Cavitation-Driven Recycling of Zinc from Industrial Acid Streams

Purpose and goal

CAVeTAL aims to develop and demonstrate a circular process technology for recycling zinc and regenerating acids from industrial acid streams. By combining hydrodynamic cavitation, liquid membranes and electrolysis, the project aims to reduce waste volumes, increase metal recovery and validate a modular solution for the metal, steel and chemical industries. The aim is to achieve greater resource efficiency, lower climate impact and enhanced industrial competitiveness.

Expected effects and result

The project is expected to deliver a validated modular process for zinc recovery and acid regeneration from industrial acid streams. The effects will be reduced waste volumes, lower costs and carbon dioxide emissions, increased resource efficiency and strengthened competitiveness. The project also creates the conditions for patents, commercialization and broad application in the metal, steel and chemical industries.

Planned approach and implementation

The project is implemented in six work packages: project management, technology development, development and validation of hydrodynamic cavitation, development of supported liquid membrane (SLM) and electrolysis for zinc recovery, integrated demonstration in an industrial environment, and dissemination and utilization. The work is carried out in stages from laboratory studies and prototype development to pilot testing, sustainability evaluation and business modeling.