In CORNERSTONE, BFI focuses on the development of a non-clogging heat exchanger for waste heat recovery from process waters. This heat can be reused for blowdown water recovery using membrane distillation. The recovered high purity water can be used for hydrogen production, closing the cycle. Additionally, we are advancing in digitalization and implementing smart monitoring solutions, including the use of digital twins with SIMBA# for water management. Smart monitoring concepts are applied to the technological modules developed in this project, focusing on water treatment and the recovery of freshwater, energy, and solutes.
Our main goal is to find synergies in the recovery of energy, freshwater and solutes from the process waters of the steel industry to achieve climate neutrality and minimize waste. To meet these challenges, BFI is developing innovative wastewater treatment systems that comply with the principles of the circular economy. The recovery and recycling will not only help to conserve resources, but also lead to significant cost savings - both in the disposal of waste materials and by reducing the demand of freshwater and energy.
At BFI we are specialized in applied research. That means we work very close with the industry to develop reliable solutions that withstand variations of water quality and external impacts. It is exciting to see our developments being implemented, and it is good to know that we contribute directly to the transition toward a sustainable circular economy in European industries. The CORNERSTONE project offers an opportunity to tackle global challenges like resource efficiency, water management, and reducing environmental impact. The collaboration within a multidisciplinary consortium of 16 partners from 8 European member states is motivating as it enables us to learn new approaches and bring together different perspectives and expertise to develop innovative solutions.
The CORNERSTONE project has a significant potential to impact the future regarding the circular economy in European industries. Since our project is focusing on creating innovative and sustainable decision-support tools, management concepts and novel technologies for managing water, energy, and dissolved substances in industrial processes, we believe it has broad applicability and is transferableto other industries. The tools and concepts developed in this project can help industries become more resilient to resource scarcity and environmental challenges, contributing to a greener economy. Furthermore, our work supports European sustainability goals, such as the Green Deal.