Sustainable removal of mercury from water

Important results from the project

The goal of this project has been to identify pilot customers, produce a specification of requirements and to develop and test a small-scale prototype for sustainable and effective removal of mercury from water and acids. A pilot project is secured with a major mining company, where the goal is to remove mercury from one tonne of sulphuric acid. We have evaluated different electrode materials for handling the corrosive acid and decided on anode and cathode materials. Lab testing is complete and prototyping is undergoing, parts of the project have been delayed due to the current pandemic.

Expected long term effects

A close relation has been established with a customer in the mining sector. This has led to a list of requirements for the technology and a jointly financed pilot project has been agreed upon. From the list of specifications a prototype has been developed and a number of lab tests have been performed at Chalmers University, to evaluate different electrode materials. After a successful pilot project with the customer the aim is to scale up the product to full-scale in the intended environment and thereafter scale to more customers.

Approach and implementation

A large part of the focus in the project has been the establishment of a relation with customers in order to identify their needs and validate the value of our technology. By meeting actors in the mining sector, we have identified unique advantages and a substantial need for the treatment of sulphuric acid. This application is demanding, but there is also a clear demand and competitive advantage. Much of the work has been performed at Chalmers University through lab tests of different materials in contact with the acid. Consultants have been used for analysis and electrode development.