AMOF-Fjell makes wastewater evaporate into thin air

Globally, 80 per cent of wastewater flows back into the ecosystem without being treated or reused. One source of wastewater is industrial discharge, which may contain hydrocarbons, heavy metals and other pollutants.

“Not all wastewater can be dumped into the sewerage system due to regulations. It needs special treatment, but the trouble and expense of properly handling all that wastewater creates challenges for industry,” says Jansen.

AMOF-Fjell delivers a wastewater evaporation plant for treating contaminated water from industry. Such water comes from waste oil collection, offshore oil and shipping activities, and land-based industry. The plant uses evaporation technology to remove most of the water from wastewater streams.

“Our plant can take over 5 000 kilos of contaminated water and reduce it by almost 93 per cent. This eliminates the problem of handling and transporting huge amounts of liquid. Companies can more easily make the sustainable choice,” says Jansen.

After evaporation, the vapour is condensed and pumped through a bio-filter, as there may be small amounts of organic matter in the condensate. Condensate that comes from the bio-filter is clean and can be discharged safely.

The remaining solids are processed into other useful products, such as new lubricating oil, or disposed of in accordance with regulations.

AMOF-Fjell custom designs each plant. “We specialise in creating the right solution for each customer. We deliver the entire solution – all the equipment, heat exchanger, pipes, pumps and programming. Everything,” says Jansen.

AMOF-Fjell takes an eco-friendly approach to wastewater treatment. The solution reduces carbon emissions by dramatically reducing wastewater transport. It also facilitates the re-refinery and reuse of waste oil into useful products that can re-enter the value chain.

Energy circularity is an added bonus. “We often use waste energy from nearby industries to run our plants, which in turn helps them to cool down their waste streams. It’s a win-win for everybody,” says Jansen.

When waste heat is used as a power source, the evaporators consume little or no external energy.

In addition, sustainability means cost savings for the companies. With the evaporation plant, companies can significantly reduce their transport and energy consumption costs.

The industrial wastewater treatment market is projected to reach USD 18 billion by 2028. Jansen expects sustainability to be a key market factor in the coming years.

“Companies are putting more focus on waste streams and waste energy. Stricter environmental regulations are anticipated, and many companies are seeking a greener profile,” says Jansen.

“The prospect of harnessing free energy from a circular model is appealing as well,” he adds.

An emerging market for AMOF-Fjell is hospitals, which generate pollution from antibiotics, contrast liquids and the like.

A process and engineering company, AMOF-Fjell develops and delivers custom-made processing plants for various onshore and offshore industries worldwide. These include compact fishmeal processing plants and sludge treatment plants.