Innovation based on the properties of vacuum
Coldep currently holds 2 patents (No. 07/02308 and No. 09/57898) relating to the VAL process combining the principle of airlift and foaming-foaming with a partial vacuum.
Taking advantage of Henry's law on the properties of the void
Coldep vacuum flotation systems exploit the principles of Henry's law to improve both the separation of suspended particles and the degassing. Vacuum plays a central role in this process by changing the pressure in the treatment column, which has numerous beneficial effects on the overall water treatment process.
Effects of vacuum on particle separation and degassing
Under the effect of vacuum, the pressure in the column is considerably reduced, which makes it possible to generate extremely fine microbubbles. These microbubbles have a high surface area, which increases their ability to capture particles suspended in the water. As they move up into the device, the bubbles drag the particles along with them, forming a foam that can be easily removed.
De la même manière, l'usage du vide permet également de forcer toutes les particules contenant des microbulles de gaz (telles que les bactéries, microalgues et autres particules vivantes) à flotter et donc à être concentré dans une écume qui sera ensuite extraite par aspiration au vide.
Le vide a un autre effet crucial : il facilite le dégazage des liquides. Selon la loi de Henry, la concentration d'un gaz dissous dans un liquide est proportionnelle à la pression partielle de ce gaz au-dessus du liquide. En abaissant la pression à l'intérieur de la colonne, le vide réduit la solubilité des gaz dissous, tels que le CO2, le N2, et d'autres composés volatils. Cela favorise leur libération sous forme de bulles qui sont ensuite capturées et évacuées.
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Gains in energy, consumables and space occupancy
Compared to conventional water treatment processes, the Coldep VAL system offers several advantages. It reduces energy consumption by 2 to 5 times, minimizes the use of consumables, and requires a much smaller footprint thanks to its vertical design. The absence of moving parts that are sensitive to wear or corrosion increases the reliability and longevity of the installation.
To optimize the performance of the VAL according to the type of effluent, several parameters can be adjusted: column size, residence time, bubble size (micro, nano bubbles, dissolved air), nitrogen addition, and level of vacuum generated.
3 key functions
Particulate Extraction
Separating suspended matter from water by combining adsorption principles and electrostatic forces with flotation, governed by Stokes' law, to achieve the extraction of particles from water.
- Filter seawater with a result of < 3 SDI in a few hours.
- Concentrate suspended particles in water up to 100 times.
- Avoid or limit additives to achieve these results.
It is not only possible to extract more than 99% of the particles from water, but also a majority of the dissolved organic matter such as oils and hydrocarbons.
Hydraulic Circulation
Move large volumes of water with unprecedented energy efficiency.
Without external pressure loss in the VAL system, the energy cost is approximately 5 W/m³ of liquid moved.
With such a system, it is possible to reach flow rates from 20 to 1500 m³/h, and by combining several systems, one can go much further.
Free-flow treatment (without a filter) eliminates any risk of clogging.
In the case of a low-pressure loss system, the VAL can replace not only conventional treatment systems but also pumping systems.
Dissolved Gas Regulation
Increase or decrease, as needed, the dissolved gas content of treated water with unprecedented energy efficiency.
Injecting gas by bubbling into the treated water column generates many gas exchanges.
Reducing pressure significantly improves the efficiency of these exchanges:
- In degassing mode, values below 30 ppb can be reached quite quickly.
- In micro-bubbling gas injection mode, it is possible to dissolve several liters per minute without any loss.
Both functions can be combined to degas before injecting the replacement gas.
Key features
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Economical
Simple to maintain
Reliable and sturdy
Environmentally friendly
Compact
Multi-functional
VAL extraction capacity
Reference Technology vs. Climate Change
Award Finalist
2023
FNIL Innovation Trophy 2023
Julien Jacquety - Innovation Engineer 2023
Key numbers
10 years of research
installations in 2024
Minimum size of particles extracted
Transmittance indicating water clarification
Reduction in bacterial load
A solution adapted to your project
| VAL250 | VAL400 | VAL600 | VAL900 | VAL1400 | VAL2000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamètre | 25 cm | 40 cm | 60 cm | 90 cm | 140 cm | 200 cm |
| Débit maximum Mode dégazage | 25 m3/h | 50 m3/h | 120 m3/h | 200 m3/h | 500 m3/h | 1800 m3/h |
| Débit optimal Mode extraction particulaire | 5 m3/h | 10 m3/h | 30 m3/h | 80 m3/h | 180 m3/h | 650 m3/h |
| Hauteur Adaptable si besoin | 2.5 m | 3 à 7 m | 3 à 8 m | 4 à 9 m | 5 à 9 m | 6 à 9 m |
Schedule a video call with our team
Would you like to learn more about our VAL solutions or discuss how we can integrate our technology to address your treatment challenges? Tell us more about your project, and we will contact you shortly.
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