R&D+I at ZEWATECH
Origin of Our Focus on R&D+I
At ZEWATECH, investment in R&D+I emerged as a response to a gap in the domestic market, especially in the treatment of complex wastewater. Previously, we depended on companies from outside the country with very expensive equipment that limited our technical and commercial agility to implement these systems. Therefore, between 2000 and 2005, we focused on developing our own vacuum evaporators, becoming pioneers in Spain in this field.
Santi Llauradó, CEO of Zewatech
The Evolution of Our Technology
We started by manufacturing heat pump technology, which turned out to be a great success. We installed several machines in customers and improved their efficiency in terms of fouling and scaling, performance and ease of management, supported by crucial software to balance energy cost and product concentration.
Then, we focused on mechanical compression technology, which proved to be a great saving in energy costs, reducing consumption from 180-200 kW/m³ to 60-70 kW/m³. We also worked on projects where we took advantage of residual energies, such as, for example: heat from cooling towers, return of steam condensates, cooling heat electrolysis cells, cogeneration engines, etc. to evaporate wastewater. This gave riseto a new line of business: the VTS models (Versatile Thermal Sources).
Integration of the ZLD System
In our ongoing effort for innovationand facing the current challenges of water scarcity, we alsohave integrated Zero Discharge (ZLD) systems into our solutions as post-treatment of concentration or crystallization of membrane systems. This advanced technology complements our product range and reinforces our commitment to sustainability and efficiency in the treatment of industrial wastewater, offering our customers the possibility of achieving near 100% water reuse.
Continuous Innovation and the TurboFlash System
Recently, we have further optimized the steam mechanical compression system, incorporating technological innovations unique in Europe. Thanks to this effort in R&D, we have managed to further reduce energy costs to 15-30 kW/m³, which sets us apart in technical solvency and energy efficiency.
The TurboFlash system is our latest innovation, a combination of steam mechanical compression with steam turbines specially treated to handle gases and volatiles. These turbines, made with special alloys and at high speed, together with the Flash system of water spraying in the boiler, allow for more efficient evaporation and a change of state of the water that significantly reduces energy costs.
Our Commitment to Innovation
At ZEWATECH, we are dedicated to being leaders in technologies for the treatment of industrial wastewater, continually seeking to improve and optimize our evaporators. Our commitment to research and development not only improves the efficiency and sustainability of our solutions, but also brings significant added value to the industries with which we work.
Santi Llauradó CEO and co-founder of ZEWATECH