The finalized project, funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) of the European Union (Horizon 2022 Accelerator Program, grant agreement #190180588), aimed to design and build innovative and disruptive technology to separate and recover water and solids from dredged materials on a pilot plant scale.
Dredging is an essential activity to maintain maritime and river routes, coastal protection to flooding, among others. Every year, over 2 Bm3 de sedimentos en todo el mundo, de los cuales entre el 20% y el 40% están muy contaminados y deben ser tratados antes de ser depositados en vertederos (ya que las tecnologías actuales de tratamiento y separación no permiten valorizar de forma rentable el agua y los sólidos de este material dragado).
Water Challenge has developed and patented the first truly energy-efficient, zero liquid discharge (ZLD+) technology capable of separating 100% of dredged material in fresh water and crystallized solids in a single step, without chemicals and with very low energy consumption (<20 kWh/m3).
The main objective of the ASEC project was to develop a pilot plant with a capacity of 10 m3 per day to separate and recover water and solids from dredged materials. This plant was essential for showcasing the technology and business model before expanding and replicating it across Europe.
The key objectives of the ASEC project were:
