Ceramic nanofiltration as the key step for sustainable wastewater treatment with reuse of water, energy and nutrients

A new waste water treatment concept for the production of demiwater is developed. This concept is far more efficient than the current production of demiwater from waste water. The challenge is to concentrate the raw domestic waste water at least a factor 5 by one ceramic nanofiltration step, supplying a barrier for contaminants that could hinder efficient operation of the consecutive reverse osmosis step and at the same time have a maximum recovery of scarce sources, like phosphates. Since the current (state-of-the-art) micro and ultra-filtration are not capable of retaining ions and also not produce a good quality feed water for the RO in one step, ceramic nanofiltration is suggested. The step from ceramic micro and ultrafiltration to ceramic nanofiltration is significant so there are several research questions and development opportunities that need to be addressed. Though limited ceramic NF membranes are available, embedment of these membranes in a viable filtration technology is a significant challenge. Insights need to be gained in the filtration mechanisms and interaction between contaminants and membrane surface. Also insights need to be gained in the targeted innovation and the other treatment steps necessary for the concentrate and the permeate of the ceramic nanofiltration. The project will lead to the development of an innovative technology that will be tested in a pilot plant. Efficiency gains are expected by energy savings (50%) and the efficient recovery of recourses (mainly phosphate). Also the complexity of the treatment system will be reduced significantly, as, at the same time the possibility to steer the process will be drastically improved. This innovation will provide for a breakthrough in the production of demiwater from waste water. 

Partners
TUD; Evides Industriewater; Logisticon

Funded by
STW-TKI

Period
May 2014 - May 2018

TUD-coordinator
Bas Heijman