A pilot NanoClear™ zero-discharge wastewater treatment plant in Beijing has just produced its first water, according to developer Dais Analytic Corporation.
Dais announced the milestone on 1 February 2011 and said that this was an initial component of a multimillion dollar purchase order signed between Dais, Genertec America Inc and CAST/OSC Beijing in April 2010.
The pilot module uses a Dais’ Aqualyte™ membrane, and is successfully processing approximately 1,250 GPD (4,700 L/d) of wastewater producing drinkable water about 1,000 times cleaner than that produced by other forms of standard water cleaning technologies. After an extended test period, more modules will be added to complete the program in mid- 2012.
Tim Tangredi, CEO of Dais Analytic, said, “Achieving ‘first water’ is an important performance milestone for Dais on two levels. First, it underscores the scalability of the NanoClear process and materials used and tested by a third party (China’s Academy of Environmental Sciences), and, second, this achievement further validates the contribution the disruptive Dais nanotechnology brings to an industry seeking better answers.”
Scott Ehrenberg, Dais chief technology officer, said, “In addition to this initial deployment of NanoClear technology in China, Dais is anticipating to build a ‘very visual’ NanoClear pilot in Pasco County, Florida, which we would like to have open for the world water community to see in person and with internet access by the end of 2011.”
Dais Analytic’s website states that its materials are derived from the sulfonation of styrene-containing block copolymers. The block copolymers phase-separate on a nanoscopic scale forming nano-domains that are interconnected, afford excellent ionic conductivity and water transport.
“Our polymers can be covalently crosslinked and compounded with a variety of other polymers and/or inorganic fillers, thus representing the basis for a broad class of materials with unique properties and applications,” says the company. “These include excellent ion conduction, ion-exchange capability, moisture transfer, and anti-fouling properties.”