United Utilities has awarded an AMP8 contract for lithium trace testing of anaerobic digesters with an estimated total value of £1.5 million including VAT.
United Utilities Bioresource and Energy Services team require non-intrusive tank capacity and sediment assessments of Anaerobic Digesters using Lithium chloride as a trace element to comply with Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2016 implementing the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) every 5 years.
The water company was seeking a supplier to develop methodology to determine the effective volume of an anaerobic digester over a short period of testing time according to the following specifications:
- The effective volume should be calculated from the lithium concentration once it reaches a steady and consistent level.
- The calculation for effective volume should be based on the dose of lithium chloride added, the concentration of lithium, and the background concentration established before the test is initiated.
In addition, the results of the data should establish the following:
- Mixing efficiency Hydraulic retention time (HRT)
- Short‑circuiting or dead zones
- Sediment/grit accumulation
United Utilities also stipulated that:
- The lithium chloride is to be dosed into each digester’s feed line, or other suitable position.
- Prior to the dosing of lithium chloride, initial samples should be taken from each digester in order to establish the background lithium concentrations.
- Samples should be taken from designated sampling points, identified during a pre-test site visit.
Earliest date the contract will be signed is 17 August 2026
Estimated start and end contract dates are 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2030 with further possible extension options up to 31 August 2035.
United Utilities was looking to appoint a single supplier - Nijhuis Saur Industries UK & Ireland (NSI UK & Ireland), part of the global Saur Group, has been awarded the contract.
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