DIRECT UF
NUTRIENT VALORIZATION
Key Message
Organic waste management is nowadays one of the best examples of circular economy, producing renewable energy and valorizing the nutrients contained in waste products. With proven references worldwide along with leading OEMs dealing with digestate treatment and construction/operation of biogas plants, we can be the best partner for bringing out the best in any new or existing waste-to-energy project.
Direct filtration for nutrient valorization
Berghof tubular UF membranes are used for nutrient valorization as a direct filtration process, with a reverse osmosis post-treatment usually applied for obtaining a concentrated and high-value biofertilizer.
Tubular UF membranes remove the particles, colloids, and macromolecules. The ability of tubular membranes to handle high concentrations of suspended and colloidal matter allows the operation with high recovery, even when dealing with complex and high-loaded digestate. Particulate carbon and nutrients are partially removed in the UF reject stream, which is sent back to the centrifugation for recovery as dry material that can be reused in agriculture. Most of the nutrients are preserved and recovered in the UF permeate: with SDI values lower than 3, it presents the optimum quality to be treated with a final two-pass reverse osmosis system. The RO reject consists of a concentrate liquor containing dissolved nutrients (NPK) to be used as high-value fertilizer, whereas the RO permeate is a high-quality treated water complying with the most stringent requirements for discharge or reuse.
High quality fertilizer
Berghof tubular UF membranes are used for nutrient valorization as a direct filtration process, with a reverse osmosis post-treatment usually applied for obtaining a concentrated and high-value biofertilizer.
Highest effluent
quality
The RO reject consists on a concentrate liquor containing dissolved nutrients to be used as high-value fertilizer, whereas the RO permeate is a high-quality treated water complying with the most stringent requirements for discharge or reuse.
Highest recovery rates
The ability of tubular membranes to handle high concentrations of suspended and colloidal matter allows the operation with high recovery, even when dealing with complex and high-loaded digestate.
Nutrient valorization - the process
Digestate is the main residual product from biogas plants. The liquid fraction obtained in the decanter can be managed for nutrient valorization. Tubular modules are used in direct filtration mode for separating the suspended solids and macromolecules. Most of the nutrients are preserved and recovered in the UF permeate, which is subsequently treated in a two-pass reverse osmosis system. The RO reject is a concentrated liquor containing nutrients, to be recovered as fertilizer. The RO permeate is high-quality water complying with the most stringent requirements for both discharge and reuse (irrigation or other industrial purposes).

Manufactured in Germany
Made in a state-of-the art LEAN-production facility, with highly-trained production personnel and materials of the highest quality.
Tubular UF Membrane Modules
To prevent fouling and clogging, Berghof Membranes developed its line of robust tubular UF (ultrafiltration) membrane modules based on inside-out crossflow filtration.
Membrane Skid systems
Berghof Membranes developed B-SMART®, a customizable external membrane filtration system that can be designed with various features and functionalities.
Pilot systems & Lab testing
Bridging the gap between lab-scale testing and manufacturing. Our experts gives you the confidence to apply the technology for your specific wastewater challenges.
B-CARE® Service and Support
The B-CARE® program is an end-to-end comprehensive program developed to support our OEM partners from the piloting/engineering phase to operational system monitoring.
Project References
Take a look at our case studies
Water softening | New Material Industry
Project Details
Capacity: 200 m3/d
Membrane: 8mm PVDF, CR
Location: Huguan County (China)
AnMBR & MBR | Dairy Industry
Project Details
Membrane: 8mm, PVDF, backwashable
Capacity: 1,900 m3/day
COD load: 9,000 to 18,000 kg/day
Location: Wisconsin
AnMBR | Creamery
Project Details
Membrane: 8mm, PVDF, backwashable
Capacity: 155 m3/day
BOD load: 1,587 kg/day
Location: Menomonie, Wisconsin