Sugar & Ethanol Industry Solutions
Wastewater and vinasse treatment for sugar mills and ethanol plants—high organic load handling, biogas recovery, and evaporation
Industry Overview
Sugar & Ethanol Industry Solutions
Sugar mills and ethanol distilleries generate high-strength wastewater: mill wash water, condensate, and vinasse from ethanol production. Vinasse is particularly challenging—high COD, potassium, and volume—and requires anaerobic treatment with biogas recovery plus concentration or disposal strategies. Sugar seasonality drives variable flows and loads.
Spans Envirotech provides anaerobic systems for biogas production, aerobic polishing, and evaporation/concentration for vinasse and other streams. Our solutions help mills and distilleries meet discharge norms, recover energy from biogas, and manage concentrates for fertigation or disposal.
Industry Challenges
Key Environmental Challenges
High Organic Load (Vinasse)
Vinasse COD can exceed 50,000 mg/L with high potassium and sulfate. Anaerobic treatment is essential for energy recovery and load reduction; system design must handle temperature, inhibitors, and variability.
Seasonal Operation
Sugar and ethanol production is seasonal. Treatment must start up quickly, handle peak loads, and remain viable during off-season with minimal biomass loss or maintenance.
Concentrate & Disposal
After anaerobic treatment, residual effluent may require further polishing or concentration. Evaporation and fertigation are common; design must align with local agronomic and discharge regulations.
Our Solutions
Tailored Wastewater Treatment Solutions
Anaerobic Treatment & Biogas Recovery
UASB or high-rate anaerobic reactors treat vinasse and high-COD mill streams, achieving 70-85% COD removal and producing biogas for boiler fuel or power generation. Reduces operating cost and carbon footprint.
Aerobic Polishing
Aerobic MBBR or activated sludge polish anaerobic effluent to meet discharge limits. Handles residual BOD, ammonia, and variability through the season.
Evaporation & Concentration
Multi-effect or mechanical vapor recompression evaporators concentrate vinasse or other streams for fertigation, reducing volume and transport. Integrates with anaerobic treatment for full solution.
Technologies
Proven Technologies for Your Industry
Benefits
Why Choose Spans for Your Industry
- Biogas recovery cuts energy cost and supports renewable energy goals
- Proven for vinasse and sugar mill effluent in seasonal operation
- Evaporation supports fertigation and volume reduction
- Integrated design from anaerobic to discharge or reuse
Ready to Transform Your Sugar & Ethanol Industry Solutions Operations?
Let our experts design a custom solution for your facility.