Netherlands' based Grontmij signed a licensing agreement with US company Lotepro Environmental Systems and Services to introduce the patented SHARON technology to the US market. The single reactor system for high activity ammonia removal over nitrate (SHARON) system purifies wastewater streams rich in nitrogen.
A cooperative effort between the Technical University in Delft, the "Zuiveringsschap Hollandse Eilanden en Waarden" and Grontmij Consulting Engineers led to the development of the system. SHARON is designed for situations in which little or no room for conventional expansion is available, such as in densely populated areas. Three large sewage treatment systems in The Netherlands include this system. Grontmij claims the system can generate savings of up to 25% of energy costs and 40% of raw material costs, especially carbon.
Grontmij expects to deliver about 30 installations to the USA, where stricter environmental regulations for effluent discharges are expected to result in the modernisation of many sewage treatment plants within the next five years.
