IntelMEM

Intelligent nanofiltration membrane systems for natural organic matter removal in water treatment

The main goals of the project are:

• Develop intelligent membrane technology (IntelMEM) that can effectively remove natural organic matter from surface water, while at the same time ensuring microbiological safety and compliance with other chemical parameters used to assess the quality of water intended for consumers
• Validate and demonstrate the IntelMEM technology in the relevant environment of a water treatment plant that currently has challenges related to securing a backup water supply due to a high concentration of natural organic matter in the available water sources
• Establish a demo type of Living Lab that includes communities of practice for end users, researchers, technology providers and public organizations

The IntelMEM project aims to ensure public health and increase the preparedness of Norwegian water treatment plants with efficient backup water supply. The project will solve the problem of alternative water supply in municipalities of any size that have access to water sources with a high content of natural organic material. The project will develop the intelligent membrane system technology that combines advanced membrane nanofiltration (NF), process analysis and control. The project will contribute to safer backup water supply in terms of health and greater supply security of drinking water in small and large municipalities during climate change, which increases natural organic matter in water sources. The project organizes Living Lab collaboration between the municipalities as end users, R&D environment and water industry prosecutors. The project will establish a community for membrane practice (Community of Practice) for knowledge exchange and industry advice for the R&D environment.