The R3VOLUTION project develops advanced water reuse technologies targeting minimum or zero liquid discharge in petrochemical, bio-based chemical, pulp & paper, and steel industries. It aims to achieve over 90% water reuse, >45% solute recovery, and >50% heat reuse, while eliminating hazardous substances. Innovations include biodegradable nanocellulose and ceramic membranes, enhanced through functionalization and digital tools for process optimization. With strong cross-sector transferability, R3VOLUTION promotes solution exploitation and communication for broad industry uptake. The project supports reduced water consumption, resource recovery, and EU goals on climate neutrality and circular economy.
Core technologies include high-performance filtration membranes, membrane distillation systems, machine learning-based optimization, and digital twin tools—targeting TRL 6 by the project end. A major technical focus is on designing solvent-resistant membranes and optimizing configurations for efficient water and energy reuse. Tailored membranes with adjustable flux, pore size, and strength support filtration from micro- to nanofiltration. Hydrophobic ceramic membranes in membrane distillation enable recovery of water and solutes from complex industrial effluents.
In the digital domain, the project is building digital twin models to simulate treatment processes, assess parameters, and deliver optimization insights. These include virtual sensors and computer vision tools for real-time monitoring. The system builds on and extends the existing Digital Process Assistant (DPA), improving water management across sectors.
R3VOLUTION will pilot four treatment trains in key industries and will deliver a full techno-economic and sustainability assessment to identify best practices for industrial reuse and energy recovery, aiming for widespread adoption. Project results advance the state of the art in wastewater treatment and circular resource use, supporting EU industrial water and sustainability policies. The project will provide a commercial roadmap to support long-term deployment across Europe.
