“Our facility implemented the STI system for solid waste management and it has greatly improved our waste disposal process. The system is efficient and environmentally friendly.”
BioSAFE’s Effluent Decontamination Systems (EDS) ensure safe, compliant effluent treatment for high-containment labs and bio-production facilities. U.S.-engineered for durability and backed by expert service, they reduce risk and prevent downtime so your work continues without interruption.
Our systems are engineered for both batch and continuous flow effluent treatment, using either thermal or chemical processes depending on your needs. They treat liquid waste generated in agricultural, biopharmaceutical, and research facilities from non-containment up to BSL-3 and BSL-4 classification. Treatable contaminants include:
EDS systems can be designed as either continuous-flow or batch-type systems. The optimal configuration depends on waste composition, throughput requirements, solids loading, and operational constraints. Both approaches are well-established and validated, offering distinct advantages depending on the application.
Continuous EDS systems are designed for facilities with steady waste generation and predictable loading. By processing material in a constant flow, these systems maximize energy efficiency and minimize system footprint. Their modular architecture allows throughput to be increased as demand grows, making them well-suited for scalable operations.
Batch EDS systems provide operational flexibility across a wide range of waste streams and research environments. They are particularly effective for high-solids or variable inputs where consistent feed conditions cannot be guaranteed. The straightforward design simplifies validation, operation, and long-term reliability.
EDS systems may operate using either thermal or chemical treatment processes. The selection is driven by regulatory requirements, waste characteristics, desired throughput, and operational philosophy. Both approaches achieve effective decontamination when properly matched to the application.
Chemical EDS systems offer a cost-effective solution with high processing throughput and low energy demand. These systems are well suited for facilities prioritizing efficiency and operational economy. Controlled chemical treatment enables consistent performance across defined waste profiles.
Thermal EDS systems rely on heat rather than reagents, eliminating the need for chemical handling or storage. They are suitable for the broadest range of research and waste types, including effluent containing suspended solids. This approach delivers the highest level of treatment efficacy and robustness.
All BioSAFE EDS are custom-engineered to deliver safe, efficient effluent treatment tailored to your facility’s throughput, regulatory, and energy requirements. Standard features include:
EDS systems can be deployed as permanent installations or configured for mobility. The choice depends on facility infrastructure, long-term planning, and contingency needs. Both options meet the same performance standards while serving different operational objectives.
Stationary EDS systems are optimized for permanent laboratory or facility installations. They typically offer lower capital cost and simplified maintenance due to fixed infrastructure and utilities. This configuration is ideal for consistent, long-term operations.
Mobile EDS systems provide rapid deployment capability for emergency response, temporary facilities, or remote operations. Designed for transportability, they allow treatment capacity to be moved where it is needed most. This flexibility supports continuity of operations during outages or surge events.
EDS systems can be integrated directly into laboratory spaces or centralized at the building level. Each approach supports compliance and safety goals while addressing different space, workflow, and maintenance considerations.
Lab-integrated EDS systems provide point-of-generation decontamination, reducing risk and simplifying waste handling. They are well suited for retrofitting existing laboratories with minimal renovation. This approach typically requires a smaller initial capital investment.
Building-integrated EDS systems centralize treatment for multiple labs or waste sources. By consolidating infrastructure, they reduce duplication and create a single point of maintenance and oversight. This configuration preserves laboratory space while supporting higher aggregate throughput.
Effluent Decontamination Systems (EDS) are a critical component of laboratory and research infrastructure, ensuring that liquid waste is rendered safe prior to discharge or downstream handling. Designed to meet the demands of modern research environments, EDS solutions must balance efficacy, reliability, and operational efficiency while integrating cleanly into existing facility workflows.
Our EDS platforms are configurable across multiple dimensions—including process type, flow architecture, and deployment model—allowing systems to be tailored to the specific needs of each facility. Whether supporting continuous, high-throughput operations or flexible batch processing, these systems are engineered to deliver consistent performance under real-world operating conditions.
By offering both chemical and thermal treatment options, along with stationary and mobile configurations, our EDS solutions support a wide range of applications—from routine laboratory operations to high-containment research and emergency response. The result is a robust, scalable approach to effluent treatment that aligns with regulatory expectations while minimizing operational burden.
For BSL-3 and BSL-4 facilities, strict regulations require reliable effluent decontamination before any liquid waste can leave containment. BioSAFE EDS provide continuous, energy-efficient sterilization to ensure compliance while protecting your team, research, and community.
Effluent Decontamination Systems treat liquid waste from:
Once treated, liquids can be safely reintroduced to the sanitary sewer. Applications include agriculture, life sciences, and biopharma at containment levels up to BSL-4.
Every research facility is built differently and regulations differ. BioSAFE effluent decontamination systems are built to spec for your facility’s throughput regulatory requirements, and energy usage needs.
Engineered for safe and efficient liquid waste treatment.
Seamlessly integrates into existing or new facilities with minimal disruption.
Delivers energy efficiency and reduced operating costs.
Find answers to common questions about the EDS, including installation, maintenance, and pre-purchase considerations.
Generally BSL3, BSL3-ag, and BSL4 facilities are required to have an effluent treatment system in place. Some BSL2 facilities may also, based on a site-specific biosafety risk assessment, choose to put in place an effluent decontamination system.
Effluent decontamination systems also have agriscience, pharmaceutical, and biotech applications, where they are used to thermally or chemically treat waste and byproduct streams.
Effluent decontamination systems are generally focused on neutralizing biological pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. Effluent decontamination systems can also neutralize some chemical compounds. For non-standard applications, BioSAFE can design custom treatment solutions.
The amount of solids in the liquid waste stream will vary depending on the facility. A higher volume of solids will begin to impact system efficacy, so there are several strategies to mitigate this, including adding screens to drains, adding grinder pumps, installing additional filters, and changing site SOPs. The expected amount of solids will also play a role in system selection, with batch type systems generally being better able to manage solids than continuous flow type systems.
BioSAFE’s effluent decontamination systems can be designed to handle any amount of waste, from 100 gallons per day to 100,000 gallons per day or more.
BioSAFE effluent decontamination systems have a ~20-25 year minimum life expectancy when properly serviced and maintained.
Effluent decontamination systems are custom engineered for your facility. We deliver and install or oversee the installation of each system. Our team can also provide ongoing maintenance, training, and support for your system.
“Our facility implemented the STI system for solid waste management and it has greatly improved our waste disposal process. The system is efficient and environmentally friendly.”
“Our facility implemented the STI system for solid waste management and it has greatly improved our waste disposal process. The system is efficient and environmentally friendly.”
“Our facility implemented the STI system for solid waste management and it has greatly improved our waste disposal process. The system is efficient and environmentally friendly.”
Contact BioSAFE for more information or to request a quote for the EDS .