Supply Chain - Wastewater Treatment - Concrete Structures
Gas to grid process diagram - Courtesy of Costain[/caption]
Thermal hydrolysis plant process diagram - Courtesy of Costain[/caption]
(left) Inflated gas holder and (right) biogas upgrade unit and carbon storage silos - Courtesy of Costain[/caption]
(left) Sludge transfer pumps and (right) elevated strain press in front of the buffer tanks - Courtesy of Costain[/caption]
Dewatering
The screened sludge is dewatered from approximately 3% to 20% dry solids for transfer to the THP feed silos. 3 (No.) centrifuges work in a duty/duty/standby arrangement and backwash with final effluent (FE) as required.
THP & boilers
The cake is diluted with FE to 16% dry solids and fed into one of the 2 (No.) THP streams which process up to a maximum of 60 tonnes of dry solids per day (tds/day) per stream.
The sludge is heated to around 95°C in pulper to become ‘homogenised’. This sludge is then pumped sequentially through each of the streams 4 (No.) reactors for batch treatment. Steam from the boilers is used to heat the sludge between 50-180°C where it is held at 6-bar pressure to undergo pasteurising hydrolysis for around 30-45 minutes. After hydrolysis, sludge is passed into the flash tank, where the pressure and temperature of the hydrolysed sludge are decreased by flashing steam back to the pulper. The flashtank provides the necessary thermal buffer capacity to release the excess energy contained in the sludge before entering the downstream pumps.
The process kills all pathogens and, in turn, increases the potential gas yield of the sludge.
2 (No.) boilers, procured from Italy, produce 192°C steam from potable water, operate at 12bar and can run on either natural gas imported from the grid or biogas produced from the gas to grid plant. 2 (No.) CHP engines are situated locally to the boilers and the exhaust gas heat is recovered by boilers to optimise performance, these CHP engines can also run on either natural or biogas. The boilers are operated by BOAS accredited operators who were transitioned across from Costain to Severn Trent upon handover.
The warm hydrolysed sludge is then blended with UV FE to reduce the temperature to around 42°C where it is fed back into the digesters via a bank of 8 (No.) sludge return pipes traversing 500m across the site footprint.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
(top left) Centrifuges, (top right) THP silos, (bottom left) the boiler and (bottom right) the boiler house - Courtesy of Costain[/caption]
UV treatment and sludge cake
A UV plant was constructed to ensure no pathogens were introduced to the sludge post-THP which would normally be present in non-UV treated FE. This ensures that the biosolids product produced by the works is ‘enhanced’ quality and can be sold to farmers to fertilise fields growing a wider range of crops than those which can have ‘standard’ biosolids. A pair of Bollfilters with 25µm strainers from Bollfilter UK Ltd screen the FE prior to UV treatment to ensure that stringent disinfection standards are achieved and to prevent particulates damage to the plant.
Other THP highlights
The THP installation also included a polymer dosing plant, FE and potable break tanks, odour control unit, deep drainage and centrate pump stations with 700m of buried return pipework to head of works, a new FE pump station and a 1200m3 cake bunker.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
THP reactors - Courtesy of Costain[/caption]
(left) Cake bunker cofferdam and (right) cake bunker - Courtesy of Costain[/caption]
CHP engines- Courtesy of Costain[/caption]
Muck shift in progress - Courtesy of Costain[/caption]
Costain worked collaboratively with Severn Trent to draft plans for the reuse of the muck in the proposed BIA and began the process of sampling and testing the muck. A comprehensive Materials Management Plan approved under the CL:AIRE regulations was produced detailing the proposal. Upon approval from all parties, the muck shift operation began. Costain operated three 30 tonne articulated dumpers (ADTs) to transport the muck across the site. Each dumper averaged 25 trips per day and the full operation was completed in just a little under two weeks.
The overall benefits were:
Finham THP & G2G - Courtesy of Costain[/caption]
A screenshot of the 3D model used for design and construction - Courtesy of Bam Nuttall Ltd[/caption]
Construction of the high level inlet works structure - Courtesy of Bam Nuttall Ltd[/caption]
(left) Rapid impact compaction underway and (right) a selection of site plant in use - Courtesy of Bam Nuttall Ltd[/caption]
(left) Driving precast concrete piles and (right) vertical rigid inclusion installation - Courtesy of Bam Nuttall Ltd[/caption]
2. Precast driven piling: The main structures and pipelines are founded on precast driven piles. These are end-bearing into the London Clay, approximately 10m below ground level. Precast driven piles were chosen as the solution as the operation does not bring any landfill to the surface. Various size piles were driven to various depths and tested with both dynamic and static tests. Borehole monitoring showed that there was no discernible change to leachate and ground gas levels and that there was no dispersal of leachate happening throughout the landfill.
(foreground) Ferric mixing and flocculation chambers and (background) concrete bases for sludge tanks - Courtesy of Bam Nuttall Ltd[/caption]
Piles and blinding concrete for the four final settlement tanks and (left) temporary ground support for pipelaying into the centre of the tanks - Courtesy of Bam Nuttall Ltd[/caption]
Activated sludge plant precast walls erected, prior to pouring base slab and concrete stitches - Courtesy of Bam Nuttall Ltd[/caption]
(foreground) PST precast walls with concrete stitches and bases and (background) ASP precast walls - Courtesy of Bam Nuttall Ltd[/caption]
Safdar Ali, Andrew Dawes and Izhar Ahmad from the BAM team at the completion of the tunnel - Courtesy of Bam Nuttall Ltd[/caption]
Threading buried process pipework between new structures requires extensive temporary works - Courtesy of Bam Nuttall Ltd[/caption]
(left) Concrete bases for the tertiary treatment plant, (top right) cross-sectional view through the primary settlement tank, showing the piles and gas dispersal layer beneath the base, and (bottom right) precast wall panels are joined with an in situ concrete stitch - Courtesy of Bam Nuttall Ltd[/caption]
(left) Existing site on western shores of Lough Neagh, (top right) existing PSTs, and (bottom right) existing percolating filters - Courtesy of NI Water[/caption]
Early excavation works with compound set up - Courtesy of NI Water[/caption]
The contract delivery team worked in a collaborative manner with NI Water, project managers RPS, and key suppliers and subcontractors to deliver a robust, effective and modern treatment solution which allows for future growth in the catchment area and protects the environment by adhering to a tighter discharge consent.
Excavation of FSTs to depth of 5m - Courtesy of NI Water[/caption]
Bottom section of FSTs installed - Courtesy of GEDA Construction[/caption]
Make up of the FSTs from KEE Process - Courtesy of GEDA Construction[/caption]
Installation of RBCs - Courtesy of GEDA Construction[/caption]
Construction of inlet works, sludge tank & storm tank - Courtesy of NI Water[/caption]
Completed Ballyronan WwTW - Courtesy of GEDA[/caption]
An overview of the changes to the process flow path[/caption]
(left) 3D model image of the EBPR 1 & 2 site layout and (right) 3D model image of the future TSR site layout[/caption]
To put this into context, fifteen 40m FSTs are existing to act as the final settlement for the sites full flow to treatment, however 75% of this flow will be able to pass through one 32m high-rate clarifier designed for the CoMag® technology. The required surface area to treat 75% of the flow in a traditional FST is therefore 14,136m2 versus the 804m2 required for the high-rate ballasted clarifier (ie. 17.5 times more efficient). The treated water will then weir over and discharge to the river, while the sludge is recovered and passed through a magnetic drum recovery unit, and the magnetite is recycled.
An additional ferric sulphate dosing system will also be installed and dosed upon the filtrate returns from the AD plant. This is prior to the returns discharging into the high-level PSTs.
Using this design, EBPR has the potential to reduce the Total Phosphorus down in the wastewater to 0.4 mg/l. The TSR will then remove the Total Phosphorus down to <0.4 mg/l. Introducing EBPR prior to a TSR for phosphorus removal greatly reduces the chemical cost used in the TSR.
(left) Progress of the new ASP2 blower slab, MCC and transformer area and (right) installation of the diffusers in the new activated sludge lane - Courtesy of Yorkshire Water and Ward & Burke[/caption]
Base pour of the new RAS anoxic tank for EBPR2 - Courtesy of Yorkshire Water and Ward & Burke[/caption]
Similar to ASP2, ASP3 will require a new RAS anoxic tank. This 14,000m3 tank is built on the foundations of old decommissioned sludge beds and both grouting and CFA piling were required in this area due to the presence of coal seams.
The flow from the existing RAS pumping station will be diverted to this new anoxic tank, where the tank will then discharge back into the anaerobic zone of ASP3. Again, an under-pressure hot tap will be used for the RAS tie-in, and a limpet dam used to discharge into the anaerobic zone.
With the addition of these new anoxic tanks, the biological stage of Knostrop STW will be changed to two EBPR ASPs. Commissioning of this system is forecast for November 2023 (ASP3) and February 2024 (ASP2), and a predicted 6-month seeding/climatisation period is assumed before the POAs have established.
The new Total Phosphorus consent is 0.4mg/l which will require a further solid associated phosphorus removal after the exiting FSTs. The final effluent will be diverted into a tertiary solids removal (TSR) plant, where a new pumping station will lift 75% of the sites FFT into a new reception chamber.
The wastewater then flows down duty/duty pipelines through in-line mixers, where the ferric sulphate is dosed prior to a reaction tank. The reaction tank is split into two streams, each with four tanks connected by under and overflow baffle walls. Submersible mixers enable the coagulation of the phosphate with the ferric sulphate, while further dosing of magnetite and then polymer occur in tanks 3 and 4 of the reaction tank to create the ballasted particles.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
Construction of the new RAS anoxic tank for EBPR2 - Courtesy of Yorkshire Water and Ward & Burke[/caption]
The flow then passes through a 32m diameter clarifier, complete with a fixed bridge and sludge scraper system. The clarifier is built of precast concrete panels to improve construction time.
A return chamber brings the wastewater back into the original final effluent line, and a new final effluent sampling chamber will be built downstream of this. Within the TSR, a sludge recycle system will be installed, along with a sludge return pumping station which will send the waste sludge back to the high-level PSTs.
Ferric sulphate, polymer and magnetite dosing systems will be designed and built off-site and then installed and commissioned, and a new control system will be installed for the entire TSR. The completion of this TSR is predicted for October 2024.
Progress of the new tertiary solids removal area (April 2023) - Courtesy of Yorkshire Water and Ward & Burke[/caption]
The TSR is still under civil construction, with the reaction tank and clarifier concrete works completed, and the new lift pumping station and reception chamber under construction. Pipework, electrical ducting, and surface drainage is also ongoing in this area. The ferric sulphate, polymer and magnetite storage and transfer silos are currently under fabrication off-site.
The scheme has a targeted beneficial completion date of October 2024. This is when the site will be meeting the Total Phosphorus and Total Iron consent levels via use of the TSR, with both ASPs changed over to the EBPR configuration.
Overview model - Courtesy of @one Alliance[/caption]
Phosphorous removal scheme - Courtesy of @one Alliance[/caption]
Phosphorous removal scheme - Courtesy of @one Alliance[/caption]
One of the new SBR tanks - Courtesy of @one Alliance[/caption]
(left) Preparing for concrete pours and (right) concrete pours - Courtesy of @one Alliance[/caption]
As part of this scheme, the team is completing the renewal of the access road into Broadholme WRC, which includes over 1km, split into tarmac and concreting for Anglian Water personnel. These works are being completed overnight to maintain tanker access as the road does not have enough width to shut half the carriageway while leaving enough space for safe access.
- Silicon Carbide Ceramic Membranes (2024)
- AquaPyr (2024)
- FilterClear® (2024)
FilterClear® (2024)During AMP7 over 800 sites were required to meet tighter phosphorus permits under the National P Removal Programme. The majority of these sites adopted the solution of using tertiary solids removal (TSR) plant with ferric or aluminium dosing to meet the permit requirements. There are 6 major TSR plant suppliers in the UK, three of which use the same technology, each with its unique feature, competing in the P removal market. This has driven the TSR technologies to evolve and improve, addressing the needs to enhance reliability and to minimise the use of chemicals whilst meeting increasingly stringent standards.
FilterClear for phosphorus removal
FilterClear is a true depth filtration technology, with 900 mm of filtration bed depth. The influent is pumped to the top of the filter and flows through four layers of media: anthracite, silica, alumina and magnetite, which have decreasing particle size and increasing density. This configuration provides an equivalent of 4-stage filtration in a single vessel, allowing the filter to operate at a much higher filtration rate (up to 35m3/h) and achieve a better effluent quality than conventional sand filters; coupled with its much smaller footprint. FilterClear is a powerful tool in a designer’s armoury.
The key benefit of depth filtration is to enable the solids to be removed progressively through the entire depth of the 4-layer filter bed, extending the run-time and reducing backwash frequencies. The backwash can be controlled by timer or pressure. After backwash, the media will settle back to the original layers thanks to the carefully selected density and particle sizes of the four media types.
FilterClear has an average operating pressure of 0.4 bar, offering a low energy demand and a low operational carbon footprint.
Experience across the many FilterClear plants installed to date has highlighted the low cost of ownership, particularly with respect to operation and maintenance. The plants are fully automated and typically require just one annual service (less on sites with activated sludge upstream). There is no routine requirement for replacement parts or filtration cloths and the FilterClear plants require only a top-up of anthracite every few years.
Furthermore, all media layers are naturally-occurring minerals, thereby not introducing any microplastics or fibres into the treated effluent or dirty backwash water.
[caption id="attachment_13686" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
FilterClear plant at Yeovil WRC - Courtesy of Bluewater Bio[/caption]
For chemical P removal, good coagulation and flocculation are critical. Many TSR technologies need purpose-built coagulation and flocculation tanks with mechanical mixing, and some will also require polymer dosing.
By comparison, FilterClear only requires coagulant dosing for P removal; no polymer or ballast material is required. This is because large flocs are not essential for depth filtration. Chemical dosing can be added directly upstream of the FilterClear plant via an inline static mixer, and flocculation will occur in the headspace inside the filter vessel, above the media bed, removing the need for mechanical mixing or a flocculation tank, thereby simplifying the asset and reducing associated costs.
The absence of a separate flocculation tank further minimises the FilterClear footprint, makes the solution simpler to build and operate and eliminates the associated operational and maintenance tasks. It also eliminates the need for an overflow from the flocculation tank which, having been dosed with coagulant, represents a compliance risk.
Design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA)
Increasingly, clients and their tier one partners are looking to minimise site construction activities and durations. FilterClear plants are designed to allow off-site assembly and testing, then delivery to site as a package plant. Where possible, the complete filter gallery, including backwash pumps, blowers, actuated valves, instruments and controls are skid-mounted and transported fully assembled. Site activities are then limited to coupling the filter vessels, adding the media and commissioning. This DfMA approach ensures both quality and safety are well controlled and ultimately delivers a better solution in a shorter time at a lower overall cost.
Health and safety is an integral part of the design process, ensuring that all equipment is safe to install, operate and maintain. Filtration and backwash of the FilterClear plant is fully automated, with minimum operational input. The filters are enclosed, with no moving parts or serviceable components within the vessels and need minimal operator intervention. Due to the enclosed, fully automated design, risk of operator exposure to wastewater or chemicals is minimised. Furthermore, all machinery is at ground level for easy access.
Proven performance
Most TSR plant suppliers prefer to offer an effluent total suspended solids (TSS) guarantee as a surrogate to a TP guarantee. However, water companies have realised that, at low concentrations, there is a very poor correlation between the TSS and TP concentrations thereby introducing compliance risk.
As the developer and owner of the technology, Bluewater Bio Ltd has a deep understanding of both the process and phosphorus removal, and accordingly are able to provide a TP guarantee. This offers the client and their contractor the simplest and clearest assurance of meeting the final effluent permit as well as being contractually most straightforward. FilterClear performance has been tested and proven at over 50 sites across most UK water companies, all reliably achieving the respective permit requirements for both TP and iron. Knowing that more stringent TP permits will be imposed in AMP8, Wessex Water carried out long-term trials to push the performance limits at several sites with impressive results.
[caption id="attachment_13681" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
‘Site A’ performance graph: Blue line shows the Total P concentration of the TSR feed and the green line shows the Total P concentration of the final effluent after FilterClear treatment - Courtesy of Bluewater Bio[/caption]
‘Site A’ is a typical small trickling filter site. In AMP7, a FilterClear plant was installed to meet a new 0.5 mg/l TP permit. The trial demonstrated that the plant achieved an average TP below 0.07 mg/l, with a 95%ile iron concentration of 0.27 mg/l. This performance has been achieved with an overall ferric dose of just 15 mg/l (including 1st point and 2nd point dosing) with simple flow-proportional dosing control, and despite some unrelated control issues during the trial. The long-term trials have demonstrated that FilterClear plants can reliably achieve a TP permit of 0.1 mg/l, making the solution future-proof. This offers the client a means of reducing WLC whilst adding future certainty.
FilterClear: Key advantages
Proprietary stratified FilterClear media of up to four layers, specially developed and applied over 10 years for exceptional performance.- High loading rate (25-50 m3/m2/h, i.e. 2-5x flow rate of competing technologies).
- High solids retention (low pressure drop and long backwash interval).
- High quality filtrate in a single step (SDI <3 : NTU <0.1 : BOD concentration <6mg/l).
- Low CAPEX (2-5x less media, fewer vessels).
- Low OPEX (no chemical use, low electricity consumption).
- Low backwash volume (<6% of filtrate, small backwash tanks, better yield, less waste).
- Small footprint (2-5x smaller filter area, smaller plant).
- Low O&M (simple, reliable, easy to maintain).
- Modular systems up to 1200m3/h per vessel.
Case study: Wessex Water: Yeovil Pen Mill WRC
During AMP7, Wessex Water installed 14 FilterClear plants across its region for phosphorus removal, ranging from small sites less than 4,000 population to large sites over 75,000 population. Yeovil Pen Mill Wastewater Recycling Centre (WRC) is the largest site among these.
Yeovil WRC in Somerset is a large treatment works owned by Wessex Water, serving a population equivalent (PE) over 75,000 (including trade discharge). The existing treatment processes comprised:
- Primary settlement tanks.
- High-rate plastic media filters.
- Intermediate humus tanks.
- Trickling filters (slag media).
- Humus tanks.
To meet tightened consent requirements, a major upgrade was required during AMP7; comprising tertiary MBBR plant and a tertiary solids removal (TSR) plant.
The TSR plant with chemical dosing is required to achieve the total phosphorus (TP) consent of 0.5 mg/l. On a whole life cost basis, taking into account process reliability, delivery programme, power demands, chemical consumption and maintenance requirements, FilterClear from Bluewater Bio Ltd was identified as the preferred solution, and the contract was awarded in May 2022.
The key elements of the FilterClear plant at Yeovil WRC are:
- Number of filters (800mm diameter): 11
- Number of backwash pumps: 2 duty/2 standby
- Number of backwash blowers: 2 duty/2 standby
- Number of clean backwash tanks: 1
- Number of dirty backwash tanks: 1
(left) FilterClear plant at Yeovil Pen Mill WRC next to a trickling filter and tertiary MBBR plant at Yeovil WRC and (right) Skid design at Yeovil Pen Mill WRC for easy access and maintenance - Courtesy of Bluewater Bio[/caption]
The FilterClear plant design has taken into account the following:
- Treat the peak flow during filter backwashing.
- Ensure the solids holding capacity is adequate under the worst-case scenario.
- Manage the interfaces with tertiary pumping/ferric dosing.
- Minimise the whole life cost and footprint.
- Enable safe and easy access, lifting and maintenance (ALM).
Thanks to the high filtration rate, the FilterClear plant has a smaller footprint in comparison to conventional filters. The compact nature of the FilterClear plant makes it ideal for the very congested site at Yeovil. At the time of writing (July 2024), the FilterClear plant has been installed and is currently being commissioned.
Throughout the project, the design teams worked closely with Wessex Water on the ALM assessment to ensure that the plant is operator-friendly. Particular attention was paid to eliminating hazards during operation and maintenance.
Highest accolade - rising to the challenge in AMP8
Innovation plays a critical role in the water industry’s ability to adapt to climate change, population growth and new and emerging pollutants. Bluewater Bio Ltd continue to develop and enhance technologies so that they excel in performance, value, reliability and sustainability.
[caption id="attachment_13682" align="aligncenter" width="356"]
FilterClear technology received a King’s Award for Enterprise (Innovation category) in 2024[/caption]
In 2024 Bluewater Bio Ltd received a King’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category for its FilterClear technology. The award was granted on a recommendation by the Prime Minister and approved by His Majesty The King and is the most prestigious award for a UK business. This award is further recognition that FilterClear has become the preferred choice for clients.
With AMP8 on the way, over 900 sites will be on the national P removal programme and FilterClear will play a major part in delivering a successful outcome.
Winchester House, 259-269 Old Marylebone Road, London NW1 5RA
| 020 7908 9500 | bluewaterbio.com |
Cembrane SiC membranes, modules, stacks & towers - Courtesy of Enpure Ltd[/caption]
Applications of Cembrane SiC membranes - Courtesy of Enpure Ltd[/caption]
(left) Installation of Cembrane SiC stack, (top right) Cembrane SiC stack from above, and (bottom right) SiC membranes have sprinkler cleaning option - Courtesy of Enpure Ltd[/caption]
AquaPyr Model 440 - Courtesy of ACWA Services[/caption]
The AquaPyr Ultra Low Waste Filter product range - Courtesy of ACWA Services[/caption]
Silver Lake WwTP: Effluent TP before/after the installation of the ACWA AquaPyr Ultra Low Waste Filter - Courtesy of ACWA Services[/caption]
- Walsall Wood STW: Mecana Installation
- Goscote STW: Mecana Installation
- The Beast at Woodhouse Mill STW
The Beast at Woodhouse Mill STWAffectionately known as ‘The Beast’, the new screen enables tankers to directly connect and pump sludge into it, rather than offloading sludge to a holding tank that is then fed into traditional screens by gravity. The technology has been used successfully in the US and will be introduced to treatment process at Woodhouse Mill. ‘The Beast’ is fully-automated and can quickly remove debris, plastics and other solids from sludge. Ed Sutherland, project sponsor at Yorkshire Water, said:“We’re always looking at innovative ways to improve the operations of our wastewater treatment works. The Beast has been tried and tested in the US and will deliver significant benefits to the operation of Woodhouse Mill. Ultimately, it enables sludge to be pumped directly into the screen, rather than the traditional method of using an upstream storage tank that feeds sludge through screens via gravity. Removing the need for an upstream feed tank will result in significant capital savings, which ultimately leads to a reduction in costs and benefits for our customers.”
"The Beast" is equipped with an integrated perforated plate VSA Drum Screen which washes, conveys, and dewaters wastewater screenings, as well as a self-cleaning screen basket and self-cleaning dewatering zone to deliver maximum efficiency. Comprising a dual motor drive powered by independent drum and auger speeds, max flow rates of up to 200 m3/h, a drum screen 5 to 6mm perforation and incline angle of 25 degrees designed to increase solids capacity, the “Beast” can also be connected through a Perrot joint to tankers or pipes. Designed without a lower drum support arm, the Beast can be used to eliminate rag accumulation. Rotating around its axis, the cylindrical filter conveys the screenings into a loading hopper placed in the centre. A set of spray nozzles washes the filter during operation. A screw placed inside the conveying pipe (with its top inside the discharge hopper), conveys the screenings towards the next treatment stage where organic substances are washed out. Subsequently, solids are compacted and dewatered in the compacting and drainage area and finally, solids are discharged through a discharge chute. The Beast will be trialled at Woodhouse Mill and, if successful, will be installed at other treatment works around the region. Saveco’s municipal wastewater sector Manager Craig Webb said:“Achieving unprecedented success in the US market, the Beast is a game changer for how we will treat sludge going forward in the UK. We are delighted to have earned Yorkshire Water’s trust and confidence to remedy the complex challenge of sludge treatment.”
For more information contact SAVECO Environmental Ltd | +44 (0)1684 299104 | https://saveco-water.co.uk
- Ground-breaking project leads to advanced wastewater grit removal system
Ground-breaking project leads to adv...Suspended solids carried in water can cause a range of harmful effects in rivers, lakes and oceans, making the capture and removal of these solids critical for effective environmental protection. To address this problem, the project focused on optimising the stacked trays that remove high levels of suspended solids from wastewater. Combining optimisation methods and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the project was able to derive new designs for hydrodynamic solids removal components that would have been difficult or impossible to achieve using traditional engineering methods. The research was part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), supported by the UK government’s innovation body Innovate UK, which began in July 2019 and ran until September 2021. It builds on years of collaboration between Hydro International and the University of Exeter in the field of CFD. The core of the project involved the optimisation of stacked trays that enable the removal of high levels of suspended solids in wastewater, with the primary objectives being to improve performance and reduce maintenance requirements. This was a complex, multi-objective, high-dimensional problem, so the team needed to adopt an unconventional approach in order to solve it. To tackle the problem the project team coupled Bayesian optimisation techniques and CFD modelling, using a Bayesian optimisation toolset originally developed by the world-renowned Machine Learning Group at the University of Exeter. Bayesian optimisation was selected as it can be an order of magnitude more efficient than alternative approaches, such as genetic algorithms, on such complex design problems. The Bayesian optimisation toolset was then connected to CFD simulations, allowing the team to use computing power to automate the design and evaluation process. The team ran the CFD simulations using supercomputers in Exeter and Bristol, with each optimisation run modelling some 300 designs at a time. This would have been impossible to achieve using other optimisation techniques. The team was one of the first in the world to use these techniques on new GW4 Isambard super-computing architectures. The team subsequently corroborated simulation results through physical testing of prototypes in Hydro International’s hydraulics laboratory in Clevedon. The outcome of the project was a new stacked tray design that improves grit removal performance and enables the production of more compact systems that can handle higher wastewater flows and requires less maintenance—an excellent example of combining academic research with commercial incentives to address real-world challenges. Although the project was focused on improving technologies that will be applied to future iterations of the HeadCell® advanced grit removal system, the findings are fundamental to Hydro International’s core technologies, and will be applicable to other products that rely on the same hydrodynamic principles such as Downstream Defender® and First Defense®. In addition, not only did the project apply methods for complex design optimisation already developed by the University of Exeter, but it also drove new developments in multi-objective optimisation and constraint handling, resulting in new advances in expertise and understanding. Following completion of the project, Innovate UK assessed the KTP and awarded it a Grade A, or “Outstanding”. Dan Jarman, Hydro International’s Group Technical Manager said:“We have a long history of investing in new science and new technologies to help our customers, and this project continues that tradition. This is the first time that Bayesian optimisation and CFD techniques have been applied in the water sector, which represents a significant step forward in product design excellence. In a sector that has been unfairly criticised for being slow to adopt new technologies and techniques, we’ve shown that there are teams out there willing to push boundaries in order to benefit utilities, consumers and the environment.”
Jonathan Fieldsend, Professor in Computational Intelligence at the University of Exeter said:“This project is an excellent example of what can be achieved when a KTP involves such a wide range of talent and experience. To achieve its outcome, it has needed academics from the Computer Science and Engineering departments, specialists from industry, and support from a highly-skilled impact and business team. It has delivered significant enhancements for an important Hydro International product - in the crucial area of wastewater management - and has also led to advances in applied optimisation techniques and algorithms which have use more broadly in CFD-driven design.”
About Hydro International
Hydro International is a global company that provides advanced products, services and expertise to help municipal, industrial and construction customers to improve their water management processes, increase operational performance and reduce environmental impact. With over 40 years of experience and a reputation for engineering excellence, businesses and public organisations all over the world rely on Hydro International products and services to reduce flood risk, improve water treatment and protect the environment from water pollution. Headquartered in Clevedon, UK, Hydro International has a network of over 80 distribution partners and serves customers in more than 40 countries.About the University of Exeter
The University of Exeter combines world-class research with excellent student satisfaction, ranking in the Top 150 of the THE and QS World University Rankings. We are one of the very few universities to be both a member of the Russell Group and have a Gold award from the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), evidencing our international reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Each year, the University of Exeter delivers over 1500 projects with industry and generates over £52m from this work. We believe impact is about making a difference, and our world-class researchers have an excellent track record in making valuable contributions to our society, economy and the environment. Our dedicated KTP team - based at the University’s Innovation, Impact and Business directorate - is the leading Knowledge Base partner in South West England and has successfully delivered over 100 KTP projects to date, with 85% of these rated good to outstanding.
To learn more about how our inlet works specialists can help you with your wastewater needs
M&N Electrical & mechanical Services Ltd | +44 (0)1305 821142 | www.hydro-int.com/ukwws
- Goscote STW: IFAS Installation
- Senior Civil Engineer (6463)
Senior Civil Engineer (6463)The Opportunity
Following a number of successful frameworks bids across the water industry, and in preparation for the most challenging AMP ever, we are expanding our high-performing engineering teams across the country. In Newcastle, we are excited to have been appointed as a Strategic Technical Partner by Northumbrian Water for the AMP8 period. Stantec provide a range of technical enabling, solution delivery and design services to support Northumbrian Water in achieving its vision to be the leading provider of sustainable water and wastewater services. As part of our long-standing relationship with Northumbrian Water, including the ongoing ESH-Stantec joint venture, we will continue to develop innovative solutions to support their delivery of capital investment across both infrastructure & non-infrastructure projects. In order to continue providing our clients with our expert service, we are looking to recruit a Senior Civil Engineer into our team Newcastle on the picturesque Quayside. You will become part of an international team, redefining our landscape with sustainability, the environment and the communities we serve at the heart of everything we do. As a Senior Civil Engineer, you will work across the entire project lifecycle in asset planning, strategy, concept design, outline design & detailed design. You’ll be responsible for delivering civil engineering solutions, guided by our Principal Engineers & Design Leads, whilst also supporting & mentoring our more junior engineers.You can find out more about our work in the water sector here: Stantec H2O+U - UK.
About You
We are interested in speaking with passionate engineers with design experience within the UK water industry. You’ll hold a degree in Civil Engineering and ideally have achieved Chartered status with a relevant professional body such as ICE or CIWEM. You will have gained experienced delivering community focused projects, whilst working collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams to delivery innovative solutions. We will support your growth & development through training & project exposure, though prior experience within storm overflows, SUDS, surface water management & sewage treatment would be beneficial.
About Stantec
The Stantec community unites more than 31,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities. Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities. Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply. - Senior Civil Engineer - Water (6286)
Senior Civil Engineer - Water (6286)
The opportunity
Across the entire business, Stantec are building on top of what’s already been a highly successful period of growth. Our strategy within the Water division for 2023 and beyond is creating a number of new exciting opportunities across the business. We partner with the top water clients across the UK, work on some of the largest, most iconic water projects in the industry and we promise to design with community in mind by reducing environmental impacts and improving social impacts. We enable the delivery of sustainable development and infrastructure projects that adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. Our Civil Engineers work across the project lifecycle in asset planning / strategy, concept design, outline design and detailed design. We work in a variety of project areas within the water sector, including clean water treatment and networks, wastewater treatment, wastewater networks, flooding, and urban drainage. You can find out more about our work in the water sector here: Stantec H2O+U - UK. You’ll be responsible for the project’s civil engineering design, the leadership of civil engineering teams and will work alongside our overall project design leads to ensure successful project delivery and outcomes for our clients. You will also have access to Stantec’s world-class expertise to help you deliver cutting edge design.About You
You’ll have experience working as a Civil Engineer on projects within sectors such as the water, environment or other related infrastructure sectors. Ideally you will hold Chartered or Incorporated member status with a relevant professional body such as ICE or CIWEM. You’ll have a passion for the water and environment sector and supporting our developing civil engineers. You’ll also be experienced in successful project delivery and working collaboratively with project teams to develop innovative solutions. Finally, you will have experience of working in a client facing role, leading client engagement and collaboration on a regular basis.
About Stantec
The Stantec community unites more than 31,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities. Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities. Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply. - Civil Engineer - Water (6331)
Civil Engineer - Water (6331)
The opportunity
Do you have a passion for Civil Engineering ? Are you driven to create solutions for the unprecedented climate, environmental, and efficiency challenges facing our clients and the wider community? Then make a real difference and join us at Stantec! We are excited to continue our growth journey in Ireland and Northern Ireland and we have exciting plans for expansion in 2025 and beyond. We look forward to continuing our work with Uisce Eireann on the Engineering Design Services Framework and in Northern Ireland, we are proud to have been appointed to Northern Ireland Water’s IF182 Professional Services Framework. Taoiseach Simon Harris recently opened our new Dublin office, and we have now also moved to a new city center office in Belfast. This exciting pipeline of work, coupled with the scale of opportunity across the AMP8 cycle in the UK means that we seeking Civil Engineers at all levels with experience in the water/wastewater industry to join us. We are flexible with location so the position can be based in Dublin, Belfast or elsewhere. You will have the opportunity to join a dynamic team spread across the UK and Ireland, supporting the delivery of a variety of projects as part of a major capital investment programme.You will play an important role in the team, developing technical solutions & providing advice to our clients. You will provide technical expertise to ensure projects are delivered to cost, schedule & quality standards and work collaboratively amongst multi-disciplinary teams to ensure first class delivery of our projects. You will work closely with external stakeholders & clients to develop long term relationships.About You
You will be Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering or other relevant subject and have some experience of working within the regulated water industry.You will have knowledge of water and wastewater infrastructure/networks and treatment. Due to the nature of upcoming projects, ideally, you will also have experience in areas such as Clean Water and Wastewater Treatment, Trunk Mains and Large Diameter Pipeline Design.Ideally, you’ll have previous consultancy experience in a design role.Most importantly, you’ll embody our values and ethos of client focus and service excellence and have a passion for making a difference in the Water sector.Why Join us?
- Our People Culture: We're a close knit team and very proud of our friendly and collaborative environment
- Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey in Ireland and Northern Ireland - we want you to be part of it!
- Awards: Stantec were awarded the International Consulting Firm of the Year and Best place to work - Large Consulting Firms at the 2024 NCE awards as well as being consistently recognised in the top 10 Corporate Knights most sustainable companies in the world.
- Great Benefits: Competitive salary, pension plan, holidays, free private medical insurance, discounted gym membership and lots more.
- Flexible working arrangements
- Great Projects: We have secured positions on both the Uisce Eireann and NI Water Frameworks and are delivering a wide variety of projects that will make a real difference to our communities
- Industry leading training and development as well as paid for professional subscriptions
About Stantec
The Stantec community unites more than 31,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities. Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities. Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply.