CaviPlasma – an Advanced Oxidation Technology That Efficiently Removes Micropollutants from Water
Field: Materials Science | Plasma Technology
Challenge:
Removal of micropollutants is a topical problem in wastewater treatment. New legislation anticipates increased removal of pharmaceuticals (analgetics, antibiotics, antidepressants, etc.), herbicides, pesticides, estrogens, and volatile organic compounds from wastewater. These cannot be removed by mechanical or biological treatment.
Our device – CaviPlasma – is advanced oxidation technology, which efficiently removes the above-mentioned micropollutants.
Besides that, it can also produce so-called plasma-activated water with the content of oxygen, which can be used as an environmentally friendly disinfectant.
Tech overview:
The invention relates to a method of generating a low-temperature plasma in liquids that is suitable for plasma treatment of liquids, solids, and gases. The device can be utilized for water decontamination and disinfection of both wastewater and drinking water. The equipment can also be used for the treatment of hydrocarbon-based liquids such as oils or paints. The principle of the device is based on the generation of plasma in the cavitation area, i.e. the point where the liquid is converted into vapour.
CaviPlasma utilizes the synergistic effect of hydrodynamic cavitation and low-temperature plasma discharge. Hydrodynamic cavitation provides a gaseous environment from saturated vapor, which is favorable for the ignition of plasma discharge between high-voltage electrodes. Plasma discharge induces plasmochemical reactions and UV radiation. Resulting dissociation of water molecules produces hydroxyl radicals OH-, which then form hydrogen peroxide with strong oxidation effects.
CaviPlasma was successfully tested for removal of pharmaceutical residuals (analgetics, antibiotics, antiepileptics), estrogen (4 types), bacteria (S. aureus, E. coli, Flavobacterium), cyanobacteria, and algae.
Plasma activated water was successfully applied for the removal of resistant S. aureus strains, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a hospital environment.
Benefits:
- efficient removal of micropollutants using strong oxidation (hydrogen peroxide, strong electrical field)
- can be used for the removal of both biological and chemical contaminants
- compared to other plasma technologies CaviPlasma features high flow rates of treated water (up to 15 m3/hour on our largest device)
- power input less than 1 kW/m3
Applications:
- removal of micropollutants from wastewater (pharmaceuticals, pesticides, herbicides, estrogens)
- tertiary treatment of wastewater
- elimination of pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, cyanobacteria, viruses)
- removal of algae (cooling towers and piping)
- Preparation of plasma-activated water (PAW) for decontamination of surfaces
- application in agriculture (against fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases of plants), improving seed germination
- elimination of bacteria in fisheries
- plasma treatment of liquids, solids and gases.
- treatment of hydrocarbon-based liquids such as oils or paints
Commercial opportunity:
- We are seeking potential partners in development (financial support of further development), commercialization (licensing), and exploration of further application potential.
IP protection status:
Patented