Water Challenge – Adiabatic Sonic Evaporator and Crystallizer (ASEC)

Dredging plays a vital role in maintaining maritime and river routes, as well as protecting coastlines from the devastating impacts of flooding. However, a staggering 20-40% of the sediments dredged worldwide are highly polluted and require treatment before disposal. 

Recognizing this critical challenge, Water Challenge ́s team of visionary engineers and scientists developed and patented the world’s first energy-efficient Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD+) technology. Unlike conventional methods, Water Challenge’s innovative solution enables the complete separation of 100% of dredged material into freshwater and crystalized solids in a single step, without the need for chemicals and with remarkably low energy consumption.

To showcase the true potential of their ZLD+ technology, Water Challenge sought to establish a pilot plant with a capacity of 10 m3/day and implement full-scale ZLD+ plants in various dredging sites to effectively tackle site-specific pollution and waste management challenges associated with dredged materials.

Water Challenge secured support from the EIC Accelerator programme thanks to their scalable and highly adaptable innovation, creating a future where economic growth goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship.

Water Challenge also received funding from the Eurostars programme of the Eureka Network, with their partner Hofitech for their project , “ClearFlow.” The ClearFlow project aims to develop a hybrid water purification method by combining Electrocoagulation with Adiabatic Sonic Evaporation and Crystallization (ASEC) technologies. This innovative approach will treat mining wastewater, generating ultrapure water and solid residues with high metal content, contributing to both environmental sustainability and resource recovery.