A biogas additive produced by Cardiff-based Genesis Biosciences and used in the wastewater treatment process has secured pre-eminent results in a live trial ahead of its launch to market later this year.
The three-month trial was part of the United Utilities Innovation Lab and allowed the opportunity to test Evogen Biogas Additive in a real-world environment based on a set of predetermined objectives; increase biogas generation, increase energy production and reduce final sludge volume for disposal with no detrimental impact on the final sludge quality. Genesis’ additive surpassed on all targets.
Evogen Biogas Additive, which uses specially selected microbes to aid anaerobic digestion, produced a 19.3% increase in biogas production over the twelve-week assessment, a 9.1% boost in energy production – which translates to an additional 49,482 KWH over the period – and a reduction in sludge for disposal of 12%-16%. By utilising Evogen Biogas Additive, the cost analysis showed that the test facility could generate an extra £45,000 per annum, equating to a £2 return on every £1 spent on product.
Anaerobic digestion (AD), which produces biogas, is fast becoming an integral part of the wastewater treatment process among local authorities and private companies. The ability to use microorganisms to produce methane rich biogas from sewage sludge and organic waste matter offers the potential to produce heat and electricity from an ever present and growing waste source.
Through the AD process, specialised microbes interact in the absence of oxygen to breakdown the organic components of sludge and waste to facilitate biogas production. This greatly decreases the final volume of the original waste whilst yielding energy that can be used to offset plant processing and operating costs.
With daily dosing, Evogen Biogas Additive helps to optimise the AD process in order to overcome the typical challenges associated with the process.
Alongside the Innovation Lab, further trials have taken place across Europe, proving Evogen Biogas Additive’s efficacy.
Genesis is an industry leader in fermenting bacteria strains and developing safe and natural microbial and antimicrobial solutions for a wide range of applications. The Evogen range provides quality, performance-driven and environmentally responsible microbial products designed to provide effective and sustainable alternatives to traditional harsh chemicals including those used in wastewater management.
Following the results of the trial, Genesis Biosciences Research Scientist Dr. Chris Charles, said: “United Utilities utilise our Evogen Professional cleaning range at their headquarters, and collaborating for the Innovation Lab felt like the ideal opportunity to investigate the feasibility of our new technology for the UK municipal wastewater treatment market.
“It was a privilege to take part in the Innovation Lab 3 and ultimately to see such great results for Evogen Biogas Additive. The trial has proved pivotal in further improving our data suite for the product and we hope it will aid in giving customers and prospects confidence in our technology, while also paving the way for the early technology to be rolled out across the UK and Europe.”
United Utilities manages the water and wastewater services in the North West of England, delivering 1.8 billion litres of water a day to more than 3 million homes and businesses, as well as treating all the wastewater. Its Innovation Lab is focussed on providing the most efficient and sustainable working practices and allows both start-up and established companies a live operational environment to learn and develop potential ideas and solutions.
For more information about Genesis Biosciences visit www.genesisbiosciences.co.uk. For more details on the Innovation Lab visit www.unitedutilities.com/corporate/about-us/innovation/innovation-lab.
