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Welche Potenziale birgt die Abwasserwirtschaft im Sinne der Klimaschutzziele? Und welche rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen sind dabei zu berücksichtigen? Durch innovative Ansätze sowie die Einbindung in den Energiemarkt können erhebliche Effizienzpotenziale ausgeschöpft werden.

Wupperverband is using lamella separators for the upgrading of its Kohlfurth sewage treatment plant that is currently in progress. The lamellae positioned at the outlet of the biological treatment stage already remove part of the biomass in the activation basin and prevent it from reaching the final clarification stage. This preliminary separation system reduces solids concentration in the biological treatment system without negative impact on final clarification and therefore also lowers the basin capacity needed, with positive effects on costs. This article gives an overview of the separation performance achieved.

Digester gas produced at sewage plants is usually used in combined heat and power plants (CHPP) or boilers and only a minor portion is wasted in gas torches. In combination with an optimised power consumption of the sewage plant and the implementation of a co-digestion even an energy self-sufficiency of sewage plants is possible (Kolisch et al., 2009). Selling of the digester gas to external consumers or an upgrade to natural gas quality with subsequent injection into the natural gas grid might be alternatives to the conventional use. The mentioned options were investigated in consideration of the current energy consumption of sewage plants. The results show that the internal power production by a CHPP is currently most economic. However, the implementation of a local energy network in order to to deliver an energy surplus to external users can be feasible.