The Technology and Innovation Program of Nordrhein-Westfalen [North Rhine-Westphalia]

The objective of this project is the tailor-made development of inexpensive, organophilic polymer membranes. To accomplish this, scientifically based knowledge for the manufacture of polymer membranes should be generated for the manufacture of polymer membranes for specific separation tasks. In order to achieve this objective, a new type of integral interconnection of presently existing approaches is required. For this reason, three university partners with the respective specialized skills in membrane manufacture, membrane characterization and membrane procedure techniques are participating in the project. Classic methods for material development, available theoretical approaches to materials design and complex mathematical models for the description and prediction of sorption, diffusion, cross-membrane flow and expansion in membranes are being directly linked with each other through the cooperative efforts. All of the essential aspects for the ultimate, practical employment of such membranes (such as the reproducible manufacture of such membranes free of defects and. their processing in appropriate modules) are being covered by the contribution by CUT. In this manner, the creation of an ideal membrane, meaning a suitable membrane, for nanofiltration processes in a specific solution as well as required membrane performance (flow and selectivity) will become possible.

Contribution from the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung [German Federal Ministry for Education and Research]

The objective of “nanoefficiency” is the development of a new type of coating process for micro-scaled components, which creates layers that resist contamination and corrosion, adhere permanently, are not consumed and do not exceed a thickness of one micrometer. As one example, the new coating process should be implemented for manufacturing contamination-resistant layers on micro-filters, which are used in preparing products for filtration. The development of a technique for the construction and finishing of a new type of micro-filtration module, which can demonstratively be tested in technical center and field measurements under realistic process conditions, is a partial object of CUT. Photo-catalytic reactions on the surface of the micro-filter can only proceed through appropriate apparatus constructs. All of the aspects indicated above must be taken into consideration in the development of the micro-filtration demonstrator.

Contribution from the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung [German Federal Ministry for Education and Research]

Many high-quality steel products receive an additional coating using precious metals (Zn, Sn, Cr, Ni, Cu).
The objective of this procedure is the development of a procedure for the reclamation of the precious metals with re-circulation into the coating process. Using tin as one example for the production of tin foil, the reclamation of roughly 125,000 kg of tin should be expected per year and product line. Effluent-free manufacturing of the rinse water streams (approx. 1.5 m³/h per production line) makes a significant reduction of the need for fresh water possible. The objectives of this procedure are: reclamation of precious metals from enrichment processes for steel products through the development of an innovative technology for efficiency based on membrane technology, minimization of the need for fresh water by controlling the effluent in rinse water and, finally, the development of an concept for efficiency for increasing the performance of coating operations.
Membrane technology using tailor-made membranes creates an innovative approach to the reclamation of precious metals and rinse water. Nanofiltration, in particular, makes the separation of ions with increased value, such as tin for example, from rinse water possible. The development of the procedure was exemplary for the enrichment of fine metal sheets with tin.
Starting from an inspection of the current status, the procedure will be developed in laboratory and technical center trials and subsequently tested under production conditions. To accomplish this, the consortium will be supplemented by a skilled equipment manufacturer and CUT as the innovative membrane and module manufacturer, in addition to the coordinator and the enrichment operation.

European Union Project

The objective of CapWa is the reclamation of de-mineralized water from the exhausts of combustion processes. To accomplish this, membrane materials selective in the handling of steam should be developed and tested in both laboratory measurements as well as under realistic conditions. Furthermore, membrane modules should be constructed and built, which should be integrated into the exhaust manifolds of a coal plant, among others, and examined.
In order to be competitive with conventional processes for the manufacture of de-mineralized water, an efficient, inexpensive and user-friendly process will be required. To ensure this, CUT is constructing and developing new procedures for finishing modules, such that a tailor-made, efficient membrane and module design system can be made available despite the multitude of employment areas.