- Water treatment
Electrochemical processes
Electrochemical processes for advanced water treatment
Electrochemical processes encompass a set of technologies based on the controlled application of an electric field to induce oxidation-reduction reactions, ionic separation or the generation of reactive species. These technologies enable the treatment, transformation or valorisation of liquid streams through non-conventional mechanisms, with reduced chemical consumption, high selectivity and modular operation.
These technologies include:
- Electrocoagulation
- Electrochemical oxidation
- Bioelectrochemical processes
- Electrodialysis
What market challenges does it address?
- Treatment of complex or recalcitrant streams where traditional biological or physicochemical methods fail.
- Reduction of operational costs associated with the consumption of reagents (acids, bases, coagulants, oxidants).
- Compliance with stricter regulatory requirements for discharge, water reuse and waste minimisation.
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Industrial need for brine valorisation, recovery of nutrients, metals or high-value products.
- Efficient management of highly saline process waters, with high conductivity or alkaline CIP streams.
Applications
Specific applications will depend on the selected technology. Examples where electrochemical processes can be applied include
- Removal of heavy metals
Removal of heavy metals, recalcitrant compounds or inhibitors for biological treatments.
- Reduction of nitrates to nitrogen gas
- Disinfection using electrolysed water
- Production of high-purity bioH₂ or bioCH₄
- Valorisation of saline streams
Valorisation of saline streams such as brines or CIP waters.
- Demineralisation of food streams
AINIA’s competitive advantages
- More than 35 years of experience in water stream treatment and advisory services in water management enables AINIA to deliver innovative, high-value solutions to current industrial challenges.
- Extensive knowledge of the water sector and a wide range of pilot plants allow the combination of the best available techniques to maximise electrochemical process performance while minimising interferences.
- The diversity of technical expertise within AINIA ensures internal support across related areas required in electrochemical projects (regulatory advisory, hygienic, sanitary and microbiological risk assessment, integration with biorefinery or energy valorisation processes…).
Selection of operating variables
Selection of the most suitable operating variables for desalination and brine valorisation processes.
Energy consumption estimation
Estimation of energy consumption and evaluation of the purity of recovered compounds.
Comparison of desalination methods
Comparison of desalination or valuable compound recovery methods against alternative technologies.
Key equipment
Application sectors
Food and beverages
Pickled products and vegetables
Meat and seafood
Chemical and petrochemical
Water management and waste operators
Pharma and biotechnology
Agriculture and fertilisers
Energy and biogas
Would you like to know more?
Leave us your details and we will contact you to answer your questions or continue the conversation.
Daniel Rivera
Head of Physicochemical Processes
