on Arla Process and Packaging Facility in Aylesbury will process up to one billion litres of milk a year from British farms. Arla planned the new Dairy as a showcase of sustainable development, applying advanced process technologies and renewable energy solutions, targeting a zero carbon facility with zero waste to landfill.To support this concept, Veolia installed a Memthane® wastewater treatment solution with additional rainwater harvesting system.
Memthane® is an Anaerobic Membrane Bio-Reactor (AnMBR) which maximizes renewable energy production while producing superb quality effluent that can be reused or discharged directly to sewer. The leading-edge technology, developed by Veolia subsidiary Biothane, delivers a unique, small footprint solution that offers an array of benefits, reducing disposal costs while generating valuable biogas.
Throughout the design stage, Arla evaluated the potential impact of the dairy on the environment and was committed to utilising the best available construction techniques, advanced process technologies and cutting edge renewable energy opportunities. Accordingly the biogas generated by the Memthane® process will be used to fuel the on-site CHP plant, helping Arla in its aim to be the first zero carbon fresh milk processing facility in the world.
The Memthane® wastewater treatment plant at the Arla dairy treats just over 500m³ per day of wastewater, typically containing 10-12 g/l TCOD. The average TCOD load within the feed is approximately 5.2 tonnes/day.
Despite the high concentration, and variation, of TCOD within the influent, the Memthane® system has continuously maintained a removal efficiency of nearly 100%. Based on all 2014 data, the average TCOD removal is 99.4%. Additionally, the pore size of the UF membranes ensures a permeate that is effectively free from suspended solids.
Commissioning of the new dairy, including the Veolia Memthane® treatment system, was completed in late 2013, with the official site opening in May 2014.
