Electrochemical recovery of organic acids for polymer-grade production
HYDROHM's innovative technology enables the electrochemical recovery of organic acids, such as succinic acid, from fermentation without chemical inputs, achieving polymer-grade quality. This robust solution is validated at TRL 6, with plans for pilot deployment.
Overview
HYDROHM presents a groundbreaking technology for the electrochemical recovery of organic acids, such as succinic and lactic acids, directly from fermentation processes. This solution eliminates the need for chemical inputs, delivering high-purity, polymer-grade products efficiently. It offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical recovery methods, positioning itself as a game-changer in the field of organic acid production.
Technical specifications
The core of this technology lies in its ability to leverage electrochemistry to selectively recover target organic acids through electromigration. The process is designed to be highly specific, ensuring the purity and quality of the recovered acids meet polymer-grade standards. Key features include:
- Elimination of chemical additives, reducing environmental impact
- High selectivity and purity in the recovery of organic acids
- Suitability for various acids, including succinic and lactic acids
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently validated at Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6), indicating that it has been demonstrated in relevant environments. HYDROHM plans to advance to pilot scale, contingent upon securing suitable partnerships or arrangements.
About HYDROHM
HYDROHM is an electrochemical process development company established in 2020 as a spin-off from Ghent University and the European Space Agency’s MELiSSA program. The company specializes in the electrification of water treatment, utilizing electricity as a renewable and traceless input to replace traditional chemical dosing. Its technological approach focuses on enabling circular resource management and local, sustainable water systems. The company provides a range of proprietary solutions for product recovery, disinfection, cleaning-in-place, and decentralized toilet water treatment, with applications spanning both terrestrial and space environments.
By serving as a partner from ideation to demonstration, HYDROHM assists clients in making industrial and water treatment processes more sustainable and efficient. Their service offerings include scoping, feasibility, and pilot-scale demonstration studies. The company supports research and development through lab-scale products, including specialized electrochemical cells, process controllers, and integrated lab systems. These tools and expert services are designed to help partners and clients bridge the gap between initial concepts and full-scale plant implementation, contributing to advancements in sectors such as bio-based industries and circular resource recovery.
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