INSPIREWater

Innovative solutions in the process industry for next generation resource efficient water management.

INSPIREWater demonstrates a holistic approach for water management using innovative technology solutions from European companies to increase water and resource efficiency in the process industry.

With extended collaboration between technology providers including innovative SME’s, world-wide active companies in the chemical and steel industries and research organizations, this project also contributes to the aims of the SPIRE SRA, the EIP on 'Water' and to the aims of the Commission’s Roadmap on Resource efficiency, supporting effective implementation of European directives and policies in the water management area.

The project addresses non-technical barriers as well as technical, as innovation needs and demonstrates them in the steel and chemical industry. A flexible system for water management in the process industries is worked out to facilitate the implementation of technical innovations. These technical innovations in the area of selected membrane technologies, strong field magnetic particle separation, and catalytic prevention of biofouling are demonstrated to increase process water-efficiency as well as resource, water and energy savings in the process industry. The development and demonstration work is combined with a strong emphasis on exploitation and dissemination.

FHNW leads the work package - Systemic configuration and technology adaptation, in which our group has conducted lab experiments (feed characterization, membrane testing etc.) and developed the design concept of the pilot plants of two case studies. During the demonstration actions, FHNW is providing scientific and technical support for further optimization of the processes.