Unique advanced pilot infrastructure for pervaporation boosts sustainable technology development
VITO is set to expand its capabilities in sustainable separation technologies with the acquisition of an advanced pervaporation pilot unit from Deltamen AG. This innovative membrane separation technology is especially effective for separating liquid mixtures and recovering solvents, offering an energy-efficient alternative to traditional distillation methods.
Pervaporation finds applications across various industries, including solvent dehydration, beverage de-alcoholisation, and the polarity-based separation of solvents. It is also crucial in the purification of bio-based chemicals. The newly acquired pervaporation system, to be installed at VITO’s Mol facility, features cutting-edge flexibility and state-of-the-art components designed to enhance both operational efficiency and reliability.
The establishment of such robust pilot-scale infrastructure is vital for bridging the gap between laboratory research and full-scale industrial applications. These pilot units allow researchers to refine and validate processes developed in the lab under controlled, small-scale conditions before advancing to commercial-scale production. This approach helps minimize risks while providing key data and insights that drive innovation in chemical processing.
VITO’s existing expertise in membrane technologies positions it well to leverage the benefits of the new pervaporation pilot unit. The integration of this equipment aligns with VITO’s commitment to developing sustainable, circular solutions for the chemical industry. This step is expected to accelerate advancements in green technologies aimed at reducing industrial waste, enhancing solvent recovery, and promoting the use of renewable feedstocks. Additionally, applications of the technology will extend to biorefinery operations, water purification, and the creation of high-purity solvents and chemicals.
The installation of the pilot unit is set to be completed by mid-2025.
About VITO
VITO, one of Europe's leading research centres with 1,300 employees, turns scientific insights into groundbreaking technological innovations, AI solutions, and policy advice. We do so with a single objective: to help the world thrive for at least 1,000 more years.
As a science-to-technology partner, we support companies, governments, and society in their sustainability transition. With our multidisciplinary approach and unique lab, scale-up, and testing infrastructure, we create practical technological innovations. We accelerate progress towards a regenerative economy that reinforces planetary boundaries (prioritising electrification and circularity), smart climate solutions for resilient and secure ecosystems, and a healthy living environment harmonising humans, industry, agriculture, and nature.
Our staff collaborate in multidisciplinary expertise teams across more than 40 research domains, utilising our unique laboratory and data infrastructure, as well as our extensive network of stakeholders. Through positive transition thinking and comprehensive techno-economic analysis, we deliver systemic solutions that are effective not only on paper but also in the complex realities of everyday life.
At VITO, we harness the power of science, engineering, digitalisation, and collaboration to implement sustainable solutions globally, enabling the continued integration of well-being and prosperity.
About Deltamem AG
Deltamem AG is a Swiss-based company that excels in the development and production of high-performance membrane systems for various industrial applications. Known for their expertise in pervaporation, nanofiltration, and ultrafiltration technologies, Deltamem AG provides innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability. Their products are utilized in sectors such as chemical manufacturing, wastewater treatment, and bio-refining, contributing to the advancement of clean and green technologies.
