in water treatment plants and swimming pools because it effectively kills bacteria and other microorganisms. Risks and safety in practice Because chlorine gas can cause serious health problems even in small quantities, safety is crucial. Leaks or uncontrolled releases can spread the gas rapidly. Companies working with chlorine gas are therefore legally required to implement measures such as ventilation, protective clothing, and, above all, reliable gas detection systems. These systems immediately detect when limit values ​​are exceeded. Detection and protection with Notra At Notra, we understand the importance of taking the risks of toxic gases like chlorine seriously. We supply gas detectors for chlorine gas (dichlorine) from leading brands. For example, we offer portable detectors from Industrial Scientific, ideal for personal protection. For continuous monitoring of spaces or installations, we supply stationary gas detection systems from Kimessa, which immediately sound the alarm when limit values ​​are exceeded.

In their 150-year history, the Wilo Group has developed from a local copper and bronze factory in Dortmund into one of the world's leading producers of pumps and pump systems for building services, water management and industry. Over the decades, the company transformed from hidden to visible and then to the 'connected' market leader. Wilo currently has 8,000 employees worldwide. With innovative solutions, intelligent products and individual services, Wilo moves water in a smart, efficient and climate-friendly way. With its products, solutions, processes and business models, Wilo stands as a digital pioneer within the industry. For the anniversary year 2022, the milestones in history have been gathered in an interactive timeline on platform wilo1872. All partners and employees can be proud of the passed beautiful 150 years. Wilo is looking forward to continuing the success story together.

The Wilo Group has once again been honored with the German Brand Award. At the awards ceremony in Berlin, the technology group received the prestigious award in the "Brand Communication - Fairs & Exhibitions" category for its factory tours at Wilopark in Dortmund. The multinational also won for its 2021 Annual Report, where it won the award in the "Brand Communication - Storytelling & Content Marketing" category. During the factory tours, guides lead groups of visitors on a skywalk through the 55,000-square-meter factory. Participants discover the Smart Factory in an interactive and multimedia way. A tour app, augmented reality apps, and live production data support the tour. Last year alone, Wilo welcomed around 3,000 tour guests to its ultra-modern production site. "The tours give our visitors an impressive sense of Wilo's special innovative spirit, says Oliver Hermes, President & CEO of the Wilo Group. "We are proud that this extraordinary brand experience has been recognized with the German Brand Award." The same applies to the annual report, Oliver Hermes continues. “We don't just publish key figures in it. We make relevant corporate strategy topics understandable and visible on the public agenda.” The German Brand Award is considered the most important brand award in Germany. It has been presented since 2016. Wilo has won it several times. Last year, for example, the group received the award for the Wilo-World digital application landscape. “Our claim, Pioneering for You, perfectly summarizes our ambition: to innovate and develop technological solutions that improve people's lives in the long term. The awards are proof that the Wilo brand is faithfully fulfilling this promise,” says Dr. Patrick Niehr, Member of the Executive Board and CCO of the Wilo Group.

This year, Wilo has been selected, along with 49 other international companies, to participate in the global initiative for sustainability and climate protection: 50 Sustainability & Climate Leaders. The participating companies are working towards the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. "We are proud and excited to be part of this initiative. The Wilo Group is committed to achieving better living conditions worldwide and improving the efficiency of water management systems in the face of climate change," said Oliver Hermes, President and CEO of the Wilo Group. Wilo is committed to climate protection; sustainability is therefore an integral part of the Wilo Group's corporate strategy. By 2025, for example, 100 million people are expected to have improved access to clean water. "Our products, systems, and solutions contribute to providing people around the world with water in an intelligent, efficient, and climate-friendly way, explained Oliver Hermes. Furthermore, pumps account for approximately ten percent of global energy consumption. Simply replacing outdated technology with high-efficiency Wilo pumps can save up to 246 terawatt-hours of electrical energy. This is comparable to the output of as many as 80 coal-fired power plants. Actively pursuing corporate responsibility. As part of the 50 Sustainability & Climate Leaders initiative, the participating companies are making a significant contribution to the debate on current topics such as environmental and climate protection and social justice. At the same time, they are presenting the results of their own sustainability initiatives digitally in short documentaries. "We are taking a clear stand on issues such as climate protection, energy efficiency, and digital transformation. Together with our partners, we are working within a global network on future-oriented, climate-friendly solutions."

These pumps efficiently and reliably return wastewater from the nitrification tank back to the denitrification tank. The product families are ideally suited for variable-speed operation with a frequency inverter. The propeller is made from solid material and features a clog-free propeller geometry. The flow housing is designed to prevent clogging and includes a guide claw and two flange claws. The Wilo-Flumen EXCEL-RZPE (with an energy-efficient IE3 motor) enables high levels of efficiency. The standard versions can be installed and removed easily without screws. In addition, they can be adapted to existing installations. Both series can also be equipped with the Wilo-EFC frequency inverter. The frequency inverter ensures operational and process reliability, even under changing operating conditions. Want to learn more about the Wilo-Flumen EXCEL-RZPE and Wilo-Flumen OPTI-RZP? Are you interested in more details about the product specifications or the different models of the Wilo-Flumen EXCEL-RZPE and Wilo-Flumen OPTI-RZP? Click below to view the series features of these pumps. Would you prefer advice on purchasing one of these pumps? Feel free to contact us.

Within the WBL Multidisciplinary Projects framework agreement, the CWD-RWB combination is currently working on the Sludge Dewatering WWTP Venlo project. CroonWolter en Dros is responsible for the E and PA, RWB for the WTB part and GMB is affiliated for the civil work. Because the Thermal Pressure Hydrolysis at WWTP Venlo is being taken out of operation, a new sludge dewatering installation must be ready. This installation must process the sludge from the WWTP Venlo, Venray, Gennep and Meijel, a total of approximately 7,500 tons of DM on an annual basis. The sludge from Venlo is pumped from the existing thickeners to the sludge storage via a dirt removal step. The same happens with the external sludge from the new external sludge storage modules. From the joint storage tank, the sludge is dewatered using decanters and transported to the dewatered sludge storage. Various Verdygo® modules are used in the project, including new Verdygo sludge modules that were designed earlier in the framework agreement, such as: - Sludge pumping step - Dirt removal sludge line - Sludge dewatering - Polymer storage - Polymer production and dosage - (external) sludge storage