A new wastewater treatment technology developed by Saudi Aramco environmental experts that inexpensively treats oily or industrial wastewater is being commercialised as EcoRightTM MBR.

The innovation uses Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) in a modified Membrane Biological Reactor (MBR). Saudi Aramco developed the base idea and then teamed with Siemens Water Technologies to develop the idea into a commercial product. Five patents have been submitted on the idea and associated technologies.

New Business Development hosted executives from Saudi Aramco, Siemens Water Technologies Corp and Siemens Oil and Gas recently to recognise the licensing team behind the commercialisation.

The EcoRight process achieves a high Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal efficiency with almost no additional operating or capital costs.

In areas where water is scarce, the system allows for the inexpensive reuse of wastewater, thus conserving groundwater. In areas where discharges must meet strict environmental requirements, the system can provide the treatment necessary for compliance.

Since it provides the same removal capacity as much more energy-intensive technologies, it qualifies as a green technology and can earn CO2 reduction credits.

The licence that was granted to Siemens through Aramco Overseas Co BV provides for royalty payments for sales and supports the Saudi domestic economy by committing Siemens to developing Saudi manufacturing capabilities.

Potential uses identified
This system can be used at all Saudi Aramco operating facilities that generate oily wastewater. Siemens has identified a number of potential uses and anticipates a five-year market for sales in the hundreds of millions of dollars with potential sales all over the world.

EcoRight is being pilot tested at Ras Tanura Refinery as a potential replacement for its waste injection well. It is part of a proposed build, own and operate proposal for the Jeddah Refinery Phase II Wastewater Treatment Upgrade Project.

Almost all other Saudi Aramco industrial facilities have some application need. The Water Management Committee will prioritise the needs of Saudi Aramco facilities that can benefit from EcoRight and schedule the projects into the Business Plan as appropriate.