Removal of Toxic Contaminants from Water

BACKGROUND Industries are under increasing pressure to reduce the pollution being discharged in their effluents. This is due to increasingly stringent legislation in the UK, Europe and elsewhere, such as the ‘Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive’. There is heightened public awareness, concern over the long term environmental and health effects of toxic pollutants and improved analytical techniques that are detecting ever lower pollutant concentrations. Some of the most difficult effluents to treat are those containing trace quantities of coloured, toxic and non-biodegradable organics. THE TECHNOLOGY The University of Manchester is developing a technology based on a novel non-porous, highly conducting carbon-based adsorbent material developed by a commercial partner for the adsorption of organic contaminants. The absorbent is regenerated electrochemically, destroying the pollutants whilst leaving no sludge or secondary waste. Effluent treatment and absorbent regeneration occur simultaneously within a single unit. Regeneration recovers 100% of the absorbent capacity. There are no moving parts. COST EFFECTIVENESS
• Operating costs ~ 0.3p/m3 compared to 2-6p/m3 for alternative techniques.
• The electrical regeneration cost is approx. £3/tonne compared to around £400/tonne for thermal regeneration of activated carbon.
• Unlike other systems treatment costs decrease as pollutant concentration decreases. KEY BENEFITS
• Pollutants are adsorbed and destroyed, with no sludge or secondary waste produced
• Pollutants reduced to very low concentrations (ppt level)
• First example of continuous absorption and regeneration in a single on-site unit
• Only small quantities of adsorbent need to be stored on-site TURNING INNOVATIVE THINKING INTO COMMERCIAL REALITY FROM IDEAS TO BUSINESS SUCCESS
• No ‘off-site’ transport and energy costs for regeneration
• Regeneration at room temperature and pressure
• Addition of chemicals is minimised or avoided
• Low installation and operating costs
• No moving parts
• Viable technology for removal of endocrine disruptive compounds APPLICATIONS
• Removal of toxic and non biodegradable pollutants from final stage sewage or industrial wastes
• Pollutants removed include endocrine compounds, PCBs, phenols, organic dyes, waste cutting oils and virtually anything of an organic nature which can be absorbed on carbon
• Effluent polishing PATENT STATUS A UK patent has been filed by the University of Manchester. OPPORTUNITY To join a consortium to develop a pre-commercial pilot scale unit with a view to licensing or taking an option on the technology. A demonstration cell has been commissioned and is available to test industrial effluent samples. This will also validate the techno-economic capabilities of the technology. If you are interested in taking part please get in touch. CONTACT Richard Price, Business Manager, UMIP, The Fairbairn Building, PO Box No 88 Manchester M60 1QD [email protected] Tel: 0161 3068528

Type of Offer: Licensing



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