BODAC

BODAC filters, also known as Biological Oxygen-Dosed Active Carbon filters, are biologically activated carbon filters where adsorption, desorption and biodegradation take place simultaneously. This technology is used on an industrial scale as a pretreatment to stop bacterial growth on RO membranes, which reduces chemical cleaning and extends the life of membranes.
At the BODAC filters in the ultrapure water plant in Nieuw-Amsterdam, where 8200 m3/h of ultrapure water is produced, it has been discovered that the biology on the filter bed removes micropollutants. Recent studies show that more than 80% of the selected guide substances for pharmaceutical residues are removed, with an overall removal efficiency of 74-82%.

BODAC is a robust system, easy to apply in current purification practices, with effective DOC removal and a competitive CO2 footprint. The technology uses relatively little energy compared to competing technologies. The long service life of the activated carbon (more than 12 years) and the extended life of RO membranes make BODAC and RO low-maintenance and low-chemical, with only oxygen dosing.

In new pilot projects, BODAC is being further developed for municipal scale, with testing of add-ons for processes such as nitrification, dephosphating and manganese removal. The synergy between active processes in the BODAC filter and the broad applicability makes the technology promising for further development and implementation in existing purifications.