Case Study: Urban Utilities improves ammonia control and energy efficiency with Pensar's bioreactor upgrade

Urban Utilities upgrades 6 bioreactors with Pensar to cut ammonia and save energy

Urban Utilities faced the challenge of upgrading the control systems for six bioreactors at their Luggage Point Resource Recovery Centre while the plant remained fully operational. This required careful coordination to avoid disruptions. Pensar was engaged to perform the detailed design, supply, installation, and commissioning necessary to automate the Post Anoxic Aeration Zone (PAAZ) and enable more efficient ammonia management.

Pensar implemented a solution involving new instrumentation, PLC, and SCADA programming to allow the bioreactors to switch automatically between aerobic and anoxic modes based on real-time ammonia readings. This upgrade not only improved control over effluent quality but also introduced significant energy savings by ensuring aeration only runs when needed. The project was completed successfully with zero issues during construction and commissioning, ultimately providing urban utilities with a system that reduces ammonia concentrations and benefits the wider recycled water scheme.

Urban Utilities