The AquaCritox® SCWO is a hydrothermal oxidation process focused on treating recalcitrant waste streams. The system is suitable for wastes ranging from sewage sludge containing PFAS, to API-containing waste from pharmaceuticals, to solvent waste, and beyond. AquaCritox SCWO is the alternative to incineration for wet waste treatment. The process uses purified oxygen (>90%) as the source of oxidant and operates at optimised pressures and temperatures ranging from 221 – 260 bar and 374 – 620°C. Unlike incineration, no water is boiled off, and no harmful off-gases are generated.
| Parameter | AquaCritox SCWO |
| Feed flow rate (Design) | Up to 10 m3/hr per train |
| Feed COD | 180,000 to 300,000 mg/L |
| COD destruction | >99.9% |
The treated effluent from the AquaCritox® SCWO will be free of COD, odour, and colour. When processing sewage sludge the effluent will contain a phosphate-rich ash suitable for recovery. The table above indicates expected effluent quality relating to specific feed conditions.
Tailored solutions can be offered for waste streams with flow rates up to 10 m³/h. The main OPEX consideration for this process is related to the cost of electricity for oxygen generation followed by maintenance relating to high pressure rotating equipment.
