Northumbrian Water Ltd (NWL) has awarded Aker Kvaerner a GBP 28 million contract to design, construct, install and commission a facility to extend the treatment capabilities of the existing regional sludge treatment centre (RSTC) at Bran Sands on Teesside in the UK. All engineering work including civil design will be carried out by Aker Kvaerner's Engineering Services' business in Stockton-on-Tees. Scope of services also includes supply of specialist advanced digestion thermal hydrolysis equipment and performance testing after commissioning.

Following a strategic review of its sludge strategy, including Bran Sands, which is one of Northumbrian Water's largest sites, the company concluded that current processes are maintenance and energy intensive. The new project is therefore seeking to minimise whole life plant costs, whilst producing an enhanced, treated product suitable for disposal to agriculture.

Donna Rawlinson, Project Manager for Northumbrian Water Ltd. commented, "Aker Kvaerner already delivers projects at the site as part of the five-year capital maintenance framework that was awarded in 2005. This new project will require extensive integration with the existing assets, so Aker Kvaerner's project execution capability was a deciding factor in this contract award."

Dave Ley, President of Aker Kvaerner Engineering Services, added, "Aker Kvaerner is proud to have won this important contract with Northumbrian Water Ltd. and to have the opportunity to build upon the successful framework we have already established.  We have key specialists within the water sector and specific project experience with Northumbrian Water to draw upon to help further improve the environmental performance of the facility."

Engineering will start immediately with a project completion date set for June 2009. Plant start up is expected in December 2008.

Northumbrian Water opted for advanced digestion using the thermal hydrolysis process to deliver an enhanced treated product and operational cost savings. This will generate energy for the site and also offer best solids destruction capability. Aker Kvaerner concluded that Cambi THP provided the most appropriate solution. The scope is for a 40,000 Total Dry Solids (TDS)/annum advanced digestion thermal hydrolysis plant and associated ancillary systems including Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and extensive cake handling equipment.