02.
REACTION ENGINEERING AT HIGH PRESSURE
This research line covers the treatment of wastewaters by processes that are carried out in water at high pressure and temperature. So far, the processes studied are:
HYDROTERMAL OXIDATION
This technology allows the effective treatment of industrial wastewaters that are problematic for conventional treatments.
Hydrothermal oxidation has two variants: wet oxidation and supercritical water oxidation. Both processes are based on the oxidation of waste in an aqueous medium at high temperatures and pressures. We have studied the treatment of a great variety of model compounds and industrial waste, eliminating more than 99% of the contamination in just a few seconds.
HYDROTERMAL GASIFICATION
The objective in this case is to treat the waste in the absence of oxygen, therefore generating combustible gases rich in hydrogen and methane.
Hydrothermal gasification is a promising technology for the gasification of biomass with a high moisture content, without the need for a drying stage. For example, from residues of the olive oil industry we have obtained a gas with more than 40% hydrogen.
PRODUCTION OF ALTERNATIVE FUELS
The hydrothermal liquefaction operates under moderate conditions of pressure and temperature, in the absence of oxidant, and its main objective is to transform the organic matter into a liquid fuel (Bio-oil).
We study the treatment of wastewaters by processes that are carried out in water at high pressure and temperature.
PHOTO GALLERY
* Click each image to enlarge it.
