MemClean - Sustainable membrane performance for drinking water preparation and wastewater treatment
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Lunds universitet - Institutione för Kemiteknik |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 488 270 |
| Project duration | April 2018 - December 2018 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Challenge-Driven Innovation – Stage 1 initiation |
Important results from the project
In the water industry digitalization is expected to have a major impact and deliver novel for more sustainable solutions. Membrane processes are key steps for drinking water preparation and wastewater treatment. The goal of the MemClean project is reduce to the economic and environmental impact of membrane fouling, which reduces the capacity of the plants. By combining online sensors with an advanced control systems, optimal time and protocols for membrane cleaning will be determined. Further, a simplified solution for rural African and Asian areas will be developed.
Expected long term effects
The result of the MemClean project will be commercial solutions to optimise membrane cleaning that can be offered either as an add-on to new and existing membrane installations or as part of a service contract. Applying the MemClean solution will reduce the amount of cleaning chemicals and cleaning water used plus wastewater generated. Ensuring that the membranes are cleaned at the “perfect” time with the correct cleaning protocol will extend the membrane life cycle and increase plant capacity. Thus both the economic and environmental profile of membrane processes will be improved.
Approach and implementation
In order to prepare MemClean project for Stage 2, potential partners along the complete value chain been approached. Organisations that expressed interest range from membrane producers, cleaning chemical producers, sensor producers to end-users. Furthermore, two sites for pilot testing of the MemClean solution - one drinking water and one wastewater location - have been identified and are interested to participate in the project. Furthermore, links with partners to develop the simplified solution for rural areas in Africa and Asia have been established.