Modular MBR Wastewater Treatment Installation: Coftec’s First UK Project at Loggerheads

As the demand for sustainable and efficient wastewater solutions grows, Coftec’s modular MBR facility marks a significant milestone as the company’s first UK installation. Located in Loggerheads, Staffordshire, this innovative project showcases Coftec’s expertise in advanced wastewater treatment technology. Delivered in collaboration with principal contractor Coffey and utilities provider Severn Trent, construction began in Q4 2023, with the facility set to become fully operational by Q2 2025. Incorporating state-of-the-art membrane bioreactor technology, the facility’s technical specifications highlight its capability to deliver reliable, high-performance treatment on a modular scale. This advanced approach not only ensures compliance with stringent environmental standards but also demonstrates the benefits of a modular design in achieving performance, efficiency, and adaptability.

Advanced Modular MBR Technology

The design of this wastewater treatment facility prioritises both performance and efficiency through its modular approach to membrane bioreactor technology. The facility features a 3-stream modular MBR wastewater treatment plant, engineered to process wastewater at:

• Design flow rate: 22.5 l/s
• Maximum daily capacity: 1,944m³
• Population equivalent: 3,700 PE
• Design life: 20 years

The modular MBR system is specifically engineered to meet phosphorus discharge consents whilst maintaining environmental protection standards. To achieve these requirements, the facility incorporates multiple treatment stages within an integrated process design.

Process Engineering

The process design implements multiple treatment stages to ensure consistent and reliable wastewater treatment. The treatment process incorporates:

• Active sludge treatment with biological dephosphorization
• Membrane filtration for enhanced separation
• Adaptable operation to manage variable inlet pollutant loads
• Compact footprint design

This engineered process maintains stable operation across varying operational conditions while ensuring optimal efficiency. To validate the system’s effectiveness, the design incorporates specific performance parameters aligned with environmental discharge requirements.

Performance Parameters

To demonstrate how the process engineering delivers reliable treatment, the MBR system is designed to meet the following effluent quality standards:

• BOD5: < 15 mg/l
• Suspended Solids: < 5 mg/l
• Ammonia: < 3 mg/l
• Orthophosphate: < 0.3 mg/l

Each parameter represents a key indicator of treatment effectiveness, demonstrating the combined performance of the biological treatment and membrane filtration processes in removing organic matter, solids, and nutrients from the wastewater stream. To maintain these performance standards consistently, the facility employs purpose-designed infrastructure components in an integrated treatment chain.

Core Infrastructure

From preliminary treatment through to final discharge, these performance standards are achieved through a sequence of specialised process units, supported by the following infrastructure:

• Primary settlement: Two 8m diameter tanks utilising modular site-bolted stainless steel construction
• Pre-treatment: Package duty/standby inlet works
• Flow management: 600m³ equalisation tank
• Sludge handling: Containerised disc thickening system
• Process control: Integrated Motor Control Centre (MCC) systems

The integration of these components represents a comprehensive approach to modern wastewater treatment design. Each element has been selected and configured to optimise the treatment process flow, from initial screening through to final discharge. Beyond the technical specifications, the modular design approach provides distinct advantages in construction and operation.

Modular Construction Benefits

Building upon the integrated design approach of the core infrastructure, the modular construction methodology delivers significant advantages throughout the project lifecycle, including:

• Reduced on-site construction time
• Pre-tested components ensuring quality control
• Optimised spatial efficiency
• Lower carbon footprint through off-site assembly
• Standardised maintenance procedures
• Streamlined commissioning process
• Scalability for future expansion

Each of these benefits contributes to a more sustainable and efficient approach to infrastructure development in the water sector.

The facility’s design balances current treatment requirements with future capacity needs, supporting Severn Trent’s infrastructure resilience objectives. This forward-thinking approach ensures long-term value and environmental protection for the community.

Technical Support

For detailed information about our modular water treatment solutions, please use the contact form to connect with our technical team.

Alternatively you can contact us on:

Email: info@coftec.ie

Phone: +353 (0)91 844356

Web: www.coftec.ie

Our specialists are available to discuss how this innovative technology can be applied to your specific requirements.