PFAS waterbehandeling
Since October 2018 HMVT offers in cooperation with Cornelsen Umwelttechnologie GmbH the PerfluorAd Technology in The Netherlands and Belgium to treat waters from perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals, often referred to as PFCs or PFOA/PFAS. This innovative water treatment technology offers a very cost-effective alternative compared to the presently uses granulated activated carbon solutions.
The PFC Challenge
The compound class of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) comprises an extensive group of closely related chemical compounds that were manufactured in large quantities over the course of several decades. Two of the best known PFCs are perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanic acid (PFOA), often also known as perfluorinated tensides (PFT).
These PFTs are fluorinated organic compounds in which the hydrogen atoms of the hydrocarbon skeleton are substituted fully by fluorine atoms. For this reason, they are among the strongest organic compounds and thus considered non-degradable because they persist for a long time in the environment. Their toxicological importance should not be underestimated.
Limits of Conventional Purification Processes
To date, adsorption (generally on activated carbon) was the only technically feasible method to treat PFC-contaminated water. However, PFCs are typically considered to absorb rather poorly as the residence time required within the activated carbon filters renders the process impractical and costly.
Since 2006, Cornelsen Uwelttechnologie GmbH has been exploiting its extensive experience in the design and implementation of water treatment technologies to research and trial a range of readily available adsorbents and ion exchangers for the treatment of PFC contaminated water. It became obvious that development of a technically more efficient and economical process is required. In cooperation with the UMSICHT Fraunhofer Institute based in Oberhausen, Germany, Cornelsen has developed “PerfluorAd”. PerfluorAd is a novel active ingredient for the efficient and cost-effective treatment of PFC contaminated water.
Advantages of the PerfluorAd System
Typically, PFCs are treated with conventional granular activated carbon within pressurized vessels. Once within these vessels the treatment process within can no longer be influenced. Cornelsen’s PerflourAd ingredient on the contrary is injected as a liquid into the flowing water within a stirring reactor vessel. The liquid form of the ingredient leads to a high degree of contact with the contaminant to which it can readily bond with and precipitate the PFC compounds. This approach affords the opportunity to flexibly adjust the quantity and application method of the additive to changing conditions within the untreated water. This permits optimization of the process to target concentration levels and therefore optimize cost.
Typically, a relatively small activated carbon step is included as a buffer/polishing step downstream of the mixing reactor vessel. However, the life expectancy of the carbon will be considerable.
Economically Viable Treatment of PFC Contaminated Water
Together with Cornelsen Umwelttechnologie HMVT will design, build and operate systems for the treatment of water contaminated with PFCs. These systems are mobile and are typically located on the customer premises. This is particularly applicable for PFC contaminated water from Landfill seepage, waste water from fire extinguishing activities, groundwater treatment, etc.
If you would like to receive more information about the PerfluorAd system, please feel free to contact Paul Verhaagen.
