If you are an industrial plant operator dealing with heavy wastewater discharge — this project developed MD prototypes that allow you to reuse 70-90% of your water, reducing your water footprint and moving toward zero waste.
Sustainable Water Recovery and Desalination Systems Using Green Membrane Technology
Imagine a high-tech filter that uses heat from the sun or leftover industrial warmth to purify water. Instead of using harsh chemicals, these filters are made from eco-friendly materials that can be recycled when worn out. It works like a sophisticated steam cleaner for water, pulling pure liquid out of salty or dirty waste streams.
What needed solving
Industries face rising costs and regulatory pressure to reduce water waste and manage brine. Current desalination and filtration methods are often energy-intensive and rely on non-recyclable materials.
What was built
High-performance membranes and energy-efficient modules made from biodegradable polymers, integrated into four prototypes for industrial water reuse and decentralized drinking water production.
Who needs this
Who can put this to work
If you are a fish farm manager dealing with nutrient-rich wastewater — this project developed membrane systems that recover valuable nutrients as secondary raw materials while cleaning the water.
If you are a provider dealing with saline water in remote areas — this project developed autonomous, passive units (10-100 L/day) that deliver drinking water using only solar energy.
Quick answers
What is the cost or price of these systems?
Based on available project data, specific pricing is not provided, but the project focuses on creating 'low-cost' decentralized units and reducing operational costs through the use of waste heat and solar energy.
At what scale can this technology be deployed industrially?
The project has demonstrated industrial prototypes with productivity capacities ranging from 0.5 to 5 m3/day for wastewater reuse in textile, beverage, and chemical industries.
How is the IP and licensing handled?
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not listed, but the project aims to transform membranes and modules into commercial products for industry and society.
How does this integrate with existing energy infrastructure?
The systems are designed to integrate with waste heat and solar power, achieving 90-100% sustainable energy usage.
What regulations does this address?
The technology responds to global regulators pushing for increased water reuse and the economic drivers behind brine-mining and resource recovery.
Who built it
The consortium is heavily industry-oriented, with 12 industrial partners (67% of the total) and 10 SMEs. This high ratio of commercial players across 12 countries suggests a strong focus on market entry and practical application rather than pure academic research, supported by only 2 universities and 3 research institutes.
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