Case Study: Biostoom Beringen & GRL
Biostoom Beringen processes more than 200,000 tons of household waste annually and converts it into renewable energy. With an expansion to a medium-pressure steam network, they now also supply sustainable heat to surrounding companies. This creates a circular energy hub where residual heat is maximally reused in the processes of companies such as Borealis, GRL, FromTo, and Aquafin.
Because Biostoom Beringen participates in the EBO, this project could also count on support from the Flemish Government.
Challenge
For Glass Recycling Limburg (GRL), which converts glass waste into new raw materials for the glass industry, the glass drying process needed to be more efficient and sustainable. Until then, this was done using fossil fuels.
The objectives were clear:
- Heating air between 80 and 170 °C at a flow rate of 45,000 Nm³/h and a maximum power of 3 MW
- Avoiding CO₂ emissions
- Maximizing energy efficiency
- Fully reusing condensate
- Ensuring a reliable, scalable, and closed system
Solution
Our product specialists developed an integrated concept that aligns perfectly with the current processes at Biostoom Beringen:
- Steam conditioning: pressure and temperature reduction from 35 barg / 400 °C to 12 barg / 195 °C, while maintaining performance and safety.
- Transport & infrastructure: 680 meters of steam piping and return line with smart drainage, dewatering stations, and condensate coolers for reliable operation.
- Heat integration: steam heats process air up to 170 °C, fully integrated into the existing
system. Thanks to a thermocompressor, flash steam is reused, reducing energy consumption by 15–20% compared to traditional installations.
Impact
A circular closed system with 100% condensate recovery, minimal water and energy loss, and no risk of oxygen corrosion.
- 15–20% less energy consumption thanks to thermocompression
- 100% condensate recovery, no water or energy loss
- CO₂ emissions drastically reduced
- Ready for scaling and future EBO targets
Biostoom & KLINGER on the collaboration
“Together with KLINGER, we have developed a technically innovative, customized solution. This unique project generates its entire energy requirement locally and sustainably, making the plant an example of how industry and the environment can go hand in hand. The combination of KLINGER’s product knowledge and process insight really made the difference.”
– Joos Van den Bergh | Project / Energy Manager Biostoom Beringen
“This project for Biostoom Beringen is a great example of how we work at KLINGER. We were not only able to contribute ideas for an energy-efficient approach that helps Biostoom Beringen achieve its sustainability goals—with higher energy efficiency and lower CO₂ emissions—but we could also bring together a wide range of our solutions into one integrated system. From valves, cooling systems, and piping technology to our deep steam expertise: everything was seamlessly aligned with the customer’s process.”
– Thomas Verkinderen & Guido van Buynder, Product Specialists, KLINGER Belgium
