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SBAP Sludge Strategy at Davyhulme WWTW

Modern thermal hydrolysis facility offering sustainable energy solutions

  • Manchester, United Kingdom

    Manchester, United Kingdom

One of the largest Thermal Hydrolysis Facilities in the world

We supported United Utilities in developing the Sludge Balanced Asset Programme at Davyhulme Wastewater Treatment Works in Manchester, UK. This innovative solution produced a sustainable, low-carbon process that increased United Utilities’ options for biosolids disposal routes, while also maximising energy recovery from biosolids and minimising project carbon footprint. It is one of the largest Thermal Hydrolysis Facilities in the world, converting sewage sludge into renewable electricity using the thermal hydrolysis process.

Enabling works include the upgrade of sludge screening and loading equipment at seven satellite sites as well as the transport of dewatered sludge from satellite sites to a purpose-built 91,000 tDS/year processing centre. Advanced digestion by thermal hydrolysis to meet enhanced (Class A) product for disposal to agricultural land is also provided, as is co-generation, with biogas cleaning for enhanced CHP engine efficiency. Up to 32,000 tDS/year of the sludge recycled to land as a Class A cake product, and the remainder of sludge is pumped to the MVPC for EFW generation.

Our team’s key aim was to determine the most cost-effective solution that would satisfy the expectations of neighbouring residents and businesses, while not exposing the client to undue levels of risk. It was also our focus to construct the plant with minimal disruption to site operations and within a very tight schedule.

We assessed the greenhouse gas emissions associated with construction and future operation of two alternative sludge processing options for Lancashire, UK. The total carbon generation was calculated using Defra’s guidance on shadow pricing, including carbon from chemical production and transport, emissions associated with energy use, and transport of sludge and waste. This was used to support a revised proposal to the economic regulator to change the solution from raw energy from waste treatment to advanced sludge digestion, which has a lower carbon footprint.

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • United Utilities
Meet Our Team

Cath Schefer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer – Global

I’m passionate about bringing the combined knowledge and expertise of Stantec’s people across the world to deliver great projects for our clients and communities.
Cath Schefer Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer – Global Read More

Liz Chapman, Director of Technical Design Services

Innovation isn’t just about thinking up new ideas; it can also be about bringing ideas from elsewhere and adopting them.

Scott Jackson, Regional Director, Water

I have an open and honest leadership style which helps my team deliver innovative project solutions for our clients and communities.

Craig McMaster, Head of Programme Management and Integrator Services

Supporting our clients create high performing enterprise structures for the efficient delivery of major capital investments is the foundation of my role at Stantec.
Craig McMaster Head of Programme Management and Integrator Services Read More

John Ord, Business Director, Energy & Resources

The UK energy business is changing rapidly. We assist our clients across the industry to shape and improve transitional and future energy projects.

Timothy Williams, Strategic Growth & Business Development Director, Water

Communication at all levels, within and between organisations, is paramount to business success.
Timothy Williams Strategic Growth & Business Development Director, Water Read More

Jamie Woods, Regional Director, Water Cycle

Collaboration has always been at the heart of my approach – not just in technical delivery, but also business leadership.

Cath Schefer

Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer – Global

Liz Chapman

Director of Technical Design Services

Scott Jackson

Regional Director, Water

Craig McMaster

Head of Programme Management and Integrator Services

John Ord

Business Director, Energy & Resources

Timothy Williams

Strategic Growth & Business Development Director, Water

Jamie Woods

Regional Director, Water Cycle

We’re better together

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    Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.

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