Heavy metal contamination in drinking water poses a threat to humans and can be linked to various severe health issues such as cancer and organ damage. Unfortunately the industrial manufacturing process of lead-acid batteries, as well as aerospace and automotive components, produces a high amount of wastewater laced with heavy metal. PowerTech Water recently introduced ElectraMet as an advanced solution for removing metals from water streams.

The ElectraMet technology is an electrochemical filter that uses activated carbon electrodes and small amounts of electricity to attract, immobilize and filter metals with 99% selectivity and no sludge production for 100% water recovery. It is energy efficient, high-temperature tolerant (up to 176 degrees F), and acid and alkali tolerant. The energy requirement of the system is less than 0.1 kWh/m³. No chemicals are required, and the system uses no membranes.

“Events like the Flint, Michigan, water crisis have drawn attention to the problem of heavy metals contamination in water, but that contamination can come from myriad sources including industrial wastewater streams,” says Cameron Lippert, CEO of PowerTech Water. “ElectraMet is reframing how the industrial sector manages wastewater and, in particular, the removal of harmful heavy metals from its wastewater streams. We are thrilled by the marketplace’s response to this breakthrough solution.”

The technology delivers up to a 90% reduction in capital and operating expense with its low energy usage, easy setup and maintenance, and small footprint that facilitates retrofits. Automated operation and trackable filter life enable ease of operation. 

The proven technology removes heavy metals from industrial wastewater streams, including lead, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc, chromium, cobalt and others. The electrochemical process also uses carbon electrode technology to actively attract, immobilize and filter metals with 99% selectivity, no sludge production and up to a 90% reduction in operating expenses.

“The marketplace has embraced our solution, which provides both environmental benefits such as the elimination of toxic sludge, as well as numerous economic benefits that include shrinking the footprint of the water treatment system, reducing labor requirements and removing the need for chemicals in the treatment process,” Lippert says. “We are delighted with the response from our customers and the support from our investors, and we look forward to continued strong growth.” 

859-600-1857; www.powertechwater.com