EngD - Zeolite Granules for Wastewater Treatment

The scope of the 2-year project is the evaluation of newly developed zeolite granules in a pilot-scale fixed bed reactor over a period of 1 year, aiming to increase the removal of a set of OMPs to >80%. Your role is geared towards bridging the gap between pilot and full-scale application of high-silica zeolite granules.

Zeolites are crystalline, microporous materials which are potentially more selective than activated carbon for OMP removal in treated effluent. Previous research at TU Delft and elsewhere has shown fast kinetics and high adsorption capacity for OMPs on zeolites in water with competing ions and small organic compounds. Granular zeolites have been developed over the past 8 years in an integrated adsorption-oxidation process called AdOx. The AdOx process combines the adsorption of OMPs on zeolite granules with on-site regeneration via ozonation. In contrast to the better known ozone-GAC process, AdOx involves the bed of granular high-silica zeolites to be dried and oxidized with ozone gas to avoid the formation of bromate. The key to adapt AdOx for long-term, full-scale application is to develop strong, wear-resistant, but porous granules.

You will take on the challenge to improve the AdOx process to achieve the requirements of the recast urban water directive for OMPs (80% OMP removal for a set of OMPs), assess the feasibility for full-scale applications based on the pilot performance, cost estimation and market recommendations. You will become part of a team of adsorption researchers working on zeolites at TU Delft and work collaboratively with technology developers and potential end-users.