Integration and optimization of resource recovery processes to sustainably produce chemicals and energy from waste(water) flows

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In order to support the growth of a resource-efficient and circular economy, innovative research efforts have been set up the latest years on the development and implementation of technologies for recovery of valuable resources, e.g., energy, nutrients, metals, fibers, from waste(water) flows. The challenge is now to improve the operational performance of integrated resource recovery treatment trains, decrease the economic costs and recover the resources as consistent high-quality marketable products and/or bio-based commodities for industry. The proposed Discovery Grant project aims to develop and apply a highly innovative modelling tool that allows integrated end-user focused optimization, design and control of nutrient (and energy) recovery treatment trains. The goal is to ensure consistent production of high-quality end-products, fit for use in the chemical (bio-based commodity for the production of chemicals) or agricultural (chemical fertilizer substitutes) industry. The research program will apply an innovative «Quality by Design» (QbD) approach adopted to resource recovery. The proposed method is based on the assessment of product/process knowledge and understanding through (dynamic) data collection and advanced mathematical modelling so as to pro-actively design processes and treatment trains that allow to continuously meet the desired product quality. The project will result in the first generic knowledge database for resource recovery including product and process specifications, original mathematical models that allow to evaluate the defined specifications, and an associated generic model-based optimization and integrated design-control strategy. The research program will contribute to the training of 2 PhD, 2 MSc and 3 bachelor internship students, each with specific responsibility. The adoption of the models by industry, researchers and consultants in the field will introduce a shift from traditional technology development approaches to enhanced QbD approaches, and as such from variable process outputs to consistent end-user focused outputs. It will provide an opportunity for structured process thinking and continuous improvement, by reducing costs and risks while increasing efficiency and quality, thereby fostering Canadian leadership in science and technology for bio-economic growth. Moreover, this research will provide additional knowledge regarding the characteristics of bio-based chemicals, which may create the basis for new fertilizers, materials and waste regulations in Canada, and abroad. Ultimately, this research may help reducing the waste of finite resources and environmental pollution, while residues may acquire economic value. This will open up new opportunities for sustainable and more bio-based economic growth and thus create a win-win situation for both the environment, the society and the economy in Canada, and beyond.