LBV Captures Biogas from Anaerobic Digestion of Dairy Wastewater
The Customer:
Laticínios Bela Vista Ltda. (LBV) is the fifth largest dairy food producer in Brazil with three plants processing over 3 million liters of milk per day. The company makes over 100 different products for LBV’s brands: Piracanjuba, Pirakids, Leitbom, and others.
The Customer’s Needs:
LBV expanded their plant in Bela Vista de Goiás and evaluated wastewater treatment options that would meet the company’s commitment to sustainable growth and protection of the environment. LBV selected an anaerobic digestion treatment system proven to treat dairy wastewater. Anaerobic digestion also provides the added value of biogas that can be used as a fuel. The digester required a containment liner, process piping, and a gastight cover to capture the biogas.
The Solution:
Geomembrane Technologies Inc. (GTI) was contracted to design and install the liner, piping, and cover for the 70 m x 140 m (230 ft x 460 ft) digester. The built-to-last geomembrane liner was especially designed for wastewater containment. Piping was fitted in the digester for influent, sludge, and effluent systems with supports and penetrations compatible with the geomembrane liner. The insulated floating cover was designed to collect the biogas generated by the digester, while providing safe access and low maintenance requirements for plants operators. The cover was custom-designed with hatches for mixers and ports for sampling. All components were made of materials sourced in Brazil.
The Results:
GTI is proud to have provided a quality installation that helps LBV meet their goals for sustainable growth. The system is designed to generate 1,440 m³/h of biogas from the anaerobic digester, which is sent to the plant’s boiler, helping lower energy costs.
LBV will benefit from the value of the components provided by GTI, including:
- Containment of the wastewater and protection of groundwater resources
- System control through internal pipework
- Foul odor control
- Thermal protection to enhance anaerobic digestion
- Efficient and safe biogas collection for use as fuel
- Low maintenance, including self-drainage of rainwater