AEE (Institut für nachhaltige Technologien): Water and Process Technology Group

Gleisdorf, Austria

 

What are your main tasks in the project?

In the CORNERSTONE project, we at AEE in the WPT (Water and Process Technology Group) are responsible for leading Work Package 1, which focuses on the mapping of industrial water streams and the design and optimization of integrated technology concepts for water treatment at the laboratory scale. The WP also includes the application of sustainable water treatment technologies such as membrane distillation and membrane crystallization for the recovery of solutes from industrial water streams. Additionally, AEE contributes to Work Package 5, where our task is to generate essential data to support the development of a Decision Support Tool. This tool will aid in optimizing the reuse and recovery of water within industrial processes for different industry partners.

 

What are your goals?

Our main goal is to design and implement environmentally friendly and cost-effective integrated water treatment systems tailored for each industrial case study within the CORNERSTONE project. To achieve this, we first aim to accomplish several key milestones, including comprehensive water mapping and water characterization. We will rigorously test the performance of the individual treatment modules, focusing on their capacity for energy, water and solute recovery. The initial tests will be conducted at lab scale and will be to design and develop the final technology trains and pilot applications to maximize efficiency and sustainability of water use for the different industrial sites.

 

What is your motivation and what excites you the most about your work?

Our motivation originates from our commitment for advancing sustainable industrial practices and contributing to a global circular economy. The most exciting aspect of our work is the opportunity to develop cutting-edge solutions that have the potential to significantly enhance water and resource management in various industries. By integrating novel technologies and digital innovations, we are not only addressing current environmental challenges but also aligning our efforts with the European Union's ambitious goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. This alignment of innovation with sustainability is what drives our passion for the project.

 

Which impact do you think your research/work will have on the future?

We believe our research and contributions to the CORNERSTONE project will have a profound and long- lasting impact for future industrial operations and development. By optimizing water treatment processes and advancing resource recovery technologies, we are helping to establish more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly industrial practices. This is crucial for promoting and transitioning to a global circular economy, ensuring that industries can meet the European Union’s climate goals. Ultimately, our work will support the transition to a more resilient and sustainable industrial ecosystem, benefiting both the environment and society.

13/09/2024