Anaerobic and aerobic biological processes that harness microorganisms to break down brewery organics, converting high-BOD wastewater into biogas and clean effluent.
Compact craft brewery wastewater treatment and microbrewery effluent solutions.
Scaleable wastewater treatment for craft breweries, microbreweries and commercial production facilities.
Navigate global brewery wastewater standards. Country-specific discharge limits, equipment certifications and compliance.
Adaptive treatment systems for breweries with seasonal or batch production.
Biological treatment leverages naturally occurring bacteria to metabolize organic compounds in brewery wastewater. The process converts soluble and colloidal organics into biomass, carbon dioxide, water, and in anaerobic systems - valuable biogas.
Complex organics (proteins, carbs, fats) are broken down into simpler compounds by extracellular enzymes
Simpler compounds are converted to volatile fatty acids (VFAs) by acid-forming bacteria
VFAs are converted to acetic acid, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide
Methane-forming archaea produce biogas (60-70% CH4, 30-40% CO2)
Choose the optimal biological system based on your brewery's BOD loading, space constraints, and energy recovery goals.
Most popular for breweries
Combines activated sludge with membrane filtration, producing exceptional effluent quality in a compact footprint. Ideal for breweries with space constraints or strict discharge limits.
Flexible batch operation
Single-tank system that operates in timed sequences, providing excellent treatment with simple operation. Handles variable flows well - perfect for batch brewery operations.
Energy recovery
Anaerobic system that converts organics to biogas while treating high-strength wastewater. Produces 80-90% less sludge than aerobic systems with valuable biogas for boiler fuel.
High-rate anaerobic
Advanced high-rate anaerobic reactor with internal circulation for superior mixing and biomass retention. Handles very high organic loads with minimal footprint.
Biological treatment is the preferred choice for most brewery wastewater applications. Here's when it makes the most sense:
< 3,000 mg/L: Aerobic MBR or SBR is ideal. Lower capital cost, excellent effluent quality.
3,000 - 8,000 mg/L: MBR with specialised membranes, or consider anaerobic + aerobic combination.
8,000 - 20,000 mg/L: UASB or IC reactor for biogas recovery, followed by aerobic polishing.
> 20,000 mg/L: High-rate anaerobic (IC) essential for energy recovery and efficient treatment.
Limited space: MBR provides smallest footprint. IC reactor for high-strength streams.
Moderate space: SBR or conventional activated sludge systems work well.
Ample space: UASB with aerobic polishing is efficient for larger breweries.
Very strict (BOD < 30 mg/L): MBR provides the most reliable compliance.
Moderate (BOD 50-100 mg/L): SBR or anaerobic + aerobic combination.
Pre-treatment only: UASB alone may suffice for discharge to municipal sewer.
Yes - prioritise biogas: UASB or IC reactor generates 80-90% of energy needs.
Lower priority: MBR or SBR with focus on treatment performance and simplicity.
Operating requirements of -0.80/m³ are 3-5x lower than AOP. Anaerobic systems generate biogas -0.30/m³.
Natural process using microorganisms. Anaerobic systems produce renewable energy and minimal sludge.
Decades of successful brewery applications. Predictable performance with proper design and operation.
Anaerobic systems produce 0.3-0.4 m³ biogas per kg COD removed. Can offset 60-80% of brewery's thermal energy.
Anaerobic systems produce 80-90% less sludge than aerobic. Reduces disposal requirements significantly.
SBR and MBR systems handle variable flows and loads common in brewery operations.
Spent grain, wort residues, and sugars are readily biodegradable. Perfect feedstock for advanced biological treatment with rapid BOD removal.
Yeast cells and protein from fermentation provide nitrogen for bacterial growth. C:N ratio is typically favourable.
Hot CIP wastewater (60-80°C) requires cooling before advanced biological treatment. Heat recovery systems can be integrated.
Acid and caustic CIP cycles create pH swings. Equalization tanks with pH control are essential for biological system protection.
Brewing cycles create intermittent high-strength flows. Equalization is critical for stable biological performance.
Melanoidins from malt roasting can persist through advanced biological treatment. May require AOP polishing for colour removal.
Flow and loading balancing essential for stable biological performance. Includes pH neutralisation.
View TanksPre-treatment to remove yeast and solids before advanced biological treatment, reducing organic load.
View DAFRemove spent grain and hop debris to protect downstream biological equipment.
View ScreensGas collection, storage, and utilisation systems for anaerobic reactors.
Biogas SystemsOnline BOD, pH, DO, and biogas analysers for optimised biological operation.
SCADA SystemsScaleable wastewater treatment for craft breweries, microbreweries and commercial production facilities.
View PageOur engineers will analyse your wastewater and recommend the optimal Treatment Process.
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