Innovative water treatment system set to significantly reduce the industry’s carbon and hydric footprints, as well as costs.
Aqualogy, the global technology and solutions subsidiary of Suez, has developed a new on-site waste water treatment technology which will save the automotive sector millions by reducing sludge output and the amount of chemical reagents used during the process. The technology also removes various pollutants, including heavy metals, thus allowing the water to be reused after treatment. Experts have predicted that the innovative technology could significantly reduce the industry’s carbon, as well as hydric, footprints.
Electrochemical technology
Aqualogy is the only innovative water solution provider to patent a combination of three electrochemical technologies (ECT) in conjunction: electrocoagulation, electrooxidation and electroperoxi-coagulation. The techniques work by applying an electric field between two electrodes, which triggers a series of chemical reactions leading to the destabilisation of pollutant molecules. Aqualogy’s technology removes up to 90% of heavy metals (including Nickel), phosphates, fats and oils and enables the water to be re-used.
Aqualogy is already working for several major automotive companies with positive reviews from Ford stating that, not only is Aqualogy’s offer more attractive cost-wise, but it is a proactive and communicative company offering innovative solutions that Ford had not even thought of.
Dealing with the challenge of waste water
Aqualogy’s new technology proposes to significantly reduce sludge output; in some cases completely eliminating it and in others reducing it by up to 70%. The UK automotive industry currently generates around 24.1 million tonnes of waste every year. Metal, machinery and equipment manufacturing contribute with 6.4 m tonnes; only 59% is recycled (Source: DEFRA, 2011). Sludge is one of the principal waste issues and has a huge environmental impact; because of its lack of calorific value, it has to go to landfill and whilst it can be filtered, this is a costly process with regard to energy and time.
The new technology comes ahead of legislation set to put further pressure on companies to reduce their carbon footprint. In 2016 there are plans to extend the Companies Act, making GHG reporting mandatory for all large companies. This means around 24,000 UK companies (Source: Carbon Trust, 2013) will be legally required to publish their annual greenhouse gas emissions in their directors’ report. The Government is committed to cutting UK carbon emissions to 50% of 1990 levels by 2025, and believes that by measuring GHG emissions, companies will begin to set internal targets and put in place carbon management initiatives to reduce emissions.
Antoni Ventura, Managing Director of Aqualogy UK said: “With tightening government legislation and large companies setting their own water and CO2 reduction targets, automotive companies are having to look at new ways of cutting their carbon emissions and hydric footprints.
“Our technology allows companies to take control of their own water treatment, which can not only help them meet their targets, but save them an enormous amount of time and money compared to traditional methods of waste water disposal.”
Aqualogy’s Services
As part of the technology launch in the UK, Aqualogy is offering automotive companies the opportunity to trial ECT by demonstrating on a sample of their waste water and assessing the company’s current hydric footprint. They will then show them how their footprint can be significantly reduced with the use of ECT. Aqualogy will also be showcasing ECT at The Water Event at the NEC, Birmingham on 16-17th September, as well as at the SMMT Automotive and Equipment Sector Day on 25th September.
Business Development Manager for the Automotive Sector, Sean Ashton, says: “Aqualogy’s ECT is unique in that it requires a minimal amount of chemical reagents, thus reducing the risk and cost of transporting and disposing of chemical products. Moreover, the technology is low-maintenance with no civil works required and is easy to install and operate – unlike biological treatment, it can be switched on and off instantly.”
For further details, images and interview requests, please contact Rebecca Cooper on 07845592670.
Aqualogy would be happy to offer publications expert opinion, interviews and articles on this subject matter.
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About Aqualogy
Aqualogy is the technology and solutions division of Agbar, one of the world’s largest water and wastewater companies, with products covering the entire water cycle.
With a focus on providing measurable results through maximising efficiency in operations, Aqualogy provides tailored integrated solutions. Using knowledge and expertise of environmental legislation, Aqualogy are able to drive innovation and development to create more effective operation methods, resulting in reduced costs, energy and water consumption.
Aqualogy operates in nine countries in the world and has over 140 years experience in the water industry. It serves over 26 million inhabitants and operates over 90,000km of distribution networks and 41,000 sewerage networks.
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