90% reduction in sludge disposal volume: Pharma company in UAE achieves smarter sludge management

Wastewater engineering is a relatively young science. Just two centuries ago, a cholera outbreak in London revealed a critical truth: untreated wastewater had contaminated a local well. That discovery sparked a revolution in how societies view water, treatment, and public health. Fast forward to the present, and the challenge has evolved but the essence remains the same, how do we handle wastewater sustainably while safeguarding communities and resources?

DATE 2026-07-31

In Ras Al Khaimah, one of the UAE’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturers, faced precisely this challenge. The company operates a 1000 CMD effluent treatment plant, reusing treated water for irrigation and washing. But the bottleneck lay in sludge management. Disposal of sludge was inefficient and unsustainable, relying on rented dewatering units. The Pharma Company needed a permanent solution: compact, reliable, and easy to operate.

This is where Dutco Tenant Water Treatment & Purification Chemicals Trading L.L.C., a specialist wastewater contractor, stepped in. Partnering with Alfa Laval, DUTCO proposed a stand-alone, containerized solution powered by the Alfa Laval Aldec 28 decanter centrifuge.

The complete setup included not only the decanter but also sludge pumps, polymer preparation stations, conveyors, a common control panel, automation, and the necessary piping and electrical works. All of it is neatly assembled inside a 20-foot portable container, creating a plug-and-play system with a minimal footprint.

The solution was tailored to handle sludge generated from the Pharma Company’s 1000 CMD effluent treatment plant, fully meeting the tender specifications and setting a new benchmark for efficiency.

So, why Alfa Laval? The Pharma Company placed their trust in us for our strong brand reputation built on technical superiority, the advantage of a local presence with readily available service support, and the assurance of long-term service agreements. This guarantees peace of mind and reliable operations. Equally important was the collaboration. Alfa Laval’s local sales team played a crucial role through regular engagement, technical discussions, and customer support. Backed by central expertise, and with Dutco’s engineering and execution capabilities, the project came to life as a truly collaborative success.

The results speak volumes. Pharma Company’s major challenge was disposal of sludge in huge volumes and constant mobilization of rented equipment. Today, with the Alfa Laval solution in place, it resulted in 90% reduction in sludge volume leading to major cost savings in disposal. The water separated from sludge is recycled back into the treatment process, reducing waste, conserving resources, and contributing to a more sustainable operation.

Beyond immediate benefits, this project carries strategic significance.

Containerized wastewater solutions are gaining strong traction in the region, and with contractors like Dutco, Alfa Laval is uniquely positioned to meet this growing demand.

From the early days of wastewater science to today’s advanced, containerized systems, one thing has remained constant: the pursuit of safe, efficient, and sustainable water management. With Pharma Client and Dutco, Alfa Laval is proud to play a part in successful journey, Pioneering Positive Impact in food and water solutions.