A fundamentally different approach to ozonation
The revised EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive requires the removal of at least 80% of micropollutants through advanced quaternary treatment. With the “polluter pays principle” now requiring pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturers to cover 80% of these treatment costs, there is an urgent demand for high-performance, cost-effective solutions to tackle pharmaceutical residues and chemical contaminants.
Conventional ozonation systems typically introduce ozone into water using venturi injectors or diffusers. In these systems, ozone mass transfer, mixing and reaction occur simultaneously within a single reactor, requiring hydraulic retention times of 15 to 20 minutes and resulting in relatively large reactor footprints.
Instead, OSW technology separates mass transfer, mixing and reaction into separate process steps. This enables much faster ozone transfer (95+%) and smaller footprint, resulting in 20% lower total capital expenditure compared to conventional. OSW enables highly efficient and precisely controlled ozone dosing, supporting the effective removal of pharmaceutical residues and other micropollutants with reduced energy demand and compact installation requirements. Technology’s modular configuration further enhances flexibility in system integration and deployment.
Under the agreement, Air Liquide remains the patent holder and owner of the OSW technology, while NSI is appointed as the production and system integration partner for the Benelux and UK markets. The companies will jointly introduce and commercialize the technology for micropollutant elimination.
- Within NSI’s treatment portfolio, OSW is positioned as a key building block of the Micro Resolve micropollutant removal solutions platform, strengthening NSI’s capability to deliver integrated treatment concepts that address increasingly stringent discharge and reuse standards such as the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive targeting advanced micropollutant removal
- Air Liquide further strengthens its role as an innovative global water technology partner supporting municipalities and industrial clients in meeting tightening water quality regulations related to the removal of micropollutants.
“By combining innovative ozone technology with industrial production and system integration expertise, we are adding a practical and future-proof solution to our Micro Resolve portfolio for micropollutant removal,” says Eddie Broeders, Business Development Manager Municipal Market at Nijhuis Saur Industries.
Bertrand Masselot, North Central Europe Vice President for the Industrial Merchant Business Line at Air Liquide: “The partnership with Nijhuis Saur Industries allows us to deploy Ozone Strong Water (OSW) technology for micropollutants removal in the Benelux and the UK. By maximizing ozone efficiency, we enable our customers to meet water standards with reduced energy and footprint. It is a clear example of combined innovation with environmental stewardship. Together, we are providing a future-proof solution for the water cycle.”