Modderkolk replaces distributor for wastewater treatment in Leiden Zuidwest, using 100% HVO biodiesel

Modderkolk is replacing the main distributor of the waste water treatment Leiden Zuidwest on behalf of Hoogheemraadschap (Dutch water board) of Rijnland. A challenging project, since the wastewater treatment must remain operational while the distributor is being replaced. In collaboration with Bredenoord a solution was found that allows all processes to continue while simultaneously allowing Modderkolk’s engineers to do their work in the central distribution room.

After consultation with the Hoogheemraadschap the decision was made to assemble the distributor on location, since transporting a distributor of this size is practically impossible. Various parties are involved in this project, of which Modderkolk is the main contractor. The two largest subcontractors are Bredenoord (backup power) and Natus (providing the new distributor). Together with these parties a fitting solution was developed. In total the field work took approximately six weeks. During this period the wastewater treatment had to remain operational. Through a suitable backup power system all processes were able to continue and the technicians of Modderkolk, Natus and other subcontractors could do their job.

Versatile and dynamic project

During the preparations leading up to the project Modderkolk and the various subcontractors frequently discussed the progress. Zekeriya Keskin (Natus): “Modderkolk allowed NATUS to take part in this wonderful project. The preliminary stage was characterized by a close and intensive coordination with Modderkolk about the execution of the project. That made this a very versatile and dynamic project. For this replacement project NATUS delivered our arc resistant NATUS Energon distributors, which fit well with the client’s processes and meet the high requirements in the fields of both personal safety and product safety. NATUS is very proud of realize such a wonderful project for this client.”

CO₂ emission

Bredenoord was appointed for providing the backup power system, since Bredenoord has the knowledge and expertise to deliver the right solution for complex situations. Before the start of the project the various parties decided together on the gensets required for the project. In consultation with the Hoogheemraadschap of Rijnland the decision was made to use 100% HVO biodiesel to limit CO₂ emission as much as possible.

100% HVO

Bredenoord delivered gensets that completely ran on HVO. HVO is one of the biofuels that can play an important role in meeting climate objectives. In addition there was a Stage V machine, also running on HVO. This allowed us to provide a low emission backup power solution.

By taking various measurements we decided on the required power in cooperation with Modderkolk, and where possible we chose to use a Stage V genset. This genset runs on HVO100 as well, so we could reduce both CO₂ and NOx emissions. Since the Stage V gensets were only recently introduced this was a great field test for all parties involved, and it all went smoothly.

Customer first

In order for the conversion of the distributor to occur as efficiently as possible there has been a lot of contact between all parties involved. Modderkolk pays close attention to all of its client’s processes. This way the nuisance associated with the project can be limited as much as possible and all processes can continue as usual. Naturally we all aim to complete the electrotechnical work well and in as little time as possible.

Thijs Marcellis, project manager at Modderkolk: “Replacing a distributor of this size requires certain amounts of preparation. As soon as the backup generators start running, then so do the cost meters. In order to succeed in the six weeks we aimed for, we require a good schedule and 100% commitment and effort from all parties involved. Putting the distributor in place alone already takes a week, everything has to fall in place.”