nir-vana innovation network

Biofilm, corrosion, and calcium carbonate scale depositions induce significant damage in industrial, domestic and agricultural equipment using water. This causes reductions in hydrodynamic performance through pipe blocking and membrane clogging, alteration of surface structure, a decrease in heat transfer efficiency, and higher energy consumption. Additionally, with the potential multiplication of pathogens and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, the control of biofilms is a major concern in water supplies and is commonly achieved in many countries through chemical disinfection methods using biocides. Currently, however, the use of these methods is limited due to the risk in storing and handling chemicals, changes to the chemical composition of water, water pollution and environmental degradation, disposal of chemical residues, the high cost of chemical products and long-term inefficiency due to the enrichment of disinfectant-resistant microorganisms. To replace chemical treatments, both biological and physical methods can be used to control microbial growth in water.

The Swiss SME offering the technology is at the forefront of water treatment technology using very low-frequency electromagnetic resonance fields. They are present in many economic sectors, i.e. in the treatment of sanitary water, drinking water treatment for livestock farming and agriculture.

The technology offered is an innovative electromagnetic (EM) water treatment for removing limestone and biofilms in sanitary water pipes in buildings, to achieve key benefits for building owners and the wellbeing of occupants.

The Innovative water treatment with very low-frequency electromagnetic resonance fields has been validated in various building facilities in countries including Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. The positive effects of the technology are supported by relevant scientific studies and by validations with end users in different sectors.

Through partnerships with research centres, they would like to test new smart technologies designed to face sanitary water issues.

The Swiss SME is interested in research cooperation. This can be joint applications for European research projects, i.e. Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe or any research cooperation where each partner cover its own costs.

Advantages & innovations

The advantages achieved by this innovative water treatment are related to the modification of the properties of water. Currently, the only available alternatives on the market for the physical treatment of water are permanent magnets. Permanent magnets (only magnetic field, no electric field) are a system with limited efficacy and, therefore, a technology with no significant results. Value Proposition: - Elimination and prevention of scaling, iron and manganese deposits - Protection against corrosion - Permanent elimination of biofilms - Does not use chemical or biological products Moreover, the proposed water treatment technology consumes very low amount of energy (~1 Wh/m3), needs a minimum maintenance and no consumables necessities (~ 0 €/m3). Currently, the only available alternatives on the market for the physical treatment of water are water softeners and permanent magnets. Water softeners involves the modification of water chemical composition by replacing calcium and magnesium ions by sodium ions. This process makes the treated water not potable for human beings having by example heart diseases or pregnant women. Moreover, it induces an over consumption of potable water and creates concentrated brine which disposal causes ecological problems. Permanent magnets (only magnetic field, no electric field) are a system with limited efficacy and therefore a technology with no significant results in many cases.

Stage of development

Already on the market

Partner sought

The specific area of activity of the partner: Research centers and universities specialized in drinking water, water in buildings, biocontrol The tasks to be performed by the partner sought: Perform experiments with this innovative water treatment with low-frequency electromagnetic resonance fields for removing limescale and biofilms in sanitary water pipes in buildings, to achieve key benefits for building owners and occupant wellbeing. The main goal is to validate the key benefits in various buildings conditions as encountered in different countries. The Swiss SME is interested in research cooperation. This can be joint applications for European research projects, i.e. Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe or any research cooperation where each partner cover its own costs.