EnviroChemie introduces Envochem AOP wastewater treatment process

Rossdorf, Germany: – Water treatment specialist EnviroChemie has developed Envochem AOP as an effective solution for removing pharmaceutical residues (APIs or EDCs) from wastewater.Envochem AOP is based on a UV-based process, using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant. This system has proven effective for destroying potentially polluting or toxic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) or the endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that are becoming increasingly prevalent.

A key advantage of the Envochem AOP system is that the oxidant is itself removed by the other organic compounds usually present in pharmaceutical wastewater, depending on strength of the total organic chemical oxygen demand (COD) load . These organic substances, which are not actually targeted for reduction, are then easily removed by conventional sewage treatment.

Process control

Vital elements in efficient waste water treatment (WWT) include precise selection and combination of appropriate UV radiation sources, UV reactor overflow layout, oxidant dosage and treatment duration. The EnviroChemie Envochem AOP system series uses single or dual batch treatments in reactors sized from between 2 m³ and 20 m³. The UV radiation sources are installed as pipe modules alongside reactors, continuously flooded with a pump loop. Oxidizing agents are automatically added directly to the circulation loop and can be variably adjusted.

The plant is controlled via an EnviroChemie ASIC process control system with process visualization on a touch panel. Data transfer to a central computer process control is possible, as is remote maintenance by EnviroChemie via the Internet or electronic operating log system.

Wastewater treatment experts

EnviroChemie marks its 40th anniversary this year, having engineered chemical-physical water treatment plants since 1976. For the past 15 years, the German-based company has developed and supplied market-leading oxidation plants for wastewater treatment using various processes such as UV systems, ozone systems or chemical oxidation.

The EnviroChemie technology center is comprehensively equipped for the extensive preliminary laboratory investigations and pilot tests that are crucial prerequisites for the effective and economical function of oxidation systems, particularly when UV based.

“In all modern plants, it is very important to install secure treatment technology for removal of active components from wastewater,” said EnviroChemie communications manager, Jutta Quaiser.

“Pharmaceutical residues can enter the wider environment via wastewater and can affect organisms there. Our newly-developed special treatment techniques prevent their release from production,” she explained.

About EnviroChemie

EnviroChemie GmbH has established a reputation for reliable and innovative technology for water and wastewater treatment, specializing in developing and implementing customized solutions for customers in the pharmaceutical industry and life sciences.

This ISO-9001 certified engineering company was founded in 1976 and offers a holistic range of “Made in Germany” branded products and services based on chemico-physical, biological and membrane filtration processes, whose pedigree relies on its long list of research achievements and patents.

EnviroChemie adopts a partnership approach in which client specialized needs and characteristics form the basis for individual design, planning, engineering, building and commissioning of pharmaceutical wastewater treatment plants.

With more than 30,000 plants sold worldwide, EnviroChemie can apply unrivalled experience to continuous development of innovative and reliable industrial water and wastewater technologies.

EnviroChemie specializes in supporting customers in projects, where effluents must be specifically treated in order to:

• Abate trace elements by concentrating them (e.g. reverse osmosis and vacuum distillation)
• Inactivate streams containing biologically active ingredients (e.g. vaccines, antigens, etc.) by means of thermal sterilisation technology
• Eliminate pharmaceuticals implementing advanced oxidation processes (e.g. ozonation)
• Generate green energy (biogas) from digested organic matter (COD) implementing anaerobic treatment technology (e.g. at insulin production facilities)

EnviroChemie products are developed and supplied from three sites in Germany and Switzerland and the company operates seven sales and service offices, including subsidiaries in Brazil and Russia.