The upgraded plant, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, is expected to be fully commissioned by mid 2013. Once fully commissioned, the plant capacity will increase by 40% and produce effluent quality that is suitable for reuse - all within the existing infrastructure. The upgraded design consists of four trains, each treating 7000 m3/day.
Headworks will execute the process design and supply the core components of the MBBR system, including: media, aeration grids and media retention screens. Headworks will also employ its proprietary media, ActiveCell 920. The MBBR system will achieve BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) reduction and nitrification, producing effluent suitable for reuse and irrigation applications.
Gerald Seidl, senior vice president of Headworks, said: “We are pleased to be awarded this contract, and to have the opportunity to work with the Ministry of Water and Electricity to showcase our expertise. With the overwhelming demands in the MENA region for clean water, there are several applications that can benefit from our process knowledge. We look forward to successfully delivering this project and working on other opportunities with the Ministry.”
“This project highlights one of the key strengths associated with MBBR technology. We are increasing the plant’s capacity and improving the effluent quality - all within the existing footprint,” explained Afnan Din, vice president and process manager of the Gulf Region for Headworks. “After the plant is commissioned mid-year, this installation will be a showcase for maximising the use of existing assets for utilities and end users in the region.”
