Optimize membrane processes, develop hybrid processes and new treatment methods
Water filtration membranes
Module membranaire
In light of the deterioration of aquatic milieus by anthropogenic pollution, the emergence of new health risks and increasing regulatory requirements, it is necessary to reinforce the efficiency of water treatment systems.
The Veolia Environnement Company is using more and more membrane techniques for the production of drinking water as well as the treatment and recycling of industrial and urban wastewater. Acting as a filter which retains microscopic elements, membranes make it possible to exceed the performance of traditional processes, notably in terms of treatment safety, for the clarification, disinfection and elimination of organic materials, nitrogen and phosphorus. Their combination with traditional processes can also provide added efficiency.
However, these techniques must be further optimized in order to reduce the investment and operating costs of membrane processes. In particular, we must control clogging issues and reduce energy consumption.
Our research on membrane technologies relates to:
- drinking water production;
- urban and industrial wastewater treatment.
We are striving to:
- optimize treatment processes;
- develop innovative and competitive techniques;
- develop analytical tools guaranteeing membrane quality and performance.
Our activities in 2007
Aquaporin - Presentation of an aquaporin molecule and water molecules contained in a membrane.
In 2007 our activities focused in particular on:
- developing 12 membrane characterization methods;
- participating in the Membaq European project aimed at industrializing aquaporin-based membranes;
- improving our knowledge of membrane aeration;
- developing a test to evaluate wastewater with high clogging power;
- examining the standardization of membrane bioreactors.