Leading GFS Tanks and USR Process for POME Treatment in Colombia

Colombia has emerged as Latin America's largest palm oil producer and the fourth-largest globally, with plantations expanding across the Llanos Orientales and Magdalena regions. This rapid growth brings significant environmental responsibilities, particularly in managing Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME). This article explores how Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) Tanks combined with the Upflow Solids Reactor (USR) Process provide effective POME Treatment solutions for Colombian mills, converting high-strength organic wastewater into renewable biogas while protecting sensitive ecosystems.

Colombia's palm oil industry generates substantial POME during the extraction of crude palm oil from fresh fruit bunches (FFBs). Three main production steps generate the bulk of this wastewater: rinsing of fresh fruit bunches, clarification of extracted crude palm oil at the pressing station, separation and clarification stages, and pressing of empty fruit bunches (EFB). For every ton of FFBs processed, Colombian mills discharge approximately 0.7 to 1 m³ of POME. Fresh POME is characterized as a hot (60–80°C), acidic (pH 3.3–4.6), thick, brownish liquid with high solids, oil and grease, COD, and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). Since POME contains considerable amounts of nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, it can serve as a good fertilizer for palm oil plantations, but mill operators must pre-treat POME before applying it to farmland.

Effective POME Treatment in Colombia follows a systematic process designed to protect water resources while recovering renewable energy. The treatment begins with a mechanical bar screen that removes large suspended solids and floating objects, preventing subsequent equipment from being blocked and damaged. A horizontal flow oil separator is specially used to remove grease and oil from wastewater, adopting a horizontal flow design to effectively reduce the burden on subsequent treatment units by setting reasonable residence time. A regulating tank balances flow fluctuations, temperature variations, and pH levels, creating consistent conditions for anaerobic digestion. The conditioned wastewater then enters the USR reactor where microorganisms break down organic matter in an oxygen-free environment, producing methane-rich biogas. Following digestion, treated effluent undergoes further stabilization before being safely applied to farmland as fertilizer.

The Upflow Solids Reactor (USR) Process is specifically engineered to treat organic wastewater with solid content (TS: 3%~6%), making it an ideal match for raw POME. The volume of the USR is determined according to the volumetric load, which should be determined according to the type of medium, temperature, and removal efficiency. Under medium temperature digestion, the volumetric load of POME should be 3~5 kg COD/(m³·d). The USR tank body should be vertical and cylindrical, with air-tightness roofs. Inside the reactor, wastewater is distributed through a water distribution system and flows upward through a solid bed where anaerobic microorganisms digest organic material. The treated effluent exits through an outlet, while excess sludge is discharged from the solid bed sludge discharge system. A gas holder collects the biogas produced during digestion. The USR Process achieves high COD removal rates while offering stable biogas production even with fluctuating feed conditions.

Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) Tanks serve as the foundation of modern POME Treatment infrastructure in Colombia. After firing at 820°C–930°C high temperature, the molten glass reacts with the steel plate surface to form an inert and inorganic bond, which combines the strength and flexibility of steel and outstanding corrosion resistance of glass. This double coating layer structure (2C2F) protects both interior and exterior faces with ground coating and surface coating applied to each side. GFS tanks are widely used in bio-energy, potable water storage, municipal sewage, landfill leachate, industrial wastewater treatment, and other applications. The Glass-Fused-to-Steel technology provides many advantages, and GFS tanks are certified to WRAS, FDA, ISO, NSF, and EN ISO 28765 standards. Their modular, bolted assembly enables fast on-site erection without welding, with a service life exceeding 30 years.

Colombia's palm oil mills benefit from diverse storage and cover solutions tailored to specific treatment requirements. Center Enamel offers GFS Tanks providing superior corrosion resistance for aggressive environments. Galvanized Steel Tanks deliver tough, wear-resistant protection through a galvanizing process. Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) Tanks, developed with AkzoNobel, provide innovative coating technology. High-quality AISI 304/316 Stainless Steel Tanks meet stringent requirements for demanding applications. Cover options include Aluminum Geodesic Dome Roofs for corrosion resistance and broad span capabilities; Glass-Fused-to-Steel Roofs for air-tight pressurized structures suitable for odor control; Single and Double Membrane Roofs optimized for anaerobic digestion and biogas collection; Aluminum Alloy Trough Deck Roofs for economical water storage; Stainless Steel Roofs for superior anti-corrosion performance; and FRP Roofs for non-air-tight applications.

Comprehensive POME Treatment requires integrated supporting equipment for reliable operation. Gas Holders provide safe, dependable biogas storage. Lagoons/Black Membrane systems offer economical large-capacity storage for treated effluent. Hot Water Boilers maintain optimal digestion temperatures. Emergency Torch Systems ensure safe biogas pressure management. Lifting Pumps are specifically designed for handling high-solids wastewater. Dehydration and Desulfurization Tanks purify biogas by removing moisture and corrosive hydrogen sulfide. Screw Sludge Dewatering Machines provide efficient solid-liquid separation, minimizing sludge volume and disposal costs. Each equipment component contributes to a complete, efficient treatment system that maximizes energy recovery from POME.

As a professional EPC Contractor, Center Enamel delivers comprehensive POME Treatment solutions to Colombia's palm oil mills. The company provides full engineering, procurement, and construction services, managing projects from concept through commissioning. With certifications including CE/EN1090, ISO 9001, NSF61, WRAS, and EN28765, quality assurance is maintained throughout project execution. Design standards incorporate AWWA D103, OSHA, EN28765, and EuroCode requirements. Center Enamel's comprehensive approach includes:

• Customized system design based on site-specific wastewater characteristics and treatment goals
• Professional engineering for USR reactors, acidification tanks, and auxiliary systems
• High-quality GFS tanks with corrosion resistance and 30+ year service life
• Complete biogas collection, purification, and utilization systems
• On-site installation supervision with ISO and OSHA safety compliance
• Biological startup, performance testing, and operator training
• Seamless coordination with local contractors and international suppliers

POME Treatment in Colombia has evolved from simple disposal to a sophisticated process generating renewable energy. GFS Tanks provide robust containment for the USR Process, with corrosion resistance and modular construction enabling fast installation. The USR Process achieves high removal efficiency while converting organic pollutants into valuable biogas. Through comprehensive EPC services, Center Enamel delivers complete one-stop solutions for Colombian palm oil mills, ensuring environmental compliance and sustainable energy recovery.