Membrane Processes

CWSI is helping to reduce the energy demand required in the fastest growing advanced wastewater treatment technology in order to help EU Member States exceed proposed effluent compliance standards. We have been developing MBR techniques in an EPSRC funded project to eliminate the critical energy barrier and enable MBR usage as a reduced carbon technology option for environmental protection. CWSI researchers have demonstrated that it is possible to reduce the energy demand by up to ten times if particles can be restricted within the foulant layer. Researchers are now working to refine methods that not only help to measure qualitative evidence of particle distribution but also transport particles within the complex fouling structures as expected.

CWSI are producing biomethane from ammonia rich wastewater using a unique membrane that brings a host of additional benefits including the growth of a base fertiliser and CO2 sequestration. To increase the revenue potential for biomethane, CWSI developed a gas/liquid absorption membrane contactor and demonstrated its viability on ammonia rich wastewater from various sources present at treatment works. Through the Renewable Heat Incentive government initiative, the technology developed by CWSI adds extra value and so lessens the risk (in theory) and increases revenue potential for the uptake of a new asset stream. Researchers at CWSI are now seeking to test part of this work at demonstration scale.

Garcia N, Moreno J, Cartmell E, Rodriguez-Roda I & Judd S. (2013) The application of microfiltration-reverse osmosis/nanofiltration to trace organics removal for municipal wastewater reuse. Environmental Technology, 34 (24): 3183-3189.

Garcia N, Moreno J, Cartmell E, Rodriguez-Roda I & Judd S. (2013) The cost and performance of an MF-RO/NF plant for trace metal removal. Desalination, 309 181-186.

Petrie B, Mcadam EJ, Whelan MJ, Lester JN & Cartmell E. (2013) The determination of nonylphenol and its precursors in a trickling filter wastewater treatment process. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 405 (10): 3243-3253.

Petrie B, Mcadam EJ, Scrimshaw MD, Lester JN & Cartmell E. (2013) Fate of drugs during wastewater treatment. Trac-Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 49: 145-159.

I decided to come to Cranfield University to do my PhD because this project combined the most attractive wastewater treatment topics to me (anaerobic processes and membrane processes). It is also a water industry-funded project, which offers me the great opportunity to work with industrial research and development researchers and gain better knowledge about the applications of my research.

Professor of Membrane Science and Technology