Singapore’s Advanced Wastewater Treatment Technologies Wins Global Recognition
Jun 05, 2018
Singapore’s Advanced Wastewater Treatment Technologies Wins Global Recognition.
PUB’s continuous R&D; and innovation efforts to improve the efficiency of its water treatment process and operations has earned itself a feather in its cap. Its wastewater treatment demonstration plant at Ulu Pandan, set up specially to test advanced used water treatment processes before full deployment in future, has captured global attention and won the Water/Wastewater Project of the Year Award at the 2018 Global Water Awards in Paris, France.
This International Award recognises the most important achievements in the global water industry and acknowledges innovative technological advancements. As Singapore reclaims, recycles and re-treats used water, PUB constantly seeks ways to maximise water efficiency and lower energy use in the whole process.
The Ulu Pandan wastewater treatment demonstration plant, which started operating in 2017, was jointly developed by PUB and the Black & Veatch + AECOM Joint Venture. The demonstration plant enables PUB to test and validate advanced wastewater treatment technologies, allowing it to mitigate any operating risks before incorporating the technologies at a larger scale, at the future Tuas WRP.
The Tuas WRP is constructed as part of the Phase 2 Deep Tunnel Sewage System (DTSS) that will meet Singapore’s used water collection, treatment and disposal needs. When completed in 2025, Tuas WRP will be the largest membrane bioreactor (MBR) facility in the world, with a 30% more compact footprint compared to conventional plants.
Ulu Pandan Wastewater Treatment Demonstration Plant
The Ulu Pandan wastewater demonstration plant features a novel combination of treatment processes which include space-efficient inclined lamella primary settling tanks and a membrane bioreactor (MBR) system. These features shorten the process of wastewater treatment while also reducing energy usage and maximising biogas production (which can generate energy) as well as help reduce plant footprint.
At the same time, the Ulu Pandan wastewater treatment demonstration plant also incorporates automation control to reduce manpower requirements. This 12,500m3/day (2.75 million imperial gallons per day) facility is currently housed at PUB’s Ulu Pandan Water Reclamation Plant. These tested technologies will enable the future Tuas WRP to be more energy efficient – doubling the energy recovery while consuming lesser energy compared to conventional plants.
“R&D is the key driver to Singapore achieving a robust management system across the entire water loop and PUB continues to innovate to increase the efficiency of water and wastewater treatment. The Ulu Pandan wastewater treatment demonstration plant has allowed us to validate and set new standards for wastewater treatment while fulfilling our need to bring down energy use, keep things compact in land-scarce Singapore and reduce reliance on manpower. The success of this demonstration plant will ensure that the future Tuas WRP and its integrated NEWater factory can contribute sustainably towards the goal of increasing Singapore’s overall water recycling rate,” said Harry Seah, Assistant Chief Executive (Future Systems and technology), PUB.
The Black & Veatch + AECOM Joint Venture serves as the program manager for Singapore’s Deep Tunnel Sewerage System Phase 2 project and the consultant for the Ulu Pandan wastewater demonstration plant.
“Singapore continues to be at the leading edge of innovation in the water industry. This award recognises the results of harnessing advances in digital water technology together with the latest advanced water treatment processes to realize operational, economic and environmental sustainability goals at the Ulu Pandan wastewater demonstration plant,” said Cindy Wallis-Lage, President of Black & Veatch’s Water Business.
“The BV-AECOM joint venture is proud to partner with PUB to continually set global standards in integrated water management that ensures sustainable high quality water for Singaporeans. This award is a milestone in our partnership with PUB, and we look forward to contribute further to new advances in Singapore’s water management efforts,” said Billy Wong, Regional Executive for Southeast Asia at AECOM.
About PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency
PUB is a statutory board under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. It is the national water agency, and manages Singapore’s water supply, water catchment and used water in an integrated way. PUB has ensured a diversified and sustainable supply of water for Singapore with the Four National Taps (local catchment water, imported water, NEWater, desalinated water). PUB calls on everyone to play a part in conserving water, in keeping our waterways clean, and in caring for Singapore’s precious water resources. If we all do our little bit, there will be enough water for all our needs – for commerce and industry, for living, for life.
About Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch is an employee-owned, global leader in building critical human infrastructure in Energy, Water, Telecommunications and Government Services. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people in over 100 countries through consulting, engineering, construction, operations and program management. Our revenues in 2017 were US$3.4 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and in social media.
More News and Articles
Apr 26, 2024
News
Bothar’s cutting head innovation
The trenchless industry in Australia continues to grow and the need to provide customised solutions becomes vital for a leading subsurface contractor.
Recognising the need for advanced solutions to meet the growing …
Apr 24, 2024
News
Sustainable drainage solutions: German Start-up transforms urban water management.
Germany boasts a well-established infrastructure for managing rainwater and wastewater, yet many developing countries lack such systems. Addressing this gap, …
Apr 22, 2024
News
HDD tooling that gets the job done
Horizontal directional drilling is a dynamic process that constantly changes and adapts to suit a range of applications across utilities and infrastructure. Operators looking to get the most from their equipment …
Apr 19, 2024
News
WATCH: Overnight with SAERTEX-LINER H20 in São Paulo
Available through Pipe Core, high-quality liner SAERTEX-LINER H20 performed under pressure in São Paulo, Brazil.
Maintaining aging potable water pipe infrastructure is a constant challenge …
Apr 17, 2024
News
Immersive media provides wastewater experience in Denmark
An immersive media experience (IMX) may not be what most people want when they think about industrial wastewater, but that is exactly what visitors can expect when they visit a new installation …
Apr 15, 2024
News
Spotlight on gender diversity at Pipe Core
Since founding in 2008, Pipe Core’s team has grown across all areas of the business and is now in a position where there are more females than males across the organisation. Research published in Harvard …
Apr 12, 2024
News
New Wave of Startups Scale Innovation to Solve Global Water Challenges
Innovators from Around the World Join Xylem’s 2024 Accelerator Program to Deploy Breakthrough Innovations for Utilities and Industrial Users of Water
A new group of startups …
Apr 08, 2024
News
Integrated sustainable electricity and clean drinking water systems
Altitude Water and New Use Energy Solutions have partnered to create integrated, mobile solar-plus-water generation systems that produce sustainable electricity and clean drinking …
Apr 05, 2024
News
How to Evaluate Hydraulic Fracture Risk in HDD Design
The design of horizontal directional drill (HDD) installations often requires an evaluation of the potential for hydraulic fracture of the soil layers through which an HDD passes. Evaluating …
Apr 02, 2024
News
Historic Project Linking Rome and Vatican City Uses Advanced Technology and Local Knowledge to Keep Water Flowing
Relocation of Major Sewer Infrastructure Enables Construction of Pedestrian Link for 35 Million Visitors to the 2025 Jubilee
Water …
Mar 27, 2024
News
USU Study Looks at Water Main Break Rates in the U.S. and Canada
Report Highlights Correlation Between Material and Diameter
Utah State University (USU) has published new research on water main breaks in the United States and Canada, examining …
Mar 26, 2024
News
Update BE-21: New Material in Course and Modules on Trenchless Pipe Installation
Online training on the topic of pipeline installation in civil engineering: Trenchless technology for underground drainage construction can be a resource-efficient, …
Contact
PUB
40 Scotts Road #22-01
228231 Singapore
Singapore
Phone:
+65 6225 5782