The Gisborne Recycled Water Plant has completed a major screening upgrade designed to more than double treatment capacity while reducing energy demand and improving long-term process reliability.
Delivered by Hydroflux, the new facility introduces a two-stage screening process that plays a critical role in protecting the plant’s downstream membrane bioreactor system, which produces recycled water for local agriculture and recreational uses.
The upgrade forms part of broader works at the plant to expand recycled water availability while maintaining high treatment performance as demand increases.
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Protecting membrane bioreactors through staged screening
The new screening facility uses a two-stage configuration, with initial 6 millimetre coarse screening followed by fine 1.5 millimetre two-dimensional screening. This staged approach is designed to remove hair, fibres and plastics before wastewater enters the membrane bioreactor process.
By intercepting these materials early, the system reduces the risk of fouling, clogging and operational inefficiencies that can compromise membrane performance and increase energy consumption.
The screening system has been designed to handle flows of up to 140 litres per second, supporting the plant’s expanded treatment capacity while maintaining consistent protection of downstream assets.
Proven technology with lower maintenance demands
The upgrade is based on inclined drum screen technology, incorporating integrated washing and compaction of captured screenings. Two-dimensional perforations improve capture efficiency, while low-speed operation reduces wear and ongoing maintenance requirements.
All components are fabricated from stainless steel, reflecting durability requirements for high-duty municipal wastewater environments. The same screening technology is already used in many of Australia’s largest membrane bioreactor-based treatment plants, providing confidence in long-term performance.
Supporting recycled water growth with efficient design
As recycled water schemes expand to support agriculture, open space irrigation and climate resilience, protecting advanced treatment processes such as membrane bioreactors is becoming increasingly critical.
The Gisborne upgrade demonstrates how targeted investment in front-end screening can deliver multiple benefits, including improved reliability, reduced energy demand and extended asset life, while enabling higher recycled water production without compromising quality.
Hydroflux said the project reflects the growing need for integrated, efficient wastewater treatment solutions as utilities respond to rising demand, tighter performance expectations and sustainability goals.