TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Next-Generation Sustainable Water Treatment: Acid Recovery Through DME-Driven Water Extraction (DME-WE)

Closed Special Notice Posted

Agency
Responses due
Set-aside
No set-aside

Opportunity facts

NAICS code
562219 Other Nonhazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal
PSC
C1PD Architect And Engineering- Construction: Waste Treatment And Storage Facilities
Place of performance
Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415, United States

Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .

About this opportunity

This Special Notice is issued by the Department of Energy (DOE) regarding a Technology Licensing Opportunity for an innovative water treatment technology developed at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The technology, called Dimethyl Ether driven Water Extraction (DME-WE), uses pressure-enhanced fractional crystallization to recover salts and acids from industrial process waters, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods.

The purpose of this Special Notice is to invite businesses to explore licensing opportunities for the DME-WE technology. The technology has reached a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5, indicating it has been validated in a relevant environment. The Special Notice outlines the benefits of the technology, including cost reduction, efficiency improvements, environmental sustainability, and versatility across various industries such as hydrometallurgical processes, chemical industry, and wastewater treatment. Interested parties are encouraged to contact INL, which is managed by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, to discuss licensing and collaboration opportunities that can provide a competitive edge in the market.

Notice text

TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY

Next-Generation Sustainable Water Treatment: Acid Recovery Through DME-Driven Water Extraction (DME-WE)

An innovative water treatment technology that uses pressure-enhanced fractional crystallization to recover salts and achieve zero liquid discharge, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods.

Overview:        Industrial processes often use hydrochloric or sulfuric acid, which can result in high costs for purchasing reagents and treating wastewater. Traditional hydrometallurgical processes involve expensive and reagent-intensive neutralization steps. This new, solvent based water treatment method developed at INL has minimizes waste generation and provides a cost-effective solution for acid recovery across a range of industrial applications.

Description:    This innovative process, known as Dimethyl Ether driven Water Extraction (DME-WE), selectively removes water and acid from industrial process waters. This increases the pH and enables the precipitation of individual solutes. Unlike traditional methods, DME-WE does not require base neutralization, which helps conserve materials and reduce costs. The technology can concentrate salts and regenerate acids for reuse in different industrial processes. It is applicable to various sectors, such as mineral processing, biomass production, and oil refining.

[RMB1] [MOU2] 

Benefits:          

  • Cost Reduction: Significantly lowers expenses related to reagent purchase and wastewater treatment.
  • Efficiency: Streamlines acid recovery and reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with chemical processes.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Reduces wastewater discharge and conserves resources.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Recapturing acids can save hundreds of dollars per m³ treated.[RB3] 
  • Versatility: Applicable across multiple industries, from mineral processing to biomass production.

Applications:    

  • Hydrometallurgical Processes: Mineral and phosphate production, refining operations.
  • Chemical Industry: For processes involving acid-based cleaning and other acid-utilizing reactions.
  • Wastewater Treatment: In industrial settings where acidic process water needs treatment.
  • Remote Industrial Operations: Where transportation of reagents is costly.

Development Status:  Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5: Laboratory/bench scale, validated in a relevant environment.

Partner with Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for Access to Pioneering Technology and Mutual Growth

Managed by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, INL offers unique opportunities for businesses to access and license advanced technology. Our agreements are tailored to provide flexibility and affordability, particularly supporting small businesses in their growth and innovation endeavors. By licensing our intellectual property, you not only gain access to groundbreaking technology but also contribute to economic development and public welfare. We invite you to explore our technology portfolio, designed to give your organization a competitive edge in the market. Learn more about our licensing opportunities and the support we provide at: https://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/technology-deployment. For specific discussions on how your business can benefit, please contact Andrew Rankin at td@inl.gov.

On GovTribe

Work this opportunity

  • Track it in your pipeline
  • Find teaming partners
  • Similar opportunities
  • Ask GovTribe AI about this opportunity

GovTribe for Federal Contractors