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Enthoven Techniek carries out a unique assignment for the Rivierenland Water Board

In September 2019, Enthoven Techniek received a unique request from the Rivierenland Water Board: they will be constructing a separate sewer system with their own water purification system, which is intended for processing the wastewater from the horticultural sector. The order for the Enthoven Techniek disinfection units, which removes pesticides from wastewater, was confirmed in March 2020, and construction is now in full swing. This specifically concerns the Apollo water purification system. What makes this project so special? And what is the background of this horticultural technical installation?

Customer-specific customisation
Since 2018, greenhouse facilities have been obliged to rid wastewater of all pesticides. Usually, Enthoven Techniek supplies the necessary water purification systems directly to these greenhouses. For the first time in history, this request came from the government. The Rivierenland Water Board wished to centralise the operation and carry out purification activities for the entire Bommelerwaard region. Breeders in this region can then join in a subscription form.

Philip Eekma (Commercial Manager, Enthoven Techniek) explains: “The customer found us through an agricultural organisation. After we explained our Apollo water purification system, we specified the customer’s wishes and Enthoven Techniek was chosen. The special thing about this project is the size (10 units). Besides, this concerns a sector outside horticulture and it is the first Water Board to centralise the removal of pesticides.”

Ten units of these disinfection units,              The Apollos will be placed in this old treatment silo.
12.5 cubic meters per hour per unit,
will be used in the sewer system.

The (Apollo) journey of wastewater
The wastewater from the greenhouse facilities in the Bommelwaard is pumped to an existing collection basin belonging to the water board in Zaltbommel via a new +/- 35 km sewer system (implemented by third parties). From there, the Enthoven Techniek installation sucks up the water to the scalable units (Apollos) where it is centrally stripped of the pesticides according to the BZG decision. “The Apollo works by using low-pressure UV in combination with hydrogen peroxide; the water is pumped from these units into the sewer basin where it receives the standard after-treatment. It is controlled by a stand-alone PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). No additional resources are required, and there is no chance of hazardous gases being released. All this makes the system safe, easy to operate and easy to maintain”, says Philip. The purified horticultural water is then pumped into the river Waal. According to current planning, more than 50 pumps will push wastewater from +/- 250 hectares of greenhouses to this system by the end of this year.

Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects and Patron Agri Systems join forces. Takeover strengthens market position within the sector and underlines focus on innovation.

The executive boards of Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects and Patron/Enthoven Techniek have agreed that as of today Patron/Enthoven will become a division of Van der Hoeven. Last Friday, Peter Spaans and Martin Steentjes from Van der Hoeven and Ronald Begelinger from Patron/Enthoven informed the employees of both companies about the takeover.

The takeover of Patron/Enthoven meets the growth ambition of Van der Hoeven and the broadening of the services package will further strengthen the position of Van der Hoeven in the market. As neighbours in Den Hoorn and doing complementary businesses in the sector both Van der Hoeven and Patron/Enthoven have a long history of intensive and successful collaboration on horticultural projects throughout the entire world. By combining their strengths, this collaboration will be intensified even further and the total organisation will be taken to a higher level. This will then enable them to serve the international market even better with innovative turn-key horticultural projects.

Peter Spaans, Managing Director of Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects:
“The growing market for high-tech turn-key total solutions calls for a greater level of integration between all the systems and installations. Our innovative projects will benefit the most from this bundling of forces.”

The integration of Patron/Enthoven within the organisation of Van der Hoeven will take place in phases, whereby Ronald Begelinger, as the Managing Director of Patron/Enthoven, will guide the organisation through this transition.

Ronald Begelinger, Managing Director of Patron Agri Systems/Enthoven Techniek:
“In recent years, we have been working together on increasingly complex projects. Combined with the shared strategic vision of both executive boards, this has evolved into a natural collaboration between the two companies. The integration of Patron within Van der Hoeven is a logical development that will make both companies stronger.”

Both executive boards are excited about the takeover, and will be making the integration of the two companies a major priority over the coming period. However, they are keen to emphasise that the current business operations will be continuing in the normal way.

About Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects B.V.
Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects is a supplier of innovative turn-key horticultural projects worldwide. With 70 professionals, it provides customised services to growers and investors so they can get the maximum return on their investment. During the realisation of a project, every aspect is taken care of for the customer by providing them with high quality, reliability, professionalism, and advanced technical solutions.

About Patron Agri Systems B.V./Enthoven Techniek B.V.
Patron Agri Systems and Enthoven Techniek are sister companies, and with 60 employees they offer a complete range of technical installations for the greenhouse horticulture sector around the world. The organisation advises, designs, and builds water, electrical, climate control, and lighting systems in order to create high quality, innovative solutions that generate a maximum return on investment for the customer.