Elentec

UNITED KINGDOM

Elentec

Year 2017 2017 Winner | Venture Winner Science Start-ups (Falling Walls Venture)

Presented by
Richard Bostock

Nominated by
Harper Adams University

 

Elentec developed an innovative process to filter water through the application of electrocoagulation and complimentary filtration techniques. Electrocoagulation is a technique used for wastewater treatment which is capable of removing contaminants that are difficult to remove by other techniques like filtration or chemical treatment systems. Electrocoagulation has the advantage of largely eliminating the use of chemicals in the process of cleaning polluted water.

Elentec’s technology works by applying electrical charge to dissolved metals and similar contaminants which causes them to clump together. As a consequence, large particles form which can be filtered and thus removed. The process is highly successful in removing heavy metals, phosphates and a range of other difficult to treat contaminants. Treated water can be returned safely to natural water sources, recycled into production processes and even produce safe drinking water.

Compared to chemical-based systems and off-site treatment in specialist facilities, the process has a very low power consumption, which makes it highly efficient and cost-effective. It can even function from solar panels and small wind turbines. The system can be retrofitted to existing chemical treatment plants. These characteristics make Elentec’s technology ideal for treating large volumes of wastewater in remote sites such as disused mines and locations where the only alternative is the use of tankers to transport waste. This local treatment eliminates environmental damage by reducing pollution of rivers and lakes and eliminating many problems for wildlife and fish. Elentec’s technology can also be used to provide clean water in disaster recovery situations.

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