Project description
Innovative spent caustic processing
Spent caustic is classified as a hazardous waste. A highly toxic by-product of the oil and petrochemical refining industries, it is difficult and expensive to treat in existing wastewater processes. In this context, the EU-funded EPC EqTech project proposes an innovative solution of a plant that combines three core technologies: electrocoagulation (EC), electro-oxidation (EO) and electroperoxi-coagulation (EPC). This combination will result in a new solution able for low-cost and according to the regulations processing. The innovation is environmentally compatible, highly effective, scalable to meet refinery demands and offers in-situ, easy, operable processing. The project will finalise the development and prepare it for commercialisation.
Objective
Spent caustic is a highly toxic by-product created in the oil and petrochemical refining industries that is highly challenging to
process. Modern solutions are either unable to meet wastewater treatment regulations or are cost prohibitive. This has
resulted in large stockpiles of this hazardous waste now building at refineries with no accessible way to dispose of it.
Since 2016 Cetaqua and Suez have been collaborating in development of an innovative solution: “EPC-EqTech” – a plant
that combines three core technologies: Electro Coagulation (EC), Electro Oxidation (EO) and Electroperoxi-coagulation
(EPC) to create a novel solution capable of processing spent caustic at low-cost and within regulatory parameters. Joining
Cetaqua and Suez, the FTI project consortium includes Tüpraş as pilot trial lead end-user and DEKRA as materials
development and safety regulations partner.
EPC-EqTech is poised to solve this industry-wide challenge and save our target market an estimated 2,4 bnEUR compared
to modern alternatives by processing spent caustic on-site with a highly cost-effective and efficient technology.
Among others, EPC-EqTech provides its users the following benefits:
- Environmentally compatible application;
- Hard COD removal;
- Highly-effective;
- Very low CAPEX and OPEX compared to competitors with better process control;
- Meets all known regulatory standards;
- In-situ processing that is simple to operate;
- Scalable to meet refinery demands;
- High pollutant removal efficiencies at acidic medium (optimal pH range) with no H2O2 accumulation.
To bring EPC-EqTech to market, our European consortium provides the required technical expertise and commercial
position to:
1) Finalise development of our complete solution;
2) Complete TRL7 trials with spent caustic streams;
3) Prepare for commercial integration with all of the tools required for success.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
IA - Innovation actionCoordinator
08940 CORNELLA DE LLOBREGAT BARCELONA
Spain