About the Project
Twenty years!; that’s how long it typically takes for toxic substances to leach from waste at Attero. The waste processor believed this period could be significantly shortened. Vicoma was engaged with the ambitious goal of reducing this timeframe to just five years. The concept was that spraying the waste with warm water would accelerate the process. To test this theory, the landfill site in Bergen op Zoom was established as a pilot location.
In this experimental remediation process, warm water plays a pivotal role. The contaminated water, known as leachate, which percolates through the waste, is collected and treated in a water treatment plant to make it suitable for reuse. The electricity required is sustainably generated via a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) installation, and the gas needed is produced from Attero’s own digestion process.
Vicoma’s Role
Vicoma made a significant contribution to the highly environmentally friendly design of the entire process and provided support across several areas.
For example, on our advice, an existing engine was modified for use as a gas engine. Vicoma also offered input on the generator’s power supply, high-voltage protection systems, the use of heat exchangers, and the integration of surplus energy feeding back into the grid.
Result
Should the process at Bergen op Zoom perform as anticipated, it will set a new industry standard. Waste processor Attero plans to roll out this process to other landfill sites as well.
Pim and his team can tell you all about Civil & Structural Engineering.
Pim Pieter Bontjer
Commercial Manager, Groningen
Main question
Reducing the leaching period of toxic substances from twenty years to five years.
Result
An existing engine was adapted for use as a gas engine based on our recommendations. Vicoma also advised on the generator’s power supply, high-voltage protection, the use of heat exchangers, and the process for feeding surplus energy back into the grid.
Accompanied by
Location
Bergen op Zoom
