Stemwede wastewater treatment plant: renewal of the mechanical pre-treatment system during ongoing plant operation
At the Stemwede wastewater treatment plant in North Rhine-Westphalia, a major infrastructure project has been successfully completed in recent months: The plant’s mechanical pre-treatment system has been completely renewed. This involved the removal of two ageing screens and the refurbishment of the concrete channel. Subsequently, two modern HUBER Multi-Rake Bar Screen RakeMax® units with 5 mm bar spacing and a high-performance HUBER Wash Press WAP were installed. In addition, a HUBER Coanda Grit Washer RoSF4 has been operating reliably at the plant since 2004.
Complex construction work
The work was carried out whilst the plant was operating as normal. This placed high demands on planning, coordination and collaboration. Downtime or reductions in wastewater treatment performance had to be avoided at all costs. To ensure this, the project was divided into two clearly separate stages: First, one screen was replaced whilst the second string ensured continued operation. Subsequently, the second section of the plant was refurbished.
In addition to replacing the mechanical equipment, a comprehensive refurbishment of the concrete channel was also required. This structural work was necessary to ensure the new technology could be optimally integrated and to establish the plant’s long-term operational reliability.
A partnership of equals
A key factor in the project’s success was the close and trusting collaboration between the plant operator and HUBER SE. From detailed planning through coordination of the construction phases right through to commissioning, both sides worked in close coordination. The shared goal: a reliable, high-performance and future-proof pre-treatment system for the Stemwede sewage treatment works.
The wastewater plant manager, Sandro Menne, gives a thoroughly positive assessment: ‘This project has shown what is possible when everyone involved pulls together. Despite the work being carried out whilst the plant was in operation, everything went smoothly – that’s exactly how you imagine such a project to go.’
Greater efficiency and operational reliability
With the new screening technology and the integrated wash press, the mechanical pre-treatment system in Stemwede is now state-of-the-art. The plant benefits from higher separation efficiency, improved screenings treatment and, overall, increased operational reliability. The project in Stemwede is therefore a successful example of how even challenging refurbishment measures in existing facilities can be implemented when planning, technology and collaborative partnership go hand in hand.
