Centro de recursos Sievers

Tips and Tricks: Optimize EDI Power Settings to Improve Ultrapure Water (UPW) Quality

carolynstevens — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:25:03 +0000

Tips and Tricks: Optimize EDI Power Settings to Improve Ultrapure Water (UPW) Quality carolynstevens Mon, 09/29/2025 - 12:25

September 29, 2025

How to Optimize EDI Power Settings and Performance

How to Optimize EDI Power Settings and Performance to Improve Ultrapure Water (UPW) Quality

Introduction: What is Electrodeionization (EDI)

Electrodeionization (EDI) is a critical process in semiconductor ultrapure water (UPW) systems that combines ion exchange (IX) resins, ion-permeable membranes, and high electric potentials to remove ionic contaminants from water. The system operates by using electrical fields to draw ions through exchange resins and across membranes, simultaneously purifying water and regenerating the resins. While this continuous process ensures high-quality ultrapure water through real-time monitoring and voltage control, it requires significant electrical power consumption during operation.

The Importance of Continuous Contamination Control in Microelectronics Manufacturing

Ultrapure water (UPW) quality is a critical component to semiconductor fabrication and the purity of this ingredient is directly tied to wafer yield and product quality. Even trace amounts of contaminants in UPW can cause particle deposits, metal contamination, and surface defects on wafers, leading to reduced device performance and overall quality.

Continuous monitoring and control of UPW systems with tools such as total organic carbon (TOC) monitoring and boron monitoring supports high quality fabrication. With immediate process understanding, manufacturers can respond to deviations quickly and with fewer interruptions to production.

The dynamic nature of UPW systems makes ongoing monitoring particularly important. For example, when EDI system voltages are adjusted, it can take a week or more for contaminant levels to stabilize, during which time the system's water quality may fluctuate unpredictably. Manufacturers navigate these transition periods with real-time monitoring to make constant adjustments while maintaining wafer production and quality. Without this capability, the alternative is pausing production while contamination clears the system - a costly disruption that can significantly impact manufacturing operational efficiency.

In today's competitive semiconductor landscape, continuous UPW quality control has evolved from beneficial to essential for maintaining both product quality and operational profitability.

Real-time Monitoring of EDI Effluent

A study with a semiconductor facility tracked critical contaminant levels and overall UPW quality using the Sievers Boron Online UPW Ultra Analyzer and demonstrated the complex relationship between power settings and water quality parameters. While higher power settings were found to more effectively remove contaminants like boron and silica, they also revealed an unexpected drawback: increased EDI voltages promoted the formation of ionic forms of dissolved carbon dioxide, potentially leading to higher conductivity in the UPW. This finding highlighted the delicate balance needed in EDI operations, as excessive power settings could not only increase energy costs but potentially compromise UPW quality.

The research established that EDI effluent quality is determined by three key factors:

Feedwater quality
Resin efficiency
EDI power settings

It yielded data that illustrates the relationship between EDI power and levels of boron, silica, and conductivity in the facility's effluent, and the monitoring helped engineers implement precise control strategies, remove contaminants, and optimize power consumption, ultimately achieving high water quality standards and operational cost efficiency.

Sievers Boron Ultra Online UPW Analyzer

The Sievers Boron Online UPW Ultra Analyzer serves as a critical tool in modern ultrapure water quality management systems. By delivering continuous monitoring and real-time detection, plants are able to prevent ionic contamination events before they become problematic.

Read the full details of the study here.

Learn more about UPW, the Sievers Boron Online UPW Ultra Analyzer, and the microelectronics industry on our applications page.

Sievers Resource Center Industry

Industrial and Environmental

Sievers Resource Center Type

Tips & Tricks

Tips and Tricks: Going Back to the Basics of Bioburden Testing

carolynstevens — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 17:41:14 +0000

Tips and Tricks: Going Back to the Basics of Bioburden Testing carolynstevens Tue, 09/16/2025 - 13:41

September 4, 2025

Bioburden Testing: Traditional vs Modern

What is bioburden?

Bioburden is a measurement that refers to the total number of viable microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, present in or on products, materials, or objects. It's particularly crucial in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, raw materials, and cosmetics, since these industries must adhere to strict acceptable limits set by regulatory agencies.

Monitoring bioburden is vital. Microbial contamination can lead to risks such as compromised product efficacy, costly product recalls, and most importantly, potential health hazards for consumers. Bioburden levels are a key indicator of manufacturing process quality. They are influenced by various factors including the manufacturing environment and equipment cleanliness and condition.

How do you test for bioburden?

Bioburden testing has traditionally relied on cultivation methods that measure Total Viable Count (TVC), combining Total Microbial Count (TMC) and Total Yeast and Mold Count (TYMC), and are reported in Colony Forming Units (CFU/mL or CFU/gram). Traditional approaches include membrane filtration, direct plating (pour plate and spread plate), and Most Probable Number (MPN).

Dating back to 1905, these traditional methods provide acceptable accuracy, but their long wait times (2-7 days) make them ineffective for real-time process monitoring and timely product release. This creates a significant gap between testing and actionable results, leading to retrospective, rather than proactive, process controls.

Rapid Microbial Methods (RMMs) offer a modern solution to this gap, delivering results in hours - or even less than an hour with specific RMMs - rather than the days required by traditional methods. While not all RMMs are created equal, certain rapid microbial detection technologies correlate well with traditional plate counts, making them an ideal choice for manufacturers seeking both speed and reliability. By maintaining the accuracy technicians are accustomed to while dramatically reducing wait times, these select RMMs not only accelerate the testing process but also enhance overall operational efficiency.

With near real-time data for monitoring ultrapure water and manufacturing processes, RMMs deliver substantial improvements over traditional bioburden testing, including significant time-savings for quality control labs, faster product release cycles, reduced operational costs, and enhanced overall productivity.

The combination of speed and accuracy makes switching to RMMs suitable for both laboratory and at-line applications, offering life sciences customers a way to modernize their bioburden testing without sacrificing reliability.

How fast are rapid microbial methods?

Rapid Microbial Methods (RMMs) deliver results in hours rather than days, with speeds varying by technology. Many RMMs provide results within 8 hours, while advanced systems can deliver data in under 45 minutes - compared to traditional methods that require 2-7 days.

The fastest RMM technologies, such as flow cytometry-based systems, enable precise analysis of single cells, offering near real-time results, and in certain cases, distinguishing between viable cells and abiotic particles. This represents a dramatic improvement over traditional plate-counting methods, enabling same-day decision-making instead of multi-day waiting periods for product release and quality control decisions.

What are the benefits of modern bioburden testing methods / rapid microbial methods (RMMs)?

Speed and Efficiency
- Dramatically Faster Results - Obtain bioburden data in under 45 minutes with certain RMMs, compared to 2-7 days with traditional methods
- Near Real-Time Monitoring - Enable immediate decision-making with actionable results using RMMs that correlate to conventional plate counts
- Faster Product Release - Reduce the time products are held up waiting for test results
Operational Improvements and Cost Savings
- Enhanced Lab Efficiency - Automated systems reduce manual plate counting, minimizing human error
- Improved Decision-Making - Make fast, confident decisions about manufacturing processes to reduce risk
- Remove Testing Bottlenecks - Eliminate the bioburden testing bottleneck that delays product release
- Significant Cost Savings - Reduce costly waste from process inefficiencies or discarded products
Risk Management and Quality Control
- Better Risk Management - Make faster decisions to prevent contamination issues and reduce manufacturing risks
- Enhanced Data Integrity - Certain RMMs can provide electronic records that are easily retrievable and tamper-proof, reducing transcription errors while offering comprehensive audit trails for accuracy and regulatory compliance
- Comprehensive Monitoring - Monitor critical control points in your water system with faster, automated testing that provides real-time contamination detection

Utilizing RMMs with the Sievers Soleil

The Sievers Soleil Rapid Bioburden Analyzer is a transformative rapid microbial detection system for bioburden testing in pharmaceutical manufacturing. It works by combining high-throughput flow cytometry with proprietary viability stains to provide bioburden results in near real-time that correlate with plate counts. Operating at 8 mL/min (significantly faster than traditional flow cytometry's μL/min), the analyzer delivers results in under 45 minutes with sensitivity below 10 viable cells/100 mL, compared to conventional methods that require 2-7 days. The system uses sophisticated algorithms to accurately distinguish between living and non-living particles, enabling pharmaceutical manufacturers to transition from retrospective to proactive process controls. This facilitates same-day actions to minimize production delays and costly operational shutdowns while improving overall risk management strategies.

Think the Sievers Soleil Rapid Bioburden Analyzer might be a good fit for your lab? Learn more about it here:

Download now: Sievers Soleil Rapid Bioburden Analyzer Infographic

Sievers Resource Center Industry

Life Sciences

Sievers Resource Center Type

Tips & Tricks

Dicas e truques: voltando ao básico de carbono orgânico total e condutividade

carolynstevens — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 16:02:12 +0000

Tips and Tricks: Going Back to the Basics of Total Organic Carbon and Conductivity carolynstevens Tue, 09/16/2025 - 12:02

September 4, 2025

The Fundamentals of Total Organic Carbon and Conductivity

What is Total Organic Carbon?

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) is an analytical measurement that indicates the amount of carbon found in organic compounds present in a sample, serving as a key indicator of water quality and purity in pharmaceutical and environmental testing. O COT é essencial porque até mesmo vestígios de contaminação orgânica podem comprometer a qualidade do produto e a segurança do consumidor. O COT provém de fontes naturais (ou seja, plantas e animais) e materiais sintéticos (ou seja, produtos de limpeza, plásticos e pesticidas). It's characterized by carbon-hydrogen bonds that can be oxidized to CO₂.

A common way to determine the amount of organic carbon in a sample is by subtracting results for Total Carbon (TC) and Inorganic Carbon (IC):

Total Carbon - Inorganic Carbon = Total Organic Carbon, or

TC - IC = TOC, where:

TC (Total Carbon): All carbon present in a sample, including organic inorganic forms.
IC (Inorganic Carbon): Carbon present in inorganic compounds (CO₂ , HCO₃ - and CO₃²-)
TOC (Total Organic Carbon): Amount of organic carbon remaining after the inorganic carbon has been removed.

USP <643> establishes standards and procedures for TOC testing in pharmaceutical grade water, specifying technology requirements, system suitability analysis, method validation parameters, and acceptance criteria to ensure water quality and purity.

What is Conductivity?

Conductivity measures a substance's ability to conduct an electrical current, indicating the presence of inorganic chemicals and salts. In pharmaceutical water testing, conductivity serves as a critical quality attribute to detect the presence of ionic species and ensure water purity.

Per USP <645>, conductivity levels must be below 1.3 μS/cm at 25 °C. Conductivity testing detects both intrinsic ions (from dissolved CO2) and extrinsic ions (such as chloride and ammonia), which can harm equipment and human health. Testing is crucial for monitoring salt and inorganic contamination.

Who tests for TOC and Conductivity?

TOC and conductivity testing applications by industry:

Pharmaceutical: Cleaning validation, Water for Injection (WFI), sterile water, and clean steam.
Microelectronics: Ultrapure water monitoring and process control
Municipalities: Drinking water quality, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management
Food & Beverage: Cleaning processes, wastewater monitoring, release water, and product consistency
Oil & Gas: Water contamination assessment and process monitoring

How do you measure and test for TOC and Conductivity?

TOC testing involves two critical steps: oxidation and detection. During oxidation, organic compounds in the sample are converted to carbon dioxide (CO₂) through established methods including high-temperature catalytic combustion or UV / persulfate oxidation (wet chemical oxidation). Different oxidation techniques are selected depending on application needs, sample matrices, or testing requirements.

The detection phase is where analytical precision becomes crucial, as CO₂ measurement accuracy directly determines TOC result reliability. Three primary detection methods include:

Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) - Measures CO₂ through infrared light absorption but suffers from water vapor interference that compromises accuracy
Direct Conductivity - Measures sample conductivity before and after oxidation but is prone to various interferences
Membrane Conductometric Detection - Offers robust CO_² measurement while effectively minimizing interferences, providing the most reliable results

When accuracy and precision are non-negotiable, Membrane Conductometric technology enables confident water quality assessment and process control.

For conductivity, common testing methods include two-electrode (contacting) conductivity cells, four-electrode cells, toroidal (inductive) conductivity sensors, and in-line continuous monitoring systems, with measurements typically performed using conductivity meters that apply an A/C voltage across electrodes.

In pharmaceutical water testing, conductivity measurements are governed by USP <645>, which describes three stages of conductivity testing to ensure water meets stringent purity requirements. These measurements are captured temperature-compensated, or non-temperature-compensated conductivity, per the staged requirements in USP <645> to provide a complete assessment of water quality.

TOC and conductivity testing provide complementary measurements of water quality; TOC detects organic contamination while conductivity measures ionic and inorganic impurities, together ensuring comprehensive water purity assessment for pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

TOC and Conductivity with Sievers Analytical Instruments

To meet diverse customer needs, Veolia offers a wide variety of analyzers as part of its Sievers portfolio with different analytical ranges and suitability for specific applications, enabling comprehensive solutions across multiple industries. The Sievers Analytical Instruments product line includes advanced solutions for both TOC and conductivity testing.

For TOC and conductivity testing, the Sievers M500, M9, and M5310 C TOC Analyzers deploy membrane conductometric technology to measure both TOC and conductivity. The Sievers technology uses a proprietary gas-permeable membrane to filter CO₂ from samples into ultra-pure deionized water. Este processo permite a análise sem interferência de outros componentes. The CO₂ transfer creates measurable conductivity changes that correlate to IC and TC levels, which allows users to calculate TOC levels.

The Sievers InnovOx TOC Analyzer uses innovative Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO), technology that combines heat, pressure, and chemical oxidizers to handle complex samples including oils and fats and other challenging substances.

Direct conductivity, employed by the Sievers CheckPoint TOC Sensor, measures samples before and after UV oxidation.

All of these methods, excluding the Sievers CheckPoint TOC Sensor, follow the fundamental principle of oxidizing organic compounds to CO2, measuring the resultant CO₂, and calculating TOC as the difference between total carbon and inorganic carbon. This approach ensures compliance with USP <643> requirements while providing accurate, interference-free detection.

Veolia has established itself as a leader in TOC analysis with its Sievers Analytical Instruments product line. To learn more about implementing TOC and conductivity testing in your operations, watch our on-demand webinar: https://www.watertechnologies.com/lp-ai-online-toc-for-cv-webinar

Sievers Resource Center Industry

Life Sciences

Sievers Resource Center Type

Tips & Tricks

Tips and Tricks: Going Back to the Basics of Endotoxin Testing

carolynstevens — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:18:13 +0000

Tips and Tricks: Going Back to the Basics of Endotoxin Testing carolynstevens Tue, 09/16/2025 - 09:18

September 4, 2025

The Fundamentals of Endotoxin Testing

What are endotoxins?

Endotoxins are biocontaminants derived from gram-negative bacteria's outer cell membrane. While not living organisms themselves, they are crucial for bacterial survival and serve multiple functions, including structural integrity and nutrient transport. Endotoxins are:

Present naturally in food and water
Dangerous if entering the bloodstream
Common in raw materials and products

Endotoxins should not be confused with bacteria themselves - they are components that become harmful when separated from a bacterial cell.

Why do we test for endotoxins?

Bacterial Endotoxins Testing (BET) is crucial because endotoxins pose serious health risks when entering the bloodstream directly, bypassing normal digestive defenses. As pyrogens (substances that produce fever when introduced or released into the blood), they can cause potentially fatal drops in blood pressure, leading to organ failure, septic shock, or even death, when introduced into the bloodstream or spinal fluid.

Particularly concerning is that endotoxins persist even after sanitization; killing bacteria doesn't eliminate the toxic threat. For these reasons, testing is essential in these key areas of pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing:

Drug production and formulation
Cleaning validation (equipment and container sanitization)
Buffer preparation
Drug reconstitution

Given endotoxins' ubiquitous nature and resistance to standard sanitization methods, rigorous BET is vital for ensuring patient safety in medical and pharmaceutical applications.

Is endotoxin testing mandatory?

Regulatory agencies like the FDA, EMA, and others require endotoxin testing to ensure products meet safety standards and do not cause pyrogenic reactions. It is mandatory for:

Pharmaceutical manufacturers producing parenteral drugs, including:
- Intravenous (IV)
- Intramuscular (IM)
- Intrathecal (IT)
Medical device manufacturers whose products contact blood
Veterinary/animal health product manufacturers producing blood-contacting items

The specific testing requirements depend on the product type, intended use, and regulatory jurisdiction.

How do you test for endotoxins?

Bacterial Endotoxins Testing (BET) primarily uses LAL (Limulus Amebocyte Lysate), derived from horseshoe crab blood. This remarkable discovery from the 1950s was standardized in the 1960s, creating a reliable endotoxins detection method.

There are three common testing approaches used today:

Deciding which method is best to use depends on several factors, including product characteristics, sensitivity requirements, and regulatory requirements.

The newest method for endotoxins testing: Microfluidic technology

The Sievers Eclipse Bacterial Endotoxins Testing (BET) Platform is a game-changing method for endotoxin testing due to its microfluidic technology that delivers significant time savings and efficiency improvements over traditional methods. Key advantages include an 89% reduction in pipetting steps and setup time of just 5-10 minutes. The Eclipse Platform uses a microfluidic plate to mix samples with LAL reagent, using only 1 mL of LAL reagent - 90% less than conventional methods - while maintaining accuracy. The unique microplate contains embedded endotoxin standards and positive product controls (PPCs) and remains stable at room temperature for up to 25 months, eliminating expensive cold storage requirements.

Other unique capabilities of the Eclipse Platform include remote data review, minimal laboratory space and training requirements, and reduced failure rates. Results are measured in Endotoxin Units (EU), with 1 EU approximately equal to 1 part per trillion (ppt). While LAL's biological nature typically requires users to prepare standard curves, PPCs, negative controls, and samples for each assay, the Sievers Eclipse significantly simplifies this process - users only need to add water and samples to the appropriate segments, as the standards and controls are already embedded in the microplate.

While traditional testing approaches work, newer microfluidic technology offers a more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective method for endotoxin testing while still ensuring regulatory compliance. Microfluidic technology also offers users flexibility in reagent choice, whether they choose traditional LAL or recombinant cascade reagent (rCR). This modern technology, combined with recombinant reagents, represents a key opportunity to achieve both efficiency gains and sustainability goals in endotoxin testing.

Learn more about bacterial endotoxins testing, LAL, rCR and the Sievers Eclipse BET Platform by watching a quick on-demand webinar: https://www.watertechnologies.com/lp-ai-usp-86-webinar

Sievers Resource Center Industry

Life Sciences

Sievers Resource Center Type

Tips & Tricks

Maximizing boiler performance with TOC monitoring: how organics monitoring protects equipment and profitability while increasing boiler efficiency

carolynstevens — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:49:01 +0000

Maximizing boiler performance with TOC monitoring: how organics monitoring protects equipment and profitability while increasing boiler efficiency carolynstevens Thu, 09/04/2025 - 11:49

September 4, 2025

Boiler systems are an integral part of countless industrial facilities across the world, from power plants and refineries to food & beverage operations and chemical processing facilities. Whether generating electricity for communities or supporting critical manufacturing processes, these steam generation systems require ultrapure water free of organic contaminants to operate safely and efficiently. However, maintaining equipment uptime and preventing unplanned costs are critical to preserving profitability and operational control in these competitive industries.

Water chemistry and boiler system performance

Proper boiler water chemistry is essential for preventing scale formation and corrosion, which can lead to costly equipment failure and unplanned shutdowns. With the elevated temperatures and pressures inherent in water-steam cycles, even trace amounts of organic compounds can degrade to organic acids and accelerate damage. Contaminants such as sugars, cleaning agents, cooling fluids, or organic acids are often present at low levels and remain undetected by traditional monitoring methods, creating hidden risks that can result in catastrophic failures.

Contamination: Sources and real-world incidents

These contaminants can originate from various sources - CO2 corrosion typically stems from issues within the boiler feedwater system itself, while glycol contamination often results from external leaks in associated heat exchangers or chiller systems. For example, CO2 entering through feedwater leads to generalized metal loss, while glycol leaks from cooling systems can contaminate steam condensate and cause severe fouling.

Recent incidents at major facilities underscore these risks. Glycol leaks forced power plant shutdowns at multiple facilities, while a major Texas refinery experienced steam condensate contamination and boiler fouling that resulted in unplanned shutdowns and significant financial losses. For plant managers across these industries, implementing robust contamination detection systems isn't just about maintenance - it's about protecting profits, preventing shutdowns, and ensuring reliable operations.

Traditional monitoring techniques including pH and conductivity often fail to detect many common contaminants. Glycol leaks, for instance, remain undetected due to their nonionic state at room temperature and pressure. Unfortunately, these methods don't alert operators to organic acid degradation until damage has already occurred.

Monitoring total organic carbon (TOC) in boiler water provides a proactive solution for detecting contamination and optimizing processes. TOC serves as a leading measurement to indicate potential corrosion and system integrity issues before detrimental consequences occur - something traditional monitoring methods often fail to achieve. TOC monitoring successfully identified glycol contamination at power plants, enabling proactive maintenance that prevented costly shutdowns. Similarly, continuous TOC monitoring at industrial facilities enables real-time detection of contamination events, protecting capital equipment and enhancing production uptime.

Maximizing condensate reuse through effective monitoring

Reusing condensate from industrial processes carries inherent contamination risks, but these risks and their financial implications can be effectively mitigated with online organics monitoring. Accurate assessment of condensate quality not only provides opportunities to detect leaks and prevent fouling, but also impacts operational decisions - enabling maximum reuse while reducing costs associated with producing additional make-up water and wastewater treatment.

The Sievers InnovOx TOC Analyzer addresses these critical monitoring needs with reliable online organics detection using advanced supercritical water oxidation technology. This proven oxidation method achieves over 99% oxidation efficiency, delivering superior accuracy and precision in TOC measurement across the full range of potential contaminants. By providing real-time visibility into boiler water quality, the InnovOx helps optimize performance, minimize unplanned maintenance, and increase profitability. To learn more about how the Sievers InnovOx TOC Analyzer can help your boiler water system needs, read our application note.

Sievers Resource Center Industry

Industrial and Environmental

Sievers Resource Center Type

Industry Trends

Key Findings: Bacterial Endotoxins Testing Using Recombinant Reagents and Innovative Microfluidic Technology

rylee.lay@veolia.com — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 18:29:29 +0000

Key Findings: Bacterial Endotoxins Testing Using Recombinant Reagents and Innovative Microfluidic Technology rylee.lay@veolia.com Fri, 08/15/2025 - 14:29

August 13, 2025

We collaborated with Eli Lilly to present research on recombinant reagents and microfluidic technology for Bacterial Endotoxins Testing (BET) at the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA) Pharmaceutical Microbiology Conference.

Our findings, based on real-world sample data, demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of recombinant agents on modern microbiological detection platforms. Jay Bolden and Hayden Skalski present research at PDA Microbiology Conference.

Jay Bolden and Hayden Skalski present research at PDA Microbiology Conference

Background: Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) vs. recombinant cascade reagents (rCR) in microfluidic BET assays

Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly adopting innovative technologies to meet evolving regulatory expectations while building more sustainable operations. Endotoxin testing is a prime example of this shift, as regulatory and sustainability pressures are transforming the BET landscape. Annex 1 encourages technological advancement to streamline manufacturing processes, and the recent publication of USP <86> on recombinant reagents for endotoxin testing represents a key opportunity to achieve both regulatory compliance and sustainability goals.

For these reasons, Veolia, in partnership with Eli Lilly, conducted a comparison study using the Sievers Eclipse Bacterial Endotoxins Testing (BET) Platform to compare results between traditional Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) and newer recombinant cascade reagents (rCR). The platform utilizes microfluidics and centripetal force; allows for assay set up in 85% of the time it takes to set up a traditional 96-well microplate; uses up to 90% less LAL or rCR; and automates the delivery of the LAL to samples. Beyond increasing efficiency, it assures precise and accurate results, allowing manufacturers to meet Annex 1 and sustainability goals while remaining in full compliance with regulations to assure patient safety.

This research outlines the results of the endotoxin tests with data obtained from real-world samples, providing a practical comparison between the two reagent types.

Comparison Study: Detecting naturally occurring endotoxins (NOE) and Reference Standard Endotoxin (RSE)

The purpose of this study was driven by two objectives. The primary goal was to evaluate the detection and recovery of both Naturally Occurring Endotoxins (NOE) and purified water spiked with Reference Standard Endotoxin (RSE). This evaluation was conducted using two different testing methods: traditional Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) and recombinant Cascade Reagent (rCR), with the goal of demonstrating reliable endotoxin recovery across both testing platforms.

Secondly, these capabilities were validated on the Sievers Eclipse BET platform by challenging it with both types of reagents. This validation was particularly significant as it aimed to demonstrate the system's suitability for real-world sample testing while offering two substantial benefits: a 90% reduction in reagent consumption and the option to use recombinant reagents, thereby promoting more sustainable testing practices in the industry.

Samples: rCR comparison study of 12 sample types

The following samples were used in the comparison study between Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) and recombinant Cascade Reagents (rCR):

Two monoclonal antibodies
Insulin
Peptide
NOE (see Figure 1)
Histidine and Sodium Acetate
LRW
Purified Waters
Purified Waters with RSE spikes
Polysorbate 80
Counterfeit products
Components (stopper, cartridge)
Yeastolate

Figure 1: Comparison of Naturally Occurring Endotoxins (NOE)

Results: LAL vs rCR - Performance and testing results

The following figure details Positive Product Control (PPC) recovery rates of sample and reagents.

Figure 2: Percent Recovery Comparison of Sample and Reagent

Conclusion: rCR performance in microfluidic platforms

This study showed equivalent performance between LAL and rCR using the Sievers Eclipse for the detection of bacterial endotoxins in real-world samples, as well as naturally occurring endotoxins. Based on the evidence, it can be determined that the Sievers Eclipse Bacterial Endotoxins Testing Platform is able to successfully utilize recombinant Cascade Reagents, provided that the sample's compatibility has been verified.

Automation via the Eclipse's centripetal microfluidic platform offers the simplest form of BET microfluidics available, providing significant time savings and reducing opportunities for error. With the availability of this innovative technology, BET assays can be streamlined while remaining fully compliant with compendia.

Benefits include:

USP <85> and <86> compliant
Proven to work with both LAL and rCR reagents
Up to 90% less reagent needed; aids in sustainability initiatives
27 total pipetting steps for 21 samples for increased efficiency
Innovative technology aligned with Annex 1 guidelines

Learn more about the Sievers Eclipse

Authors:

Jay Bolden: Jay Bolden is a Senior Director in the Eli Lilly and Company global Analytical Quality Control Organization. He is a bacterial endotoxins subject matter expert and leads a team with global QC oversight for endotoxins, microbiology, and virology test methods. Jay holds a B.S. in Biology and an Environmental Studies certificate from Indiana University and has over 25 years of industry experience in development, process and laboratory microbiology, and microbiology laboratory leadership. Jay is a member of the United States Pharmacopoeia Microbiology Expert Committee and has authored a book chapter and multiple peer-reviewed articles on endotoxins. Accordion content 1.
Meg Provenzano: Meg Provenzano is the Global Product Manager for Sievers bio-detection instruments at Veolia. Ela possui mais de 10 anos de experiência na indústria de testes de endotoxinas bacterianas e ocupou vários cargos em controle de qualidade, suporte técnico e gerenciamento de produtos. Prior to joining Veolia, Meg was a Product Manager with Charles River Laboratories. She is customer-centric and enjoys hands-on problem-solving, whether for technical issues, assay assistance, or software. Meg holds a B.S. in Marine Science and Biology from Coastal Carolina University, where she focused on Bottlenose Dolphin population research.
Brian Short: Brian Short is a Global Pharmaceutical Application Specialist at Veolia, providing strategic pharmaceutical biodetection and TOC application support for the life science industry. With 20 years of experience working in and with pharmaceutical quality control laboratories, Brian has supervised and supported high-volume in-process and finished product testing. Having held previous roles with Wyeth and Lonza, and with nine years of experience supporting the Sievers product line as part of GE Analytical Instruments, SUEZ, and now Veolia, Brian has deep expertise in endotoxin detection instrumentation and software, including installation, qualification, and training. Brian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from York College of Pennsylvania.
Hayden Skalski: Hayden Skalski is the Life Sciences Product Application Specialist for Veolia, specializing in bacterial endotoxins testing (BET). Hayden tem mais de 10 anos de experiência na indústria farmacêutica e em microbiologia de controle de qualidade e apresentou vários tópicos relacionados a testes de endotoxinas. Anteriormente, Hayden ocupou cargos na na Charles River Laboratories, na Regeneron e na Novartis, validando e executando protocolos de desenvolvimento de métodos para testes de endotoxinas, fornecendo suporte ao cliente, solução de problemas e suporte a testes de produtos de alto volume. Hayden é bacharel em Biologia pela Universidade de Albany (SUNY). Kelly Smith is a Senior Principal Biologist in the Eli Lilly and Company global Analytical Quality Control Organization. He is a bacterial endotoxins subject matter expert with over 25 years of industry experience and has a B.S. in chemistry from Butler University.
Kelly Smith: Kelly Smith is a Senior Principal Biologist in the Eli Lilly and Company global Analytical Quality Control Organization. He is a bacterial endotoxins subject matter expert with over 25 years of industry experience and has a B.S. in chemistry from Butler University.

Sievers Resource Center Industry

Life Sciences

Sievers Resource Center Type

Industry Trends

USP <643> “Total Organic Carbon”

rylee.lay@veolia.com — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 04:32:46 +0000

USP <643> "Total Organic Carbon" rylee.lay@veolia.com Tue, 08/12/2025 - 00:32

August 11, 2025

What is USP <643> and why does it matter?

USP <643> is a general chapter in the United States Pharmacopeia that provides guidance on measuring total organic carbon (TOC) in pharmaceutical waters. It provides a standardized method for measuring TOC, ensuring that pharmaceutical water meets the required purity standards. By measuring TOC, pharmaceutical manufacturers can detect contamination or determine quality and purity of the water used in the manufacturing process, all of which can impact product quality and safety.

TOC serves as one of a pair of essential chemical limit tests for validating chemical control in water purification systems. It is used in conjunction with USP <645> Water Conductivity testing, which specifically measures ionic contaminants, to ensure water quality standards are met.

Who is impacted by USP <643>?

Some of the industries and sectors impacted by USP <643> are:

Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturers, including research and development and ingredient manufacturers
Medical device manufacturers
Contract testing and quality control laboratories
Water purification system and instrument manufacturers
Some healthcare and veterinary facilities

Note: This list is not exhaustive.

USP <643> guidance and regulation overview

The chapter provides guidance on TOC measurement technologies and methodologies. While it does not endorse specific processes or technologies, it does require that methods are able to discriminate between inorganic and organic carbon. This discrimination can be achieved either by indirect measurement - determining inorganic carbon and subtracting it from total carbon - or by direct measurement - purging inorganic carbon before oxidation. TOC testing can be performed either online or as an off-line laboratory test.

The guidance also clarifies that TOC measurements, while capable of detecting organic materials that could support microbial growth, cannot substitute for endotoxin testing or microbiological control methods. Although organic carbon may function as a potential nutrient source for microorganisms, TOC levels do not directly correlate with microbiological activity in a quantifiable way.

USP <643> for bulk purified water

For bulk purified water, the chapter outlines requirements that include:

Instrumentation with detection limit of ≤ 0.05 mg/L (0.05 ppm)
Use of reagent water with TOC level of ≤ 0.10 mg/L
Preparation procedures for containers and labware to reduce or prevent contamination

System suitability testing is used to demonstrate the suitability of the instrument for TOC monitoring. Users must determine the frequency of system suitability based on the criticality of application and process risk assessment. The regulation defines an easy-to-oxidize solution (USP Sucrose Rs) and hard-to-oxidize solution (USP 1,4-Benzoquinone Rss) in order to show instrument suitability across a range of compounds. It should be noted, good manufacturing practices (GMP) are important for accuracy of solution preparation, as improperly prepared solutions could contribute to suitability failures and lead to additional investigations.

USP <643> for sterile waters derived from bulk purified water

For sterile water, USP <643> establishes more stringent limits and testing requirements, such as water for injection (WFI) or ingredient water as part of inhalation or irrigation products. Since these products have direct access to the bloodstream or respiratory system, the risks associated with contamination are significantly higher. Organic contaminants in these products could lead to severe adverse reactions, infections, or toxic responses. Additionally, organic compounds in these waters could interact with drug products, potentially affecting their stability, efficacy, or safety. The chapter details more stringent instrument detection limits for sterile waters and includes specific procedures for sample handling and testing. It also provides guidance for preparing system suitability and standard solutions for each category of container volume.

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Download now: USP <643> Sterile Water Testing Protocols: Implementing TOC Analysis for USP Compliance

USP <643> for sampling, instrumentation, procedures, and system suitability

The chapter details requirements for sampling, including proper container preparation, procedures for collecting representative samples, and sample handling.

Instrumentation requirements include regular demonstration of instrument suitability, specific detection limit requirements for both bulk and sterile water, and options for both online and off-line testing.

Procedures must be detailed and documented to include step-by-step testing and calculations for calibration, system suitability and sample analysis.

System suitability requirements include the use of specified reference standards, calculation of response efficiency, acceptance criteria as well as requirements for periodic verification of system performance.

Download Now: Comparison of TOC Analyzers and Sensors for Pharmaceutical TOC Applications

USP <643> and process verification

Process verification involves:

Demonstration of system suitability testing with an 85-115% response efficiency
Use specified reference standards (USP 1,4-Benzoquinone RS, and USP Sucrose RS)
Periodic demonstration of instrument suitability
Reagent water control must use water with TOC level ≤ 0.10 mg/L for bulk water testing and may require conductivity testing to ensure method reliability
Sample container choice and preparation must document cleaning procedures and verification so as not to introduce contamination

Download now: Selecting the Best TOC Sample Vial for Your Application

USP <643> does not make specific recommendations for the following:

Process development: Organizations must ensure that sampling is truly representative of water quality
Location: Testing can be performed either online, at-line, or in a laboratory
Instrumentation: The choice should be based on suitability, manufacturing process, and intended use

Facilities must balance efficiency and other operational demands when implementing USP <643> guidelines, making compliance uniquely challenging for every organization.

Download now: Best Practice for Analyzing Compendia Water Samples for USP <643> and <645>

We can support you with USP <643> compliance

Working with experienced partners who specialize in TOC testing and water system monitoring can help address any challenges you have when implementing USP <643>, as well as USP <645> Conductivity Testing. Our experts can provide guidance on selecting appropriate instrumentation, applying proper testing procedures, and establishing effective SOPs for documentation and compliance.

After selecting suitable and compliant technology, comprehensive instrument qualification and method validation must be completed before data can be used for making quality decisions. Our industry-leading expertise ensures you are supported with thorough method validation and deployment strategies. With decades of specialized experience, we have refined these processes to meet the most stringent regulatory requirements while maintaining operational efficiency.

Modern efficiency improvements now enable dual testing of TOC and conductivity for compliance with USP <643> and <645> from a single sample using specialized vials that prevent ionic leaching and CO2 contamination. This approach enhances sample integrity while reducing analysis time compared to traditional methods.

Additionally, many facilities have adopted online water monitoring for real-time testing (RTT), eliminating the need for manual sampling and streamlining the QC process. This implementation of process analytical technology (PAT) provides immediate measurement of quality attributes and demonstrates process control in a validated state, particularly when using compatible membrane conductometric technology.

For more information about TOC compliance, transitioning to real-time testing, or improving efficiency of USP <643> TOC testing.

Sievers Resource Center Industry

Life Sciences

Sievers Resource Center Type

FAQs

Tecnologia avançada de dessalinização da Veolia para otimizar a produção de energia offshore para a Petrobras

rylee.lay@veolia.com — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:45:11 +0000

Veolia's advanced desalination technology to optimize offshore energy production for Petrobras rylee.lay@veolia.com Mon, 06/09/2025 - 09:45

June 9, 2025

Latin America

Multi-million dollar contract secured to provide advanced seawater desalination for two major FPSOs in Brazil's Santos Basin.
Innovative water treatment technology addresses critical environmental and operational challenges while maximizing production efficiency.
Advanced desalination systems protect reservoirs and flowlines while reducing the environmental footprint of offshore operations.
Veolia, the world leader in water technologies, leverages its expertise in desalination to find innovative and efficient solutions to optimize water use in the industrial sector.

Veolia, through its Water Technologies & Solutions business unit, has secured a multi-million dollar contract from Seatrium to provide advanced seawater desalination solutions for two major floating production storage and offloading platforms (FPSO) in one of Brazil's largest offshore developments. Located in the Santos Basin - Brazil's pre-salt reservoir and largest oil and gas offshore basin in the Western South Atlantic - this project marks a significant step toward more efficient offshore energy production. The contract includes project engineering, procurement, equipment supply and installation.

The project, which will serve Petrobras' P84 and P85 FPSOs, demonstrates how innovative water treatment technology can address critical environment and operational challenges in offshore energy production. Each platform will have the capacity to process 225,000 barrels of oil and 10 million cubic meters of gas daily, requiring sophisticated water management solutions to minimize environmental impact while maximizing production efficiency.

Oil and gas production relies on treated, desalinated seawater to be injected into reservoirs through sulphate removal units (SRU). At the heart of this innovative solution is a state-of-the-art SRU system for water injection production, featuring Veolia's ZeeWeed^TM Ultrafiltration and SWSR Series Nanofiltration membranes. These advanced systems will reliably process 1,960 cubic meters per hour of water per platform. By removing harmful sulphates and other ions, this technological solution protects reservoirs and flowlines while reducing the environmental footprint of injection operations and ensuring optimal performance.

Veolia's technology not only enhances oil recovery but also plays a crucial role in preventing well souring and scale formation, thereby extending the life of the infrastructure. This approach aligns with the industry's push toward more responsible practices in offshore operations.

This contract demonstrates Veolia's unique ability to balance local Brazilian capabilities and global expertise, meeting strict local content requirements while maintaining the highest quality standards. The company's regional leadership ensures close collaboration with Seatrium, Petrobras and other local stakeholders while leveraging worldwide capabilities to deliver optimized solutions.

Anne Le Guennec, CEO of Water Technologies at Veolia, commented: "This strategic partnership with Seatrium exemplifies how our advanced desalination technologies can drive both operational excellence and environmental responsibility in offshore energy production. Through our innovative solutions, we're helping secure vital energy needs while minimizing environmental impact - a perfect alignment with Veolia's Green Up strategic program. We are particularly proud to support Seatrium and Petrobras in the energy sector's journey toward more efficient and environmentally conscious operations."

This latest collaboration represents the fifth contract between Veolia and Seatrium, with three projects successfully delivered in the past three years.

ABOUT VEOLIA

Veolia's ambition is to become the benchmark company for ecological transformation. With nearly 218,000 employees on five continents, the Group designs and deploys useful, practical solutions for managing water, waste and energy that help to radically change the world. Through its three complementary activities, Veolia contributes to developing access to resources, preserving available resources and renewing them. In 2023, the Veolia group served 113 million people with drinking water and 103 million with wastewater services, produced 42 terawatt-hours of energy and recovered 63 million metric tons of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE) generated consolidated sales of €45.3 billion in 2023. www.veolia.com

ABOUT VEOLIA WATER TECHNOLOGIES

As the global water technology experts of Veolia, we deliver on both performance and sustainability without compromise. We provide you with peace of mind knowing your business and communities are safeguarded, efficient and resilient. Together we protect, preserve and reuse resources, tackling today's environmental challenges while creating the water treatment and process solutions of tomorrow. www.watertechnologies.com

CONTACTS

VEOLIA WATER TECH LATAM
Diego Fuentes
Tel.+55 (11) 971 36 57 52
diego.fuentes1@veolia.com

VEOLIA WATER TECH GLOBAL MEDIA RELATIONS
Manon Painchaud
Tel.+1 418 573 2735
manon.painchaud@veolia.com

Perguntas frequentes: Qual é a diferença entre um sensor de COT e um analisador de COT?

rylee.lay@veolia.com — Wed, 21 May 2025 19:32:37 +0000

FAQs: What's the difference between a TOC sensor and a TOC analyzer? rylee.lay@veolia.com Wed, 05/21/2025 - 15:32

May 21, 2025

Pharmaceutical manufacturers rely on total organic carbon (TOC) measurements as one of the compendial requirements for release of water and equipment for production. Accurate and consistent TOC analysis is critical to meet the acceptance criteria limits for USP regulations.

Did you know there is a difference between sensors vs analyzers for TOC testing?

Sensors are more commonly limited to monitoring applications (trending, diagnostics, or general monitoring), whereas analyzers are leveraged for applications that require process control and reporting (process validation, quality management, real-time release, cleaning validation, etc.). To satisfy regulatory requirements and ensure a reliable manufacturing process, it is essential for users to understand the differences between these two types of instruments.

Use of TOC in pharmaceutical applications

In pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, TOC instruments serve as critical tools for ultrapure water testing/compliance monitoring, as well as validating or verifying cleaning samples. Choosing the right analytical instrument is important, and the selection depends on the pharmaceutical manufacturers' needs and the characteristics of the process or samples they need to measure.

While TOC sensors are more cost effective and accommodate faster response time, the ability of analyzers to report on critical quality decisions for compliance may serve as a better solution for many applications. Manufacturers seeking to implement process analytical technology (PAT) to the full capability of real-time release will be seeking a validated instrument that satisfies instrument qualification, method validation, and data integrity needs.

Technology Comparison: TOC Sensors

TOC sensors work by employing conductivity as a means to measure carbon; however they do not discriminate against interfering ions that may be contributing to the measurements. These technologies measure conductivity in a sample pre- and post-oxidation and derive the TOC result from the assumption that all measured conductivity post-oxidation arises from organic carbon conversion to CO2.

This can lead to over- and under-reporting of TOC.

Additionally, there is no differentiation between CO2 from inorganic carbon (IC) and organic carbon, as required by USP <643>[1]. Sensors can effectively pass the limit test, but because methods cannot be validated[2] during performance qualification for specificity and robustness, actual analytical performance for organic compounds is widely variable. Proper method validation is imperative in cGMP manufacturing settings, especially considering that pharmaceutical grade water touches many phases in the manufacturing process. TOC sensors are often selected for general monitoring applications, or as portable tools for trending.

TOC Analyzers

TOC analyzers, on the other hand, are carbon specific analyzers, wherein a gas-permeable membrane separates CO2 from interfering compounds to allow for accurate measurement of carbon. The selectivity of the membrane-based analyzers provides better accuracy for TOC measurements and makes these instruments most appropriate for compendial applications, cleaning validation, process control, and regulatory reporting. This technology accurately and precisely measures both organic and inorganic carbon as required by USP <643>, allowing for successful performance qualification and effective analysis for specificity and robustness compounds.

Benefits of TOC Analyzers

TOC analyzers offer precise, accurate, quantitative, and robust carbon analysis, giving manufacturers the ability to pass performance qualification and validation, thus providing users with an accurate assessment of the state of the water system. With validated and accurate results, data can be used to make important quality decisions for pharmacopeia compliance, release water and equipment, troubleshoot, and optimize water monitoring and cleaning processes.

Another benefit is avoiding under-reported values; this helps mitigate the risk of infecting byproducts and other harmful compounds that are present in water systems which could place the final product at risk of contamination. On the other hand, over-reporting TOC can cause unnecessary and time-consuming out-of-specification (OOS) investigations where no definitive root cause is identified.

Additional in-depth comparison

Comparing TOC analyzers and sensors for pharmaceutical applications reveals critical performance differences, supported by scientific evidence. While direct conductometric sensors are capable of detecting organic compounds, this study demonstrated significant accuracy issues (i.e., erroneously high, low, and non-linear responses) across multiple compound types:

For chlorinated organic compounds, sensors showed variable recovery (some 150% recovery, or greater), whereas membrane-based analyzers were much closer to 100% recovery
For a nitrogen-containing compound like nicotinamide, sensors showed ~150% recovery due to the formation of nitric acid during oxidation, while membrane-based analyzers maintained ~100% recovery
For conductive organic compounds (trimethyl amine and acetic acid), sensors produced unreliable results (less than 50%, or negative recovery) compared to membrane-based analyzers' consistent ~100% recovery

These findings align with third-party research that emphasizes, "robust analytical TOC method validation is essential to the success of any online TOC system, particularly systems that release pharmaceutical grade water in real time. Meeting USP <643> or EP 2.2.44 specifications may not eliminate risk."

Robust method validation is critical since sensors might not eliminate risks, particularly for real-time release of pharmaceutical-grade water. In contrast, the superior selectivity and consistent accuracy of membrane-based conductometric analyzers make them optimal for compendial applications, process control, cleaning verification, and reporting on critical quality decisions.

Download the "Comparison of TOC Analyzers and Sensors for Pharmaceutical TOC Applications" Application Note to explore the full study.

Conclusion

With TOC sensor technology, there can be risks to product safety due to over- or under-reporting of TOC. Sensors do not differentiate between CO2 from inorganic carbon (IC) and organic carbon, as required by USP <643>.

TOC analyzers use membrane-based conductivity to mitigate interferences experienced with TOC sensors, improving accuracy and precision. Analyzers are ideal for applications that require process control and reporting for pharmacopoeia compliance. TOC analyzers are available in portable, bench-top, or online configurations, allowing manufacturers to choose what fits their application best. TOC analyzers are more complex instruments that can handle multiple sample points and perform more detailed analysis with greater accuracy and additional parameters. Additionally, fully validated and compliant TOC analyzers can be deployed for PAT applications, supporting real-time monitoring and release. Learn more about the Sievers Instruments product line and what TOC instrument is right for your processes here.

References

Sievers Resource Center Industry

Life Sciences

Sievers Resource Center Type

FAQs

Tecnologia da Veolia ajuda a transformar os efluentes de São Francisco em fonte de energia local descarbonizada

rylee.lay@veolia.com — Wed, 14 May 2025 12:48:53 +0000

Veolia technology to help transform San Francisco wastewater into local, decarbonized energy source rylee.lay@veolia.com Wed, 05/14/2025 - 08:48

May 14, 2025

North America

Veolia's innovative biogas upgrading technology will help transform San Francisco's largest wastewater facility into a renewable energy producer.
State-of-the-art MemGasTM membrane technology will convert biogas into pipeline-quality renewable natural gas, providing 100% beneficial use of the biogas generated at the Southeast Treatment Plant and at full capacity, will produce enough renewable energy to offset the natural gas needs equivalent to approximately 3,800 homes (68 GWh/yr).
The project demonstrates the circular economy in action, supporting San Francisco's decarbonization goals while creating a sustainable local energy source.

Veolia, through its Water Technologies & Solutions business unit, has earned a $34 million contract to supply biogas upgrading technology for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission's (SFPUC) Southeast Treatment Plant. Built in 1952, this crucial facility is undergoing a $3 billion modernization that will transform it from a traditional wastewater treatment plant into a state-of-the-art resource recovery center, converting wastewater byproducts into renewable, decarbonized energy for local communities.

Veolia, the world leader in water technologies, will implement its innovative MemGasTM system to purify raw biogas from the plant's anaerobic digestion process to biomethane, a pipeline-quality renewable natural gas ready for injection into Pacific Gas & Electric's grid. The project will provide 100% beneficial use of the biogas generated at the Southeast Treatment Plant and at full capacity, will produce enough renewable energy to offset the natural gas needs equivalent to approximately 3,800 homes (68 GWh/yr). The system is expected to be operational by June 2027.

Daniela Brandao, Senior Project Manager, SFPUC, shared: "This project fulfills our commitments for beneficial use of the biogas generated at the Southeast Treatment Plant, supports California's state goals for in-state production and distribution of renewable natural gas, and aligns with the City's sustainability objectives. We are excited to see the positive impact this project will have on our community and the environment!"

"This transformative project showcases how cities can create truly circular systems that not only meet performance criteria but generate clean, renewable energy from what was once considered waste," said Anne Le Guennec, Senior Executive Vice President for Worldwide Water Technologies at Veolia. "The SFPUC exemplifies environmental leadership by creating a sustainable energy source right in their backyard, setting a powerful example for cities worldwide. This project is a concrete demonstration of our GreenUp strategy in action, perfectly embodying Veolia's ecological transformation objectives through its focus on decarbonization and circular solutions. By converting waste into renewable energy, we're showing how our innovative technologies can drive the ecological transformation for a sustainable future."

The Southeast Treatment Plant processes approximately 80% of the city's combined stormwater and wastewater, treating an average dry weather flow of 45 million gallons (170,300 cubic meters) of wastewater daily. This upgrade will capture the biogas produced during wastewater treatment and upgrade it through state-of-the-art gas conditioning and separation processes.

This project represents a significant advancement in sustainable infrastructure. The initiative will create a renewable energy source while reducing greenhouse gas emissions of 31,000 metric tons CO2e/yr, demonstrating how environmental protection and operational performance can go hand in hand.

Veolia technology feature

MemGasTM technology employs a sophisticated three-stage membrane separation process to transform biogas into high-quality biomethane. The system first pre-treats the biogas to remove unwanted components like hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), then compresses it before passing it through high-pressure gas separation membranes arranged in cylindrical cartridges.

This proven technology achieves exceptional purification efficiency with over 99% methane yield, while maintaining low energy consumption of 0.3 to 0.4 kWh per cubic meter of raw biogas.

The system operates without chemicals or water consumption and can handle flow rates from 30 to 10,000 Nm3/h of raw biogas, making it both environmentally friendly and highly efficient.

Learn more about how MemGas works.

ABOUT VEOLIA

Veolia group aims to become the benchmark company for ecological transformation. Present on five continents with 215,000 employees, the Group designs and deploys useful, practical solutions for the management of water, waste and energy that are contributing to a radical turnaround of the current situation. Through its three complementary activities, Veolia helps to develop access to resources, to preserve available resources and to renew them. In 2024, the Veolia group provided 111 million inhabitants with drinking water and 98 million with sanitation, produced 42 million megawatt hours of energy and treated 65 million tonnes of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE) achieved consolidated revenue of 44.7 billion euros in 2024. www.veolia.com

ABOUT VEOLIA WATER TECHNOLOGIES

VEOLIA CONTACT - PRESS RELATIONS

WATER TECHNOLOGIES GLOBAL MEDIA RELATIONS
Manon Painchaud
Tel.+1 418 573 2735
manon.painchaud@veolia.com