Biogas Training with local WWTP Process Controllers

A practical training on anaerobic sludge treatment and biogas utilisation was recently conducted at the East Bank WWTW in Buffalo City. A central element of the training was the project’s pilot-scale anaerobic digestion unit, which has been installed and commissioned on site in recent months.

The training combined theoretical background with practical insights. In the classroom session, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of sludge treatment, key principles of anaerobic digestion, and a comparison with conventional aerobic processes. Theoretical inputs were complemented by site-specific calculation examples, enabling participants to better understand the technical, operational and financial implications for the existing plant. These include reduced energy consumption, lower sludge production and increased treatment capacity.

The practical session took place directly at the demonstration unit. Participants were guided through the system layout, process flow, and core operational aspects of the installation, including monitoring and control considerations. This on-site component provided valuable insight into how anaerobic sludge treatment can be implemented under real-world conditions.

A highlight of the training was the live biogas demonstration. Biogas produced by the plant had been pre-collected in a storage bag and was used during the session to operate a portable gas stove adapted to use biogas. Both the storage bag and the stove were provided by (B)energy, a German biogas company focused on making biogas accessible, particularly for cooking applications. This interactive demonstration illustrated the tangible energy potential of sludge-derived biogas and was met with great enthusiasm by the participants.

Overall, the training strengthened both technical understanding and practical awareness of anaerobic treatment solutions, supporting knowledge transfer and capacity building within the project.