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Description
The main objectives of the project are to (1) develop EMPYRIO existing (TRL5) technology compact incineration system for sewage sludge utilization prototype in a real operational environment (TRL7), (2) to test the developed prototype it in real operations Slokas wastewater treatment plant (Latvia), (3) to strengthen Ip for two main elements of the system – incinerator and dryer.
During the Project, the main activities are as follows:
- Performed industrial research and design – sludge distribution system together with Norway cooperation partner Antec Biogas AS, developing technology conceptual design.
- Experimental Prototype development and production of a compact incineration system for sewage sludge utilization, including prototype design, material and production work purchase procedures, and prototype elements’ production.
- Prototype implementation was performed successfully in steps such as prototype deployment, improvements, testing and reporting.
- Obtaining IP rights (patents) for two main elements of the system – incinerator and dryer.
Summary of project results
Every city has a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), which collects and proceeds wastewater, generating thousands of tons of sewage sludge every year. The main application of sewage sludge in Europe remains land application (mostly agricultural). So, sewage sludge, on the one hand, can be considered a harmful fertilizer for agricultural purposes because of the toxic elements content, but on the other hand, it is a valuable fertilizer due to the valuable phosphorus (P) content. Logically, the best solution would be to avoid getting toxic elements in the soil and recover valuable phosphorus from the sewage sludge. So, Project aim was to develop and demonstrate a compact system for the on-site utilization of sewage sludge at small wastewater treatment plants.
During the Project, the main activities were as follows:
- Performed industrial research and design – sludge distribution system together with Norway cooperation partner Antec Biogas AS, developing technology conceptual design.
- Experimental Prototype development and production of a compact incineration system for sewage sludge utilization, including prototype design, material and production work purchase procedures, and prototype elements’ production.
- Prototype implementation was performed successfully in steps such as prototype deployment, improvements, testing and reporting.
Obtaining IP rights (patents) for two main elements of the system – incinerator and dryer
As a result of the project implementation (TRL5) technology compact incineration system for sewage sludge utilization prototype in a real operational environment (TRL7) was developed and tested by EMPYRIO and Norway cooperation partner Antec Biogas AS. During the project implementation, EMPYRIO also strengthened IP rights for two main elements of the system – incinerator and dryer.
Finally, the importance of the project has been significant in terms of successful prototype development and testing, growth of EMPYRIO, understanding the market needs, and strengthening cooperation with Norway''s partners and scientific institutions, which will result in future opportunities.
The technology developed by EMPYRIO has the potential to revolutionize the way sewage sludge is managed worldwide. Currently, for small and medium-sized treatment plants serving populations ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 people, sewage sludge disposal poses a significant challenge. Existing methods are either inexpensive, but environmentally harmful or too costly for such municipalities. Developed EMPYRIO compact equipment in the nearest future could become a standard sewage sludge utilization solution for small and medium-sized wastewater treatment plants.
Unfortunately, the project experienced some unforeseen challenges during its realization. The complexities surrounding the ongoing conflict resulted in disruptions and delays, ultimately having a negative impact on the project''s timeline. No direct benefits were derived from the situation, as the focus shifted towards navigating the complexities and mitigating the negative consequences.
Summary of bilateral results
The project gains significant benefits from bilateral cooperation with a Project partner from Norway - Antec Biogas AS, which is a technological company with its own innovation – modular and compact biogas equipment for biogas generation from organic waste, including sewage sludge. As a result of a partnership with Norwegian Partner - Antec Biogas, AS bilateral cooperation, the Deliverable “Industrial research and design - sludge distribution system” was delivered. During the partnership, knowledge-sharing activities were ensured by the Partner sharing the similar experience of EMPYRIO for prototype development of their own biogas system. Antec Biogas AS provided key insights and analysis that helped develop and test the prototype. Antec Biogas AS analyzed the most suitable sewage sludge distribution methods, developed the concept of the necessary sewage sludge distribution solutions within a compact incineration system, as well participated in technical development task specifications for the Prototype development and testing. As the field of operation and customer segments are similar for Antec Biogas AS and EMPYRIO SIA, it positively affected cooperation including future new joint technology development. There are great possibilities for future cooperation where Antec and Empyrio solutions could be offered to wastewater treatment plants as one combined solution. In fact, there are already plans to continue this cooperation, and some Norwegian customers have expressed interest in the combined offering. This kind of win-win cooperation will be beneficial for both companies, bringing new leads and opportunities worldwide. Such support will significantly aid Empyrio in starting sales within the next 2-3 years, expanding into EU markets in 3-5 years, and reaching a global presence in 5-7 years.