Final Report Summary - CHEM-FREE (Development of a chemical-free water treatment system through integrating UV-C, ultra sound and fibre filters)
The CHEM-FREE project developed a process instrument to integrate and optimise three widespread water treatment methods, namely the fibre filters, ultrasound and ultra violet type C (UV-C) radiation. The technologies were expected to restrain suspended solids and dissolved nutrients, counteract algae growth and care for disinfection. Moreover, the proposal aimed to combine all the ecological and economic benefits of its components, while allowing for the treatment of different water qualities without the use of chemicals.
A prototype was developed and assessed in four specific applications, namely swimming pools, wastewater treatment for irrigation purposes, fish farming and groundwater recharge. Moreover, technical specifications for patent registration were defined in order to incorporate the three devices within a single unit.
The methods were integrated and validated using both laboratory and field research. Laboratory experiments were essential for understanding the principal removal mechanisms using both individual devices and their combinations. Legal and technical regulations along with market and operational requirements of the potential uses were analysed for integration into the prototype development process.
CHEM-FREE system performance was monitored through extensive field tests. It provided swimming pool water of reliable quality, in accordance with the existing European standards, thus being a competent alternative to chlorinating systems. Biofilm growth could not be eliminated though and technological improvement was necessary.
Regarding irrigation water, constant flow rates and high removal efficiencies were achieved, even though the process could not meet specific Italian regulations regarding maximum ammonium nitrogen and E. Coli concentrations.
Moreover, the examined recirculation fish pond remained clear and could be loaded with additional fish population. In addition, the site specific maximums for chemical and microbial parameters were met in the case of groundwater recharge; nevertheless the process required further refinement due to filters' clogging.
Finally, the laboratory assessment of the prototype demonstrated some important limitations of the system under different algae strains. As a result future optimisation was essential. It was overall concluded that CHEM-FREE was promising for closed loop applications, while development was required for flow through processes.
System validation resulted in the decision to promote fish farming application for commercial use and to improve the performance of the remaining alternatives prior to commercialisation. Nevertheless, potential partners for the swimming pools treatment unit industrialisation were also investigated.
A market analysis was elaborated and events involving stakeholders were organised in order to disseminate the project findings. Supplementary dissemination actions involved presentations in conferences, publications and construction of a relevant website. Moreover, the necessary activities towards patenting the technology were undertaken. It was derived however that patenting was not a feasible option prior to optimising the developed process.
A prototype was developed and assessed in four specific applications, namely swimming pools, wastewater treatment for irrigation purposes, fish farming and groundwater recharge. Moreover, technical specifications for patent registration were defined in order to incorporate the three devices within a single unit.
The methods were integrated and validated using both laboratory and field research. Laboratory experiments were essential for understanding the principal removal mechanisms using both individual devices and their combinations. Legal and technical regulations along with market and operational requirements of the potential uses were analysed for integration into the prototype development process.
CHEM-FREE system performance was monitored through extensive field tests. It provided swimming pool water of reliable quality, in accordance with the existing European standards, thus being a competent alternative to chlorinating systems. Biofilm growth could not be eliminated though and technological improvement was necessary.
Regarding irrigation water, constant flow rates and high removal efficiencies were achieved, even though the process could not meet specific Italian regulations regarding maximum ammonium nitrogen and E. Coli concentrations.
Moreover, the examined recirculation fish pond remained clear and could be loaded with additional fish population. In addition, the site specific maximums for chemical and microbial parameters were met in the case of groundwater recharge; nevertheless the process required further refinement due to filters' clogging.
Finally, the laboratory assessment of the prototype demonstrated some important limitations of the system under different algae strains. As a result future optimisation was essential. It was overall concluded that CHEM-FREE was promising for closed loop applications, while development was required for flow through processes.
System validation resulted in the decision to promote fish farming application for commercial use and to improve the performance of the remaining alternatives prior to commercialisation. Nevertheless, potential partners for the swimming pools treatment unit industrialisation were also investigated.
A market analysis was elaborated and events involving stakeholders were organised in order to disseminate the project findings. Supplementary dissemination actions involved presentations in conferences, publications and construction of a relevant website. Moreover, the necessary activities towards patenting the technology were undertaken. It was derived however that patenting was not a feasible option prior to optimising the developed process.
