BRF Modernizes Effluent Treatment Station in Francisco Beltrão (PR)

BRF, one of the largest food companies in the world, modernized the wastewater treatment system at the Francisco Beltrão (PR) unit and invested more than R $ 15 million in the initiative. To promote improvements, the company starts using the activated sludge system, a technology known and used in several effluent treatment systems.

The activated sludge system is an aerobic biological process that takes place inside an aerated tank. After this tank, the effluent is sent to a decanter, whose function is to separate the treated (clarified) effluent from the suspended solids (biological sludge). Part of the biological sludge is recirculated to the aeration tank in order to increase the concentration of microorganisms for greater removal of the organic load. The clarifier from the decanter (treated effluent) is then sent to the receiving body.

The excess sludge, resulting from biological growth, is extracted from the system, centrifuged and sent to a licensed composting company, where it is transformed into fertilizer. Activated sludge is a system that does not produce odor or aerosols that can harm the environment and interfere with the neighboring community.

“BRF understands that the management of effluents generated in industrial activity is extremely important to control environmental impacts, also benefiting the community, acting in line with BRF’s commitments to safety, quality and integrity”, says Paulo Lesskiu, manager of the BRF Francisco Beltrão unit.

The treatment capacity of the new installed system is 700 m³ / h. Currently, an average of 350 m³ / h of effluent is treated, which is fully returned to the Rio Santa Rosa. With the operation of this new system, the unit will no longer emit more than 2,200 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e), contributing to a lower generation of greenhouse gases.