Patented Progress: Our Innovation Takes a Big Leap
Introduction to CIWI Technology
CIWI; Chemical Innovation for Water Industries, introduces a revolutionary approach to water treatment with its patented Electrochemical Production of Metal Hydroxides for Water Treatment. Developed in collaboration with the Technical University of Delft under the supervision of Professor Doris van Halem, this cutting-edge technology addresses the inefficiencies and environmental impacts of traditional metal salts, like iron chloride, used in water purification processes.
Signing the collaboration agreement with Prof.dr.ir. Stefan Aarninkhof, Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences at TU Delft
How it works
The CIWI system operates by placing a container, equipped with an electrochemical cell, adjacent to existing water treatment infrastructure. The electrochemical cell uses low-voltage electricity to convert untreated metal (such as black steel) into metal hydroxide within a controlled environment. This process involves the following key steps:
a) Electrolysis Process:
a. The system contains a sacrificial electrode and a counter electrode submerged in an electrolyte. When a current is applied, the metal from the sacrificial electrode dissolves, forming metal ions.
b. These ions undergo hydrolysis forming metal hydroxide, often iron hydroxide, which is the active treatment agent.
b) Separation and Application:
a. The metal hydroxide is separated from the electrolyte and is then ready for dosing.
b. The solution containing the metal hydroxide is directly injected into the existing water treatment stream, where it performs the same coagulation and contaminant removal functions as traditional metal salts.
Unlike conventional water treatment technologies, such as electrocoagulation, CIWI produces the hydroxide in a controlled environment, resulting in a more stable and consistent product. This controlled setting not only allows for a smaller reactor size but also significantly reduces energy requirements. We expect that power consumptions will only be between 2-3 kW per kilo iron dosed for example while the resource cost can be below conventional metal salt prices, making it a competitve. The performance of the electrolysis process is unaffected by the quality of the water being treated; instead, water quality only influences the dosage of metal hydroxide required, just like with traditional metal salts
Flow Diagram of Electrochemical Metal Hydroxide Production Process for Water Treatment
The Role of Metal Hydroxide in Water Treatment
For readers unfamiliar with water treatment processes, metal hydroxides play a crucial role in water treatment processes, such as the removal of sulphide, phosphate, heavy metals, and in coagulation. When metal salts like iron chloride are added to water, they rapidly hydrolyse to form metal hydroxides. These hydroxides are essential because they adsorb, destabilize small suspended particles and colloidal matter allowing them to clump together, and/or create flocculant precipitates that sweep through the water, removing soluble compounds and small suspended materials. This method is used in water treatment to produce drinking water or process water for industries, but also to treat municipal and industrial wastewaters.
Aerial view of a settling tank where metal hydroxide is used to remove impurities from the water.
Advantages of CIWI Technology
1. Significant Supply Chain Reduction:
a. CIWI can cut out 85% of the traditional supply chain, as it eliminates the need for transporting and storing pre-manufactured metal salts.
2. Enhanced Safety and Environmental Impact:
a. The technology minimizes chemical hazards by producing only what is needed, on-site, with no need for bulk storage or transport of hazardous materials.
b. The system introduces 6 to 10 times less salt into the treatment process, preventing issues related to water acidification and excess salinity.
3. Energy Efficiency and Material Efficiency:
a. CIWI operates on a highly efficient process, consuming only 2-3 kWh of electricity per kilogram of iron used.
b. The material efficiency of the process is approximately 85%, ensuring that most of the input material is effectively utilized in the treatment process.
c. The use of so-called (unprocessed) black steel in the CIWI system is intentional, as it represents the cleanest available material option for the electrodes.
4. Cost-Effectiveness:
a. The capital expenditure (CAPEX) for CIWI devices is designed to be recouped within 6-12 months of operational expenditure (OPEX), making the technology financially accessible.
b. CIWI believes it can offer this service at a price point comparable to traditional metal salts, providing customers with substantial savings in other areas.
5. Customer Savings and Operational Benefits:
a. Customers can save on operational costs by lowering pH control needs, reducing salt introduction to water and discharge sludge, and minimizing expenses associated with transport and safety.
b. The on-site production model enhances supply chain resilience, allowing for greater storage capacity and reducing the dependency on external suppliers.
6. Sustainability and Reduced Carbon Footprint:
a. CIWI's low-voltage operation and the potential use of green electricity can reduce the carbon footprint by 22%, and up to 99% when combined with green steel. Even with grid-average electricity, the reduction remains significant.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Up at Brabant Water
We're excited to announce that the next phase of our journey will involve scaling up our Electrochemical Production of Metal Hydroxide technology. We’ll soon begin testing at Brabant Water’s production plant in Zevenbergen. This larger-scale trial is crucial to further validate the substantial benefits we've promised, ensuring that our innovative solution delivers real-world results.
We encourage you to stay informed as we advance through this pivotal stage. Follow our updates on the blog and through our social media channels to see how this technology could reshape water treatment practices.
Join us as we work towards a safer, more sustainable future in water treatment.