Original Contract Value: ~ CA$11.7M
This is an active, current, on-going project, so come back later for updates!
Annacis Island WWTP Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) Demonstration Plant Contract involves the Site Preparation, Installation, Tie-in Connections and Commissioning of a demonstration-scale HTL plant at the Annacis Island Wastewater Treatment Plant (AIWWTP). The project’s primary intent is to advance HTL technology by thoroughly assessing its technical and economic feasibility for processing wastewater sludge into biocrude at a demonstration scale. The facility is anticipated to operate for one year to assess viability in a WWTP setting and explore product/waste stream characteristics based on different influent sludge ratios.
The scope of work for this contract includes:
- Installation of the HTL Demonstration Plant, encompassing both Contractor-supplied and Corporation-supplied equipment. This includes installing key equipment like tanks (such as effluent storage tanks, double-wall biocrude storage tanks, and a sludge holding tank with a vertical mixer), various pumps (including sump pumps, centrifugal pumps for effluent unloading, and progressive cavity pumps), a containerized sludge dewatering centrifuge, an air compressor, and a packaged odour control system. Structural steel for components like pipe supports is also included.
- Installation of process and yard piping, instrumentation, controls, a power distribution trailer, a controls trailer, and other associated components. Piping tie-ins to existing WWTP infrastructure are a critical part of the work.
- Performing tie-in connections to the existing WWTP infrastructure. This requires a specific methodology to maintain uninterrupted WWTP operation and protect existing infrastructure, coordinating with AIWWTP operations staff, the Owner’s Engineer, and Corporation staff. A shutdown and tie-in plan must be prepared and submitted.
- Commissioning of the facility. This includes start-up and testing activities. The Contractor coordinates with equipment suppliers for these services.
Turning Waste into Fuel
Discover how the Annacis Island Wastewater Treatment Plant is pioneering a technology to convert sewage into renewable biofuel.
Every day, Metro Vancouver’s wastewater treatment plants handle millions of litres of wastewater. After cleaning the water, a nutrient-rich organic material called biosolids remains. While these biosolids are often used as fertilizer, managing the large quantities produced is a growing challenge.
To address this, Metro Vancouver is launching a groundbreaking pilot project at the Annacis Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. This project uses an innovative process to transform these biosolids into a sustainable, low-carbon biofuel.
What is Hydrothermal Liquefaction?
The technology behind this project is called Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL). Think of it as a high-tech pressure cooker that mimics the way crude oil is naturally formed, but in a fraction of the time.
- Input: Wet biosolids (sewage sludge) are fed into the system.
- High Heat & Pressure: The sludge is heated to around 350°C and subjected to high pressure.
- Transformation: In minutes, the organic material breaks down into four products: biocrude, gas, water, and solid char.
Video copyrighted by Metro Vancouver. Watch Hydrothermal Liquefaction Explainer on YouTube.
The Annacis Island Pilot Project
This demonstration plant is the first of its kind in the world to use municipal wastewater sludge at this scale. The main goals are:
- Assess the Technology: To test if HTL is a technically and economically viable long-term solution for the region.
- Create Renewable Fuel: The primary product, biocrude, can be refined by partners like Parkland Fuel into low-carbon transportation fuels for planes, ships, and trucks.
- Reduce Biosolids: The process significantly reduces the final volume of solids that need to be managed.
The demonstration plant is scheduled to be built by 2025 and will run for approximately two years to gather data and perfect the process.
Why This Matters for Our Region?
Circular Economy
It turns a waste product into a valuable resource, creating a closed-loop system that benefits our economy and environment.
Climate Action
The biofuel produced is a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector.
Sustainable Innovation
This project positions Metro Vancouver as a global leader in sustainable wastewater management and resource recovery.
References and Further Readings
- Metro Vancouver. “Hydrothermal Liquefaction Explainer.” YouTube.
- Metro Vancouver. “Recovering Resources from Wastewater.” metrovancouver.org.
- Metro Vancouver. “Annacis Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.” metrovancouver.org.
- Delta Optimist. “Projects at Delta’s Annacis Island sewage plant to cost billions.”
- IEA Bioenergy. “Evaluation of On-site Biological Treatment Options for Hydrothermal Liquefaction Aqueous Phase Derived from Municipal Sludge.” (UBC Library)
The featured image is a screenshot from Metro Vancouver’s “Hydrothermal Liquefaction Explainer” video.