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Technology Overview
Xogen has developed its novel wastewater treatment technology on a scalable and flexible platform enabling it to be implemented for industrial applications and municipal treatment facilities regardless of capacity requirements.
Xogen’s electrochemical wastewater treatment process utilizes the properties of electrolysis to destroy organic pollutants in a unique way such that: (i) wastewater contaminants are eliminated at lower hydraulic retention times than biological or physical-chemical systems; (ii) the process does not produce residual bio-solids which require additional treatment and disposal; and (iii) the off gas produced during treatment can potentially be separated and purified to those gases that will have a value either to be: (a) distributed and sold off for use; (b) used to produce energy in a fuel cell or combustion device; (c) consumed by the process; or (iv) or sold back to the grid.
Xogen’s patented process requires up to 75% less space than conventional approaches, thereby lowering potential capital costs and potentially increasing the overall economics of wastewater treatment. Screened wastewater is pumped between a set of electrodes where highly oxidative species, including ozone, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals, are generated. Oxidative species oxidize organic matter which in turn reduces organics, removes toxicity and converts ammonia to nitrogen and hydrogen gas and readily destroys pathogens. At the same time, water molecules and other contaminants in the liquid are split into a gas mixture of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and traces of CO2. Micro-bubbles of gas suspend solids by floatation which can then be coagulated and precipitated out in a final clarifier. In comparison to conventional biological treatment systems, a much smaller volume of solids will remain after treatment, will be inorganic and should be suitable for direct disposal to a landfill without requirement for further treatment.
Tests have shown that Xogen’s solution treats wastewater that exceeds the current regulated requirements. Xogen’s advanced electro-oxidization offers the ability to degrade organic and inorganic carbon in the form of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), ammonia, fats, oils, greases and petrochemical contaminants. Xogen’s technology also removes suspended solids, phosphorus, pharmaceutical and personal care products from contaminated water. While not yet regulated for municipal wastewater treatment, the removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products is of growing global concern as their presences in rivers and lakes adversely affects aquatic life, and in some instances, have been detected in drinking water.
Xogen’s solution integrates with existing technologies to create the next generation of wastewater treatment facilities that has the potential to efficiently remove contaminants in a more economical manner compared to conventional technologies.