Thermal inactivation of wastewater is an advanced process in which wastewater is treated with high temperatures to kill pathogenic microorganisms, viruses, and other harmful pathogens. This process uses thermal energy to destroy the cellular structures of microorganisms, thereby ensuring effective disinfection. Typically, the wastewater is heated to temperatures ranging from 105 to 134 degrees Celsius and held at that temperature for a specific period of time to ensure that all harmful organisms are killed. This process is particularly effective in sensitive areas such as genetic and biotechnology research facilities, medical and veterinary facilities, and pharmaceutical production, where the highest hygiene standards are required.
Thermal inactivation systems are designed to ensure uniform heat distribution and reliable temperature control. This enables consistent and safe disinfection of wastewater without the use of chemical disinfectants, which could leave behind harmful byproducts. In addition, thermal disinfection processes are environmentally friendly and sustainable, as they produce no chemical residues and the treated wastewater can be safely discharged into the environment or reused. Our state-of-the-art systems offer reliable solutions for wastewater treatment in demanding environments to meet the strict requirements of these specialized sectors.
These decentralized sterilization systems are used, for example, in S3/S4 biosafety laboratories. According to the Genetic Engineering Safety Ordinance, liquid wastewater must be inactivated before disposal. The TDS 60 and TDS30otwin are optimal solutions for sterilizing wastewater directly in the laboratory. This eliminates the need for long and unsafe transport routes, e.g., to central disposal sites.
Our stainless steel sinks with touchless faucets offer the highest level of hygiene and convenience. The system features a water level indicator that emits a signal when the remaining water level falls below 10 liters. The fully automatic system displays the current status on the screen, including the process step, error messages, date/time, and setpoint values. A documentation unit with a 4-point matrix printer (20 characters/line) allows for the printing of batch number, date, time, and sterilization parameters. The process includes fully automatic filling and an automatic sterilization program sequence. The sterilized wastewater is automatically drained and cooled to below 50 °C before being discharged into the sewer. A floor pan with a moisture sensor and automatic water shut-off provides additional safety.
Our stainless steel sinks with touchless faucets offer the highest level of hygiene and convenience. The system features a water level indicator that emits a signal when the remaining water level falls below 10 liters. The fully automatic system displays the current status on the screen, including the process step, error messages, date/time, and setpoint values. A documentation unit with a 4-point matrix printer (20 characters/line) allows for the printing of batch number, date, time, and sterilization parameters. The process includes fully automatic filling and an automatic sterilization program sequence. The sterilized wastewater is automatically drained and cooled to below 50 °C before being discharged into the sewer. A floor pan with a moisture sensor and automatic water shut-off provides additional safety.
EnviroDTS inactivation systems inactivate, sterilize, or disinfect wastewater contaminated with infectious or genetically modified material using proven thermal sterilization. This process kills viable microorganisms and inactivates viruses, plasmids, and DNA fragments. To ensure the complete inactivation of laboratory wastewater, the sterilization processes implemented in an EnviroDTS inactivation system are generally mandated by regulatory authorities. The EnviroDTS sterilization process also ensures optimal sterilization performance with efficient energy input.
The wastewater is heated to the required sterilization temperature via steam injection. Thanks to the specialized process technology and the combination of two double-jacketed tanks, heat is recovered when processing large volumes of wastewater, reducing the cooling required to reach the discharge temperature. Additionally, operational reliability is enhanced by the redundant design.
In cases of limited space, the simpler single-tank technology can be used. A sterile filter in the vent line ensures that the exhaust air is germ-free. The dead-space-free design with an internal magnetic stirrer or a circulation pump ensures the reliable sterilization of even the smallest drop of water.
The wastewater is heated to the required sterilization temperature via steam injection. Thanks to the specialized process technology and the combination of two double-jacketed tanks, heat is recovered when processing large volumes of wastewater, reducing the cooling required to reach the discharge temperature. Additionally, operational reliability is enhanced by the redundant design.
In cases of limited space, the simpler single-tank technology can be used. A sterile filter in the vent line ensures that the exhaust air is germ-free. The dead-space-free design with an internal magnetic stirrer or a circulation pump ensures the reliable sterilization of even the smallest drop of water.
The wastewater is heated to the required sterilization temperature via steam injection. Thanks to the specialized process technology and the combination of two double-jacketed tanks, heat is recovered when processing large volumes of wastewater, reducing the cooling required to reach the discharge temperature. Additionally, operational reliability is enhanced by the redundant design.
In cases of limited space, the simpler single-tank technology can be used. A sterile filter in the vent line ensures that the exhaust air is germ-free. The dead-space-free design with an internal magnetic stirrer or a circulation pump ensures the reliable sterilization of even the smallest drop of water.
The wastewater is heated to the required sterilization temperature via steam injection. Thanks to the specialized process technology and the combination of two double-jacketed tanks, heat is recovered when processing large volumes of wastewater, reducing the cooling required to reach the discharge temperature. Additionally, operational reliability is enhanced by the redundant design.
In cases of limited space, the simpler single-tank technology can be used. A sterile filter in the vent line ensures that the exhaust air is germ-free. The dead-space-free design with an internal magnetic stirrer or a circulation pump ensures the reliable sterilization of even the smallest drop of water.
For larger volumes of laboratory wastewater, the use of continuous-flow systems is recommended. EnviroDTS’s continuous-flow inactivation systems are suitable for treating continuously generated laboratory wastewater and volumes of up to 120 m³/d. EnviroDTS’s continuous-flow technology minimizes the energy input required for inactivation/sterilization through an effective heat recovery system.
After preheating with heated sterile water, the laboratory wastewater is heated to the required sterilization temperature using steam injection. The discharge temperature is achieved without further cooling. The inactivation process is continuously monitored by checking and regulating the residence time and discharge temperature. A sterile filter in the vent line ensures that the exhaust air is germ-free. The dead-space-free design ensures reliable sterilization with low operating costs. Robust system technology ensures continuous operation of the inactivation system.
Our systems are characterized by a completely dead-space-free design that ensures reliable sterilization. Leak detection for the heat exchanger provides additional safety and prevents potential failures. In addition, temperature and dwell time are fully documented to ensure process reliability. Operating costs are reduced to a minimum thanks to optimal heat recovery. The systems’ very quiet operation contributes to a pleasant working environment. The electrically heated sterile exhaust air filter guarantees efficient air sterilization. We also offer spiral heat exchangers for wastewater containing solids as an option; these are characterized by their high performance. The system is controlled by a modern Siemens PLC, which enables precise and reliable operation. The duct outlet temperature remains consistently below 35 °C, minimizing environmental impact. In standby mode, the systems require no cooling and have no startup time, further increasing efficiency.
Our systems are characterized by a completely dead-space-free design that ensures reliable sterilization. Leak detection for the heat exchanger provides additional safety and prevents potential failures. In addition, temperature and dwell time are fully documented to ensure process reliability. Operating costs are reduced to a minimum thanks to optimal heat recovery. The systems’ very quiet operation contributes to a pleasant working environment. The electrically heated sterile exhaust air filter guarantees efficient air sterilization. We also offer spiral heat exchangers for wastewater containing solids as an option; these are characterized by their high performance. The system is controlled by a modern Siemens PLC, which enables precise and reliable operation. The duct outlet temperature remains consistently below 35 °C, minimizing environmental impact. In standby mode, the systems require no cooling and have no startup time, further increasing efficiency.
Our systems are characterized by a completely dead-space-free design that ensures reliable sterilization. Leak detection for the heat exchanger provides additional safety and prevents potential failures. In addition, temperature and dwell time are fully documented to ensure process reliability. Operating costs are reduced to a minimum thanks to optimal heat recovery. The systems’ very quiet operation contributes to a pleasant working environment. The electrically heated sterile exhaust air filter guarantees efficient air sterilization. We also offer spiral heat exchangers for wastewater containing solids as an option; these are characterized by their high performance. The system is controlled by a modern Siemens PLC, which enables precise and reliable operation. The duct outlet temperature remains consistently below 35 °C, minimizing environmental impact. In standby mode, the systems require no cooling and have no startup time, further increasing efficiency.
Our systems are characterized by a completely dead-space-free design that ensures reliable sterilization. Leak detection for the heat exchanger provides additional safety and prevents potential failures. In addition, temperature and dwell time are fully documented to ensure process reliability. Operating costs are reduced to a minimum thanks to optimal heat recovery. The systems’ very quiet operation contributes to a pleasant working environment. The electrically heated sterile exhaust air filter guarantees efficient air sterilization. We also offer spiral heat exchangers for wastewater containing solids as an option; these are characterized by their high performance. The system is controlled by a modern Siemens PLC, which enables precise and reliable operation. The duct outlet temperature remains consistently below 35 °C, minimizing environmental impact. In standby mode, the systems require no cooling and have no startup time, further increasing efficiency.
The SteriFixE 8000 is a thermal sterilization and disinfection system with integrated heat recovery. It was developed for the safe treatment of biologically contaminated wastewater and is used in research facilities such as the Paul Ehrlich Institute in Langen. The process is based on a continuous-flow system: The wastewater is first preheated via a heat exchanger, then heated to 121 °C by steam injection, and sterilized in a holding stage for 20 minutes. This is followed by controlled cooling to sewer temperature. The system operates fully automatically, is highly efficient, and enables the continuous, safe disposal of infectious wastewater.
Roche AG Penzberg
Laboratory Cube Building
Robert Koch Institute, Berlin
Wageningen University / Lelystad, Netherlands
Takeda AG, Singen
Phone: +49 6031 7318 24
Email: volker.luh@envirodts.de
Phone: +49 6031 7318 23
Email: andreas.koch@envirodts.de
EnviroDTS, Inc.
Water and Wastewater Technology
Pfingstweide 22
61169 Friedberg
MADE IN GERMANY
A company of the
Licensed specialist company in accordance with Section 62 of the Water Resources Act (WHG)
License pursuant to Section 25 of the Radiation Protection Act
Certified to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015
Energy Audit in accordance with DIN EN 16247-1 (2025)