Suez Water Spain and Aqana’s DACS

Aqana’s DACS® wastewater treatment technology commissioned at Zuvamesa orange juice factory, Spain

Suez Water Spain has designed and commissioned an anaerobic water treatment plant using DACS® – patented anaerobic technology from Aqana.

DACS® stands for Downflow Anaerobic Carrier System, is a high rate anaerobic process, utilising specially designed plastic carriers with a unique hydraulic pattern. Anaerobic bacteria can easily attach to this carrier which results in a very large surface area for enhanced biological activity.

This enhanced biological activity is an important feature to be able to treat the high organic load of the waste water that results from the juice manufacturing process.

Zuvamesa has increased its effluent treatment capacity without having to expand the size of its wastewater treatment facility.

The DACS® plant has been designed to treat 40 ton COD and 3,000 m³ wastewater daily.

Two years of preparation

Suez Water Spain and Zuvamesa have been working together for over two years on the operation and maintenance of its effluent treatment plant in its Sagunto factory, near Valencia, Spain.

Choosing to install DACS® technology emphasises Zuvamesa’s commitment to their circular economy strategy, closing the loop of the life cycle of products through recycling and reuse.

Less sludge, more biogas

In absence of oxygen, the anaerobic bacteria break down the organic matter in the wastewater generating biogas with a high methane concentration.

Zuvamesa reuses 100 percent of the biogas in its thermal power generation processes for water treatment and for the juice manufacturing.

Energy costs are also reduced – compared with aerobic treatment – as there is no need to aerate the reactor. Furthermore, the volume of sludge generated is reduced and the necessary footprint to treat the effluent is smaller.

Zuvamesa: Created in 2005, Zuvamesa is Spain’s largest producers and exporters of citrus fruits, supported by professionals with extensive experience in the fruit industry. Company specializes in the NFC (not from concentrate) juices from oranges, mandarins, and clementines, using the finest raw materials, the most innovative technology and expert staff.