Advanced analytical technologies enable water-fit-for-use
The TOC-Analytical DISCOveries (TOCADISCO) project, initiated in 2023, is a pivotal advancement in water quality management, particularly for corrosion-sensitive processes like steam production. Corrosion remains a significant challenge, costing Flanders approximately €8.5 billion annually. Ensuring high water quality is essential to mitigate this issue.
Building upon the mobile research infrastructure developed during the IMPROVED project (2016-2020), TOCADISCO employs this technology within the AquaSPICE framework to investigate the effects of alternative and reused water sources on boiler systems and other water intensive processes requiring high water quality. Utilizing lower-quality water sources, such as wastewater or process water, demands intensive treatment. By aligning available water quality with required standards – a principle known as “Water fit-for-use”—TOCADISCO aims to minimize the economic and ecological impacts of innovative water treatment technologies.
A critical aspect of TOCADISCO is the investment in advanced, high-throughput analysis of trace organic materials and organic acids. These components are for example suspected contributors to corrosion but currently lack specific water quality guidelines in steam production. Accurate identification of these substances will enable more selective, economical, and environmentally friendly removal methods in the future.
Supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), TOCADISCO exemplifies a collaborative effort to enhance water quality management. By integrating state-of-the-art analytical techniques, the project significantly contributes to AquaSPICE’s mission of promoting sustainable water use and reuse in industrial settings.
