Siemens highlights recent R&D developments at Singapore International Water Week: Energy reduction key focus

Since Siemens Water Technologies opened its global R&D center in Singapore in 2007, the company has been developing innovative technologies and processes that will help customers meet their water management challenges.

At Singapore International Water Week (SIWW), held June 28-July 2, Siemens will highlight recent technological developments, including: low-energy desalination technology; a waste-to-energy sludge reduction wastewater treatment process and a membrane bioreactor (MBR) testing facility for validating new, innovative MBR design parameters. Presenting the EcoRight MBR system, Siemens will show a wastewater treatment and reuse technology co-developed with Aramco Overseas Company B.V.

“With our latest R&D projects we will allow customers to reduce life-cycle costs, decrease energy consumption, minimize waste and re-use water,” said Chuck Gordon, President and CEO of Siemens Water Technologies. Gordon added: “We will continue to invest in and move ahead with our research and development activities in Singapore for the benefit of our customers worldwide.”

When Singapore’s Environment and Water Industry Development Council (EWI) awarded Siemens with the first-ever Innovative Technology Challenge to develop advanced desalination technology, the company began working on technology that would cut energy consumption by at least 50%, compared to existing desalination processes. By the end of the year, Siemens will be delivering a demonstration unit to EWI. Tim LeTourneau of Siemens Water Technologies (R&D) ‘will present a technical paper at SIWW titled, “The Quest for Low-Energy Desalination: Prototype Results.”

Siemens recently commissioned an MBR testing facility at the Changi Water Reclamation Plant in Singapore. Full-scale testing in July will focus on increased energy savings and even more efficient operation. The 1.0 million liter/day MBR system treats domestic wastewater at the Changi plant. The test facility will allow Siemens’ R&D personnel to validate new, innovative design parameters quickly, under real conditions. The ultimate goal is to provide customers with the most sustainable, energy efficient product, and more control over plant operations.

Research on a “green” solution for wastewater treatment is another innovative project underway at Siemens’ global R&D center. This new process, which extracts energy from municipal wastewater, will result in a 50% lower sludge yield. Energy content in wastewater is harvested as biogas and converted to energy to create a plant that approaches energy independence. The lower sludge produced will mean a lower sludge handling cost for customers and less sent to the landfill. A scale-up version of the process is slated for pilot testing in October 2010, with commercial introduction scheduled for 2012.

Siemens has signed a technology license agreement with Aramco Overseas Company B.V., a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, to commercialize the EcoRight MBR, a new wastewater treatment and water reuse system. The system integrates MBR technology with additional purification processes to treat highly organic wastewaters, ensuring the cost-effective reuse of difficult-to-treat wastewater. Extensive pilot testing will begin in the next few months. When commercially available, possibly in early 2011, the system could significantly reduce capital and operating costs compared to existing biological treatment technology.

At SIWW Jens Wegmann, CEO of Siemens Industry Solutions, and Siemens Water Technologies president and CEO Chuck Gordon will participate in several panel discussions. Siemens’ R&D experts will present technical papers at the show.

Research on a “green” solution for wastewater treatment is another innovative project underway at Siemens’ global R&D center

Contact USA:
Karole Colangelo
Corporate Public Relations Manager
Siemens Water Technologies Corp.
847-713-8458 phone
E-mail address karole.colangelo@siemens.com
The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the worldwide leading supplier of environmentally friendly production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies and comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility und Osram. With around 207,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry achieved in fiscal year 2009 total sales of approximately €35 billion.

The Siemens Industry Solutions Division (Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world's leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities comprising the business activities of Siemens VAI Metals Technologies, Water Technologies and Industrial Technologies. Activities include engineering and installation, operation and service for the entire life cycle. A wide-ranging portfolio of environmental solutions helps industrial companies to use energy, water and equipment efficiently, reduce emissions and comply with environmental guidelines. With around 31,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Solutions posted sales of €6.8 billion in fiscal year 2009.