E.ON Power Plants Belgium specializes in the development, implementation, financing, and operation of facilities for the local production of heat and electricity.
At the Imerys site in Willebroek (Belgium), E.ON is responsible for constructing a modern energy recovery facility that converts synthesis gas from production into electricity and steam.
This process significantly limits emissions. Ekopak, the parent company of GWE, was appointed as a partner to ensure optimal water management.
To continuously provide the site’s steam boiler with high-quality water, E.ON required a demineralized water treatment installation. This installation needed to handle multiple water streams while consistently delivering high-quality water at a capacity of 3 m³/h. Ekopak managed the entire DMSCC process (Design, Manufacture, Supply, Construct, Commission).
The system processes rainwater, condensate from the steam boiler, and supplementary municipal water, each undergoing its own specific treatment.
Incoming rainwater is first pre-filtered to a particle size of 1 micron. This filtration removes coarse impurities that can, among other things, cause biological growth.
The filtered water streams are collected in a feedwater buffer and then pumped to a water softener. Here, calcium and magnesium ions are removed, which could otherwise damage the RO system and reduce membrane lifespan.
In Reverse Osmosis, water is forced under high pressure through a semipermeable membrane. This membrane only allows very small molecules, such as water (0.0001 micron), to pass through. Larger molecules, such as salts, bacteria, viruses, pesticides, heavy metals, and microplastics, are retained and discharged. The result is highly purified water.
After the RO system, the water passes through an electrodeionization (EDI) module to further increase purity. EDI uses ion-exchange resins in combination with an electric current to remove remaining ions. Unlike traditional systems, no chemicals are needed for regeneration.
As the final step, the water passes through a resin filter that removes any remaining traces of impurities. The high-quality demineralized water is then stored in a 150 m³ buffer tank, ready for use in the steam boiler of the energy recovery installation.
“For the operation of the energy recovery facility, the water quality in the steam-water cycle is essential. With Ekopak, we have found the right partner to ensure reliability, quality, and continuous availability of demineralized water.”
Tim Buyens, Team Lead Realization, E.ON Power Plants Belgium
“Every detail of this installation is designed to deliver the highest water quality, while also serving as an example of how smart water technology can contribute to sustainable and innovative industrial processes.”
Bert De Lannoy, Project Manager, Ekopak
Thanks to this water treatment system, E.ON has a continuous and reliable water supply, essential for the efficient and sustainable operation of the steam boiler. The advanced filtration and deionization technologies, combined with the large buffer tank, ensure high-quality water at all times.
