Reports

FiltreX water purifier / RoteX Water filtering

Published:

01/12/2013

Authors:

Gunnar Þórðarson, Albert Högnason, Albert Haraldsson.

Supported by:

Westfjords Growth Agreement

Contact

Gunnar Þórðarson

Regional Manager

gunnar.thordarson@matis.is

FiltreX water purifier / RoteX Water filtering

The most important product of 3X Technology is RoteX equipment, which is used in food processing around the world as a bleeding device, for cooling and thawing fish for processing. The equipment is water-intensive and customers have contacted 3X Technology about the possibility of recycling processing water, as water costs are significant in many food production. Increased emphasis on environmental issues is also having an effect, and increased requirements can be expected regarding the utilization of processing water and its discharge after use into the environment. To solve this problem, the company has designed a prototype of cleaning equipment, FiltreX, as no suitable equipment has been found on the market to meet these needs. The equipment was tested in Kampa Ísafjörður's shrimp processing plant and HG fish processing plant in Hnífsdalur. The equipment worked well to purify effluent from these factories and a significant amount of protein was captured before the water was released into the sea. Measurements of organic substances were disappointing as it was not possible to show a significant reduction with COD measurements. There is a great deal of contradiction in these results and it is clear that further research is needed on the effects of filtration on wastewater with regard to environmental impact, ie organic matter before and after filtration. An application has been made for a grant to TÞS which will be used for further research if the result is positive. It is clear, however, that capturing proteins with FiltreX can generate significant revenue for shrimp fish processing.

3X Technology's most important product is the RoteX machine, used mainly in food production around the world as bleeding equipment, for cooling and thawing of fish for processing. The machine is water intensive and customers have urged 3X Technology's to find a solution for recycling processing water, as use of water is becoming more expensive, as well as the intensive environmental concern for disposal of waste water. To solve this problem, the company has developed a prototype of filtration equipment, FiltreX, since a suitable solution to meet these needs has not been found on the market. The device was tested in Kampishrimp ‐ factory in Isafjordur and HG fish ‐ factory in Hnifsdalur. The equipment functioned well for filtering effluent water from these plants, and a significant amount of protein was captured before the water was discharged into the sea. Measurements of organic offscouring gave a disappointing disillusionment and failed to significantly reduce COD measurements. A major contradiction liesin these results and it is clear that there needsto be further research on these matters, ie to lower organic material between before and after filtration. Application for further subsidy to TÞS will be used for further research if the results will be positive. It is clear, however, that the capture of proteins with FiltreX can provide significant revenue for the shrimp ‐ processing plants.

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