OREANDA-NEWS. GE (NYSE: GE) today introduced LEAPprimary, an innovative primary treatment technology for use with GE’s ZeeWeed* membrane bioreactor (MBR) and LEAPmbr* systems. LEAPprimary significantly reduces overall energy usage, costs and physical space requirements by combining separation, thickening and dewatering of primary wastewater solids into one compact, high-performance unit. It replaces conventional clarification and fine screening in a typical MBR plant.

LEAPprimary offers high removal of total suspended solids (50-70 percent) and biochemical oxygen demand (25-40 percent), and the removed solids can be dewatered to 20-30 percent dry matter, minimizing handling costs. Energy usage for biological treatment is reduced because solids and organic material are removed prior to secondary biological treatment. The dewatered residual product also enables energy recovery, as it is rich in organics and can be used in anaerobic digestion, incineration or other processes that convert the organics in wastewater to energy.

Overall cost savings are achieved because the technology replaces multiple unit operations and the reduced organic load results in smaller biological reactors and blowers. The enhanced influent solids screening also helps extend ZeeWeed MBR membrane life. LEAPprimary fits into as little as one-tenth the space required by conventional technology and is well-suited for where site availability is limited or where land can be better used for other processes or for expansion.

“The combination of LEAPprimary with LEAPmbr is the world’s latest innovation in MBR technology, and it demonstrates that exceptional effluent quality with low energy consumption is possible,” said Yuvbir Singh, general manager, engineered systems—water and process technologies for GE Power & Water. “LEAPprimary is the result of GE’s paying attention to customer needs and making the commitment and investments required to satisfy them.”