New MBR technology receives funding to build demonstration scale plant.

Aquatec Maxcon has developed a novel Anaerobic Membrane BioReactor (MBR) which, in collaboration with Trisco Foods, has been tested at pilot scale with excellent results.

The new technology revolutionises the way that food wastes are processed, producing renewable biofuel that can used on site for heating and power generation.  The MBR technology is a missing link in that it can deal with high levels of fats, oil and grease and convert them to biogas in a much smaller footprint than a conventional digestion solution.  The MBR technology, can be used routinely in food processing and biofuel producing industries, such as distilleries, to become more competitive, as waste produced can be converted to biofuel and contribute to site energy savings as well as significantly reducing waste disposal costs.

The project is to be funded out of the Advance Queensland $5 million Biofutures Commercialisation Program and enables the pilot plant to increase to commercial demonstration scale.

In a joint media statement, Queensland Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy, Leeanne Enoch, said “We want to see the biofutures industry grow in Queensland.  That’s why we’re prepared to invest in people and companies with new ideas to get new technologies up and running”.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said “In order to take the technology to national and international markets, upscaling the technology to demonstration standard is essential.  That’s why we’re providing this funding because we want to see ideas like this exported from Queensland to the rest of Australia and around the world.”

David Leinster, Industrial Water and Waste to Energy Specialist for Aquatec Maxcon, said “We would like to thank Trisco Foods who have been an exceptional collaborative partner and the Queensland Government for recognising the importance of optimising this new technology and showcasing it for prospective future users. Upon completion, the project will be a commercial scale proof of concept which will allow prospective customers to view the technology in operation and transfer knowledge of this novel treatment concept to national and international markets”.

The demonstration plant is planned for completion within twelve months.

THE ANAEROBIC MEMBRANE BIO REACTOR (MBR) 

THE END-OF-PROCESS WATER QUALITY IS SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED, REQUIRING LESS DOWNSTREAM TREATMENT.