Membrane-based filtration system that treats contaminated water and removes unwanted particles and microorganisms

EPAS (Eco Process Assistance) was founded as a spin-off from the Laboratory for Microbial Ecology of Ghent University and is now part of Veolia Water. EPAS specialises in the treatment of wastewater and provides process and technical advice to industries all over the world covering a wide range of technologies, including microbiological and physico-chemical treatments. Water scarcity arising from increased demand for and depletion and pollution of fresh water resources is a critical problem. The increase in population, consumption and desire for better living has placed enormous pressure on a continual supply of fresh water. It is estimated that global water consumption will double every 20 years. It is vital that we begin to use the available water resources in an efficient way. Membrane filtration technologies offer a sustainable solution to offset freshwater usage. MELiSSA expertise The expertise of EPAS originated during the development of MELiSSA's grey and black water treatment units (compartments I and III technology). The Grey Water Treatment Unit is a membrane-based filtration system that treats contaminated water and removes unwanted particles and microorganisms (bacteria and viruses). Common sources of grey water include showers, cooking, air dehumidifiers, washing machines and dishwashers. The system employs three membrane separation units: nano-filtration and two stages of reverse osmosis. The Black Water Treatment Unit is designed to treat and degrade organic waste material such as fecal matter, toilet paper, kitchen waste, and urine. These materials are broken down into smaller components using a microbiological approach that occurs in three stages. Further processing of the decomposed material enables recovery of nutrients and reclamation of wastewater.