Technologies

Membrane technology

Fraunhofer AWAM is dedicated to enhancing membrane technology through scientific and applied research aimed at improving the efficiency of separation processes. This involves studying the transport mechanisms and their effects on the performance of membranes. Using these insights, we either select or customize membrane systems for specific applications, particularly in water and wastewater treatment, gas purification, and the production of renewable low-carbon fuels.

Research and development concerning organic and inorganic membranes includes:

- Evaluation of membrane recovery, permeance, selectivity, and rejection through screening tests

- Long-term stability tests under relevant operating conditions to assess the influence of contaminants, fouling behaviour, and concentration polarization on the membrane performance

- Optimization of operational parameters, including pressure, temperature, and matrix composition, to enhance process performance.

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Liquid filtration

Filtration and solid-liquid separation are essential processes in various industries. They play a crucial role in treating and purifying process water, cooling water, and wastewater, while also protecting key components in the production chain. At Fraunhofer AWAM, we utilize membrane technology to address the specific needs of our customers.

Fraunhofer AWAM has a vast expertise in microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis. Both organic and inorganic membranes are applied in various configurations to treat process water and wastewater, remove alcohol or salt from liquid matrices, and recover valuable components from waste streams. Our research and development activities comprise:

- Selection and/or adaptation of membranes for specific applications

- Lab-scale process testing and process parameter optimization

- Combination of filtration approaches with other technologies (e.g., AOP) for cleaning and disinfection of water and other matrices

- Simulation, design, and construction of small- to large-scale processes and process hardware

- Large-scale implementation of filtration systems at customer sites.

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Biomass conversion into bioenergy

Fraunhofer AWAM specializes in assessing the biomethane production potential of various organic substrates, with an emphasis on optimizing processes at the pilot scale. Whether through improving existing biogas production processes or evaluating the feasibility of transforming organic waste into value-added products like biogas, Fraunhofer AWAM is equipped to support the industry both technically and scientifically in making informed investment decisions. By providing both traditional and innovative solutions, Fraunhofer AWAM can help develop new circular and regional business models for biomass conversion.

Our research activities and industry services focused on biomass conversion comprise:

- Determination of the Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) of organic substrates to identify the most suitable candidates for anaerobic digestion

- Detailed physicochemical characterization of organic substrates

- Semi-continuous testing to simulate industrial operating conditions, providing data-driven insights to support decisions on biogas production, waste treatment, and renewable energy projects

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Gas processes

Gas separation refers to the process of isolating specific gases from a mixture. This process is essential in various industrial applications, including gas upgrading biogas, purifying natural gas, producing oxygen for medical and industrial use, or capturing carbon dioxide for environmental control. Fraunhofer AWAM exploits gas-selective membranes for these applications.

Biogas purification into biomethane is one of the most significant solutions for gas separation. In addition to this, the Fraunhofer AWAM provides a wide range of innovative concepts for the valorization of biogas and flue gas. These concepts focus on the production of renewable hydrogen, methane, and methanol, and can be integrated into Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) and Power-to-X applications. Our research activities and industry offerings include:

- Process development for biogas upgrading

- Membrane and adsorbent screening and testing for gas separation/purification

- Design and operation of chemical reactors

- Development of high-temperature adsorbent and dual-function materials for CO₂ capture and utilization applications

- Fundamental understanding of separation processes, including know-how for lab-scale demonstration and large-system operation.

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Trace substance detection

Detecting and quantifying trace substances, particularly those of anthropogenic origin, is essential for ensuring safe food production, effective water treatment, and environmental protection. These substances may include pesticides, industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals. In addition to chemical analysis, Fraunhofer AWAM is exploring various methods for the integrated or on-site detection of these important compounds.

Fraunhofer Portugal AWAM utilizes a reusable plasmonic sensor to monitor micropollutants at concentrations of μg/L or less. The sensor represents a unique data source that enables not only process monitoring but also other data-driven applications when real-time pollution data is combined with other data (e.g., weather or supply/demand information for water, availability of raw products, etc.). Our research and development activities comprise:

- Sensor adaptation for different environmental contaminants relevant to, e.g., wastewater treatment, environmental technologies, aquaculture, agrifood, or pharmaceutical industries

- System application on-site for data collection to e.g., describe both the supply and demand for water of different qualities

- Feedback control to allow the dynamic adjustment of treatment processes based on the required quality parameters, such as water reuse, ensuring a more efficient process.

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Pervaporation

Fraunhofer AWAM develops solutions based on pervaporation membranes to separate components from a liquid mixture through partial vaporization. This method is particularly effective for separating azeotropic mixtures, such as removing volatile organic compounds from water or dehydrating organic solvents.

Pervaporation applications pursued at Fraunhofer AWAM include:

- Ethanol dehydration: Removal of water from ethanol in biofuel production, resulting in high-purity ethanol

- Aromatic/aliphatic separation: In the petrochemical industry, pervaporation helps to separate aromatic hydrocarbons from aliphatic ones.

- Solvent recovery: Pharmaceutical and chemical industries can use pervaporation to recover and purify solvents from process streams, reducing waste and costs.

In general, pervaporation is known for its energy efficiency, capability to process heat-sensitive materials, and high selectivity, making it a versatile and effective solution for various industrial applications.

Advanced Oxidation Processes

Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) utilize highly reactive species (e.g., hydroxyl radical) to break down contaminants that are resistant to conventional biological treatment methods. These reactive species are generated through the application of energy, such as UV radiation, or by combining oxidative substances like ozone or hydrogen peroxide. AOPs can be highly effective at decomposing both organic and inorganic substances, including micropollutants, pharmaceuticals, and pathogens.

Fraunhofer AWAM focuses on UV-based AOPs, using a mobile pilot reactor equipped with UVA and UVC radiation to generate these radicals. We offer customized, on-site deployment of our UV-based AOP unit, providing scalable and efficient solutions.

Research activities and industry offers include:

- Screening of UV-based AOPs for the treatment of liquid streams

- Assessment of the degradation efficiency of complex pollutants resistant to traditional methods and the inactivation of harmful microorganisms

- Tailored systems for industrial and commercial applications, adjusting UV dose and intensity, reactor settings, and intensification strategies to meet site-specific needs.

LCA

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a methodology used to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product, process, or service. This assessment includes a comprehensive analysis from raw material extraction and processing, through manufacturing and distribution, to use and ultimately, recycling or disposal of the materials. LCA offers a complete view of a product's environmental profile by considering resource consumption, human health risks, and ecological effects. The primary goal of LCA is to document and enhance the overall environmental impact.

Fraunhofer Portugal AWAM utilizes life cycle assessment as a tool for developing, optimizing, and evaluating a diverse range of processes, products, and engineering systems. This approach allows effective quantification and comparison of environmental impacts.

LCA services include:

- Preparation of life cycle assessments in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14040 for processes, systems, and products

- Greenhouse gases balancing and cost calculation for sub-processes or complete product systems

- Preparation of balance sheet for recycling processes

- Accompanying life cycle assessment of R&D projects and optimization tasks for processes and systems (material and energy flows, cost analysis).

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Chemical analysis/sample characterization

Fraunhofer AWAM is equipped with a complementary range of advanced equipment for the physical and chemical analysis of liquids, gases, and solid samples, offering versatile solutions for a wide array of applications. Our laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art instruments such as HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography), GC-MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry), IC (ion-exchange chromatography) and TOC (total organic carbon) analyzers.

Our team customizes analytical methods for wastewater, process streams, and other liquid matrices, ensuring accurate and reliable results tailored to your specific requirements. Possible analysis include COD, BOD, TN, TKN, NH₄-N, nitrates, TP, phenols, chloride, solids (TS, TSS, TDS, TVS, etc.) turbidity, conductivity, pH, DO, among others. For more information on specific testing capabilities and customized analysis, please contact us directly.