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).

Nutrient valorization UF PFD

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

Application: Water softening
Capacity: 200 m3/d
Membrane: 8mm PVDF, CR
Location: Huguan County (China)
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AnMBR & MBR | Dairy Industry

Project Details

Product: AnMBR and MBR in parallel
Membrane: 8mm, PVDF, backwashable
Capacity: 1,900 m3/day
COD load: 9,000 to 18,000 kg/day
Location: Wisconsin
Read more

AnMBR | Creamery

Project Details

Product: AnMBR
Membrane: 8mm, PVDF, backwashable
Capacity: 155 m3/day
BOD load: 1,587 kg/day
Location: Menomonie, Wisconsin
Read more