CO2 reduction requires improvement of industrial processes

The MOOI project SOLIDARITY

In the MOOI project SOLIDARITY, Process efficient Solid and Liquid Dewatering and Drying, TNO and partners are working together to demonstrate cost-effective drying & dewatering in the process industry. They do this by combining technology and innovations in liquid-solid and liquid-liquid separations, leading to less use of heat, increased use of (clean) electricity and improved process efficiency.

Efficient process industry

The aim of the 'Process efficient solid and liquid dewatering and drying (SOLIDARITY)' project is to help the industry meet climate goals by improving the efficiency of their industrial processes by demonstrating cost-effective drying and dewatering in the process industry by combining technology development and innovations in liquid-solid and liquid-liquid separations.

Reduce CO2 footprint

In the Dutch industry, approximately 200 PJ of heat of a maximum of 200°C is used each year to heat up process streams for drying, separation and dewatering processes. Achieving the future energy transition, including a significantly reduced CO2 footprint, requires a combination of Electrification and Improved Energy Efficiency of thermal processes for drying and dewatering of industrial streams.

Reducing heat demand

The ultimate goal of the development, in which the SOLIDARITY project must make an important step, is aimed at reducing the heat demand in industrial processes by 30-40% in the long term and to use more sustainable electricity.

The emission reduction potential thus becomes approximately 3-5 Mton CO2 per year, assuming that the electricity needed to power the technologies is generated sustainably (CO2 neutral).

Reason for this collaboration

TNO has a twofold mission: to accelerate the energy transition and to strengthen the competitive position of the Netherlands. The SOLIDARITY project contributes to both. Specifically, it is TNO’s goal to accelerate implementation of energy efficient technologies for drying and dewatering in the Dutch and European industry as enabling technology to increase the industry’s competitiveness and to reduce the ecological footprint.

Facilities and research in practice

TNO has sufficient research facilities to test the technology in practice.

In 2020, the Mollier lab was established at TNO: development and valorization of innovative and energy efficient drying and dewatering technologies. Investments have been made in pilot facilities for relevant technologies at industrial conditions, such as spray drying, paper drying and pervaporation.

Specifically, a portable pervaporation pilot unit for 1 m2 membrane area is being developed and will be used for testing on site in the SOLIDARITY project.

TNO has over 20 years of experience in development of energy efficient technologies and processes. In the SOLIDARITY project, TNO will use its knowledge on paper dewatering & drying, the knowledge of the HybSi® pervaporation membranes developed at TNO and its infrastructure for membrane characterization and testing.

Impact of the SOLIDARITY project

• 45-55% energy in industry consumed for separation
• 80% thermal separations
• 31% Drying and dewatering processes