Did you know that it takes around 100 litres of water to produce just one glass of wine? Due to this process, wineries are known to generate a huge amount of wastewater. Winery wastewater is generated through processes, such as washing, grape harvesting, grape crushing, fermentation, as well as cleansing of machinery and bottles. This wastewater contains large quantities of organic toxins, along with smaller concentration of acids, nutrients, sugars and phenolic compounds. They also contain inorganic compounds, such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous. Thus, they cannot be disposed of, into bigger water bodies, without the proper treatment.

Several options are included for the treatment of winery wastewater. These include-

• Chemical and physical treatment, such as filtration, settling tanks, etc.
• Biological processes, such as activated sludge.
• Aerobic and anaerobic treatment processes.

The selection of the ideal treatment process depends on a variety of factors, such as wastewater features, space availability, cost, surrounding environment and available technology. Bioreactors are considered the best and safest option in treating winery wastewater. These reactors contain organisms, which can break down organic matter. Two main types of bioreactors exist: aerobic and anaerobic. When both are used, then you return the best results.

In aerobic wastewater treatment, microorganisms are used to breakdown the organic matter in water. They convert the matter into carbon dioxide and water. This reduces the water’s biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels. Some inorganic elements, like nitrogen, can also be broken down using this process. Aerobic treatment processes cause an activated sludge residue to form, which can be removed only through mechanical processes. Common examples of aerobic treatment processes include; aerated water bodies, wetlands, batch reactors, fixed-bed bioreactors and biofilters. Anaerobic treatment processes take place inside sealed reactors to prevent mixing with air. Anaerobic organisms convert organic matter in the wastewater to carbon dioxide and methane. Compared to aerobic processes, anaerobic processes are more effective, in lowering BOD levels.

Installing any one of the above wastewater systems in a winery will help increase the production capacity exponentially. They also offer sustainable and environment-friendly alternatives to produce wine, without harming the surrounding. It is highly recommended that all wineries invest in a good quality sewage and wastewater treatment plant on their premises. In recent times, more novel technology is being implemented to treat wastewater at reduced costs.

By-Jas Engineering has all the expertise required for wastewater treatment services. You can contact us for the design, manufacture, and installation of wastewater treatment equipment for wineries, as we service right across Australia. Our engineers design these systems to cut energy costs and provide stabilized equipment for vineyard irrigation purposes. Our products are of the highest quality and our team can carry out all kinds of wastewater and sewage services for you.

Our services cover entire Australia; including the main capital cities, regional town centres and remote regional areas across the country.

Feel free to reach out to By-Jas Engineering, with your enquiries or to set up a consultation, with one of our engineers. We can provide you with a free, no-obligation quote, if you wish, just contact us on (03) 5979 1096 or visit us at www.byjas.com.au.

We service main capital cities, regional town centres, all remote regional areas across Australia.