Innovative Waste Solution
A new waste treatment plant launched in Palmerston North is based on technology developed at Victoria University as part of PhD research in the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences.
A new waste treatment plant launched in Palmerston North is based on technology developed at Victoria University as part of PhD research in the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences.
The Wetox pilot plant was officially launched last week at Palmerston North’s Water and Waste Treatment Plant, and uses a new process which involves applying high pressure and temperature to break sludge down into its various components which can then be recovered for use as fertilisers and other valuable chemicals.
The Wetox technology was developed at Victoria as part of PhD research carried out in the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences by Dr Michael Richardson. Two current Victoria staff members, Professor of Chemistry Jim Johnston and Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr Peter Northcote supervised the thesis research.
Based in Wellington, the spin-out company taking the Wetox technology to market is owned by Viclink, the Victoria University company that commercialises intellectual property.
Professor Neil Quigley, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) says the Wetox solution is an outstanding example of how cutting-edge technologies can be created from fundamental research.
"Victoria carries out research of international standing, something that has recently received external endorsement both in New Zealand and internationally, and Wetox is a great illustration of that.
"It also demonstrates how, by working together, the University and Viclink can turn research into products and services that solve real problems and create revenue for New Zealand."
As with most scientific breakthroughs, says Professor Quigley, the Wetox technology resulted from a collaborative effort with other partners including Callaghan Innovation (formerly Industrial Research Limited) and the Palmerston North City Council.
Geoff Todd, CEO of Viclink says: "Waste water, water treatment and industrial processors that produce sludge face tighter environmental constraints and rising costs of disposal. The Wetox system provides a cost-effective solution to this problem."