The performance of gas injection systems for air or pure oxygen in aeration tanks largely determines the energy consumption and efficiency of entire wastewater treatment plants. The CLEWATEC Innovation Lab offers scientific expertise and access to a unique infrastructure for the optimization and development of gas injection systems. The service can consist of both rapid performance tests and long-term studies for further development at laboratory, pilot and real scale. The advanced measurement instruments and test facilities are available to perform analysis on the following aspects: Substance transfer efficiency according to DWA-M 209 guideline  Gas bubble size and distribution  Mixing efficiency  Pollutant removal (NH3-N, NO3-N, BOD5, COD)  We are looking for partners interested in R&E services to further develop gas injection systems by investigating fluid dynamic, physicochemical and biological processes.

Micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides and industrial chemicals are not removed in conventional wastewater treatment plants. Many persistent micropollutants, such as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS), are not captured by any treatment technology available on the market. Here, the use of advanced oxidation processes (AOP) offers a future-oriented alternative for chemically degrading these trace substances. The CLEWATEC Innovation Lab, together with industry partner Air Liquide, is developing a new AOP based on the combination of ozonation and hydrodynamic cavitation, HyKaPro, which has been proven to break down the molecular structures of persistent substances such as PFAS. We are looking for partnerships (pharmaceutical, chemical industry, research institutions) to support the development of the process by providing wastewater samples for laboratory testing In case of positive results, access to an existing wastewater treatment plant for the installation of a pilot plant as a bypass Research collaborations in the form of direct cooperation or third-party funded projects will be sought.

The power grids of the future should be able to cope with the instability of weather-dependent renewable energy sources. As a major energy consumer and potential energy producer, wastewater treatment plants and sewer networks can help stabilize future renewable energy grids through demand-side management. Such an approach could also enable plant operators to reduce their operating costs. However, new control strategies for energy flexibilization need to be developed to ensure safe and efficient operation of the wastewater infrastructure.   The experts at the CLEWATEC Innovation Lab are working on the following technological challenges:  Methods for the simultaneous evaluation of weather, energy market and grid operation data  Development of control strategies for energy flexibilization and optimal operation of wastewater treatment plants and sewer networks  Integration of future power-to-gas processes in wastewater treatment plants