The strategic distribution of both facilities enables more efficient sludge logistics while significantly reducing transport distances.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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From wastewater to valuable energy<\/h2>\n
On average, the dewatered sludge still contains 73% water and 27% dry solids. Upon arrival, it is automatically stored in receiving bunkers and day silos. Sludge pumps then transport the material to the belt dryers, where it is spread into thin strands across the drying belt to maximise the contact surface with the warm air. The warm air, heated using industrial waste heat, dries the sludge in a closed air circulation system. Condensate is treated, process air is purified, and the dried sludge is compressed into pellets that are automatically transported to storage silos.<\/p>\n
The drying process significantly increases the energy value of the sludge. This allows it to be processed in the SlibMonoVerwerker (SMV), where electricity and industrial steam are produced, with phosphorus recovery planned as a future step.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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Waste heat as the key to carbon neutrality<\/h2>\n
The use of low-grade waste heat lies at the heart of the project. The heat is used directly without being converted into electricity, preventing unnecessary energy losses. These projects demonstrate how industrial symbiosis can play a vital role in the energy transition<\/a> by maximising the value of existing residual energy streams.<\/p>\n
The sludge drying facilities represent an important milestone in Aquafin\u2019s long-term strategy. From 2027 onwards, approximately 66% of Flanders\u2019 sewage sludge will be processed through the SlibMonoVerwerker. By 2040, Aquafin aims to achieve a fully circular treatment process in which energy generation and raw material recovery go hand in hand.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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Designed for continuous operation<\/h2>\n
The facilities operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Thanks to a high level of automation, they can continue running throughout the night and during weekends without permanent on-site staffing. Large storage capacities and intelligent process control ensure reliable and efficient performance.<\/p>\n
The limited available space required all process equipment, buildings and technical installations to be integrated into an exceptionally compact design. Deep sludge bunkers, settlement-sensitive ground conditions and heavy process equipment demanded a multidisciplinary approach. A central 3D model formed the foundation for collaboration across all engineering disciplines.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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Designing with respect for the environment<\/h3>\n
Noise, odour and emissions were considered from the very first design phase. Innovative airlock systems minimise odour nuisance, while advanced air treatment systems and biofilters ensure the lowest possible environmental impact.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>
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Safety from the very first design phase<\/h3>\n
Safety remained a priority throughout the entire project. Sweco carried out HAZOP, HAZID, ATEX, SIL and PED analyses and provided machine safety support. Fire safety<\/a> was fully integrated through fire compartmentation, automatic fire detection, extinguishing systems, CO detection, evacuation studies and emergency procedures.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>
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Designed for maintenance and long-term performance<\/h3>\n
All installations are easily accessible for inspection and maintenance. A maintenance overhead crane, epoxy flooring, dry pump rooms and battery-backed uninterruptible power supply systems enhance operational reliability while reducing maintenance costs throughout the facility’s lifecycle.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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Sweco’s role<\/h2>\n
Sweco supported the consortium from the tender phase onwards and remained involved throughout the entire project delivery. Its multidisciplinary expertise covered architecture<\/a>, structural engineering, building services, environmental permitting, process safety, detailed engineering and commissioning. By bringing together specialists from Buildings, Industry, Infrastructure, and Energy & Environment, Sweco developed an integrated design in which every discipline was seamlessly coordinated.<\/p>\n
The Aquafin sludge drying facilities demonstrate how integrated engineering, circular energy solutions<\/a> and innovative process technology can contribute to a carbon-neutral wastewater treatment<\/a> chain. By replacing fossil fuels with industrial waste heat and transforming sewage sludge into a valuable source of energy and raw materials, Aquafin and its partners are building future-proof infrastructure<\/a> for Flanders.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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How can we help you?<\/h3> <\/div>\n
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\n How can we help your business? A team of experts is ready to assist you and see how we can help with your inquiry. When you submit this form, someone from our team will get in touch with you. This form is intended solely for more information about our Sweco business solutions.\r\n <\/div>\n\n
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