USFilter and Paques bv of the Netherlands have signed an exclusive license agreement encompassing three of Paques' biological wastewater treatment technologies. USFilter will design and supply Paques' Biopaq® IC and UASB anaerobic technologies and Circox® aerobic reactors for all industrial applications in the United States and Canada. The agreement also includes the Thiopaq® gas cleaning technology for specific applications.
Paques anaerobic technology is used worldwide to treat high strength biodegradable wastewater, producing energy-rich biogas as a byproduct, which can be used for steam or power generation. Aerobic technologies complement the anaerobic treatment process, enabling treated water to be discharged directly into the environment. Not only does this technology drastically reduce residuals, but it is also very compact, providing even urban industrial facilities with a high rate treatment process that can significantly reduce sewer fees.
"As energy costs are driven higher, there is an even greater need to look for renewable sources of energy. These progressive technologies provide USFilter with yet another tool to help our industrial customers to meet their water treatment objectives, while greatly reducing power consumption," said Frank Firsching, president of USFilter Water and Wastewater Systems Group. "Anaerobic treatment is a gateway technology, opening the door to our other products including those for flotation, filtration, nutrient removal and power generation."
Under the license agreement, Paques will share the technology with USFilter. A team of wastewater specialists, working in cooperation with Paques experts in Europe, will design and supply treatment plants throughout the U.S. and Canada. USFilter's sister company, Veolia Water Systems (formerly Vivendi Water Systems) recently signed a similar agreement for five major European regions.
Located in Balk in the Netherlands, Paques works with various business partners and universities to continually develop new biological technologies and improve existing ones. Visit Paques' website on www.paques.nl. USFilter's site is www.usfilter.com.
