TrinkWave Transfer – Large-scale testing of new developments in sequential managed aquifer recharge technology

Testing large-scale implementation of the Sequential Managed Aquifer Recharge Technology (SMART) process in its optimized form with integrated high-infiltration trench technology and active hydrologic control for water reuse.

The main objective of the TrinkWave joint project was to develop new multi-barrier treatment processes for water reuse that can deliver perfect water quality for supporting drinking water resources without the use of high-pressure membranes. The key technology elements of this concept are Sequential Managed Aquifer Recharge Technology (SMART), high- infiltration trench technology, and the introduction of electron acceptors. In the subsequent joint project TrinkWave Transfer funded by the Federal Ministry of Research and Education, the SMART process will be further developed as the backbone of a more advanced wastewater treatment for drinking water production. For the first time, the combination of high-infiltration trench technology and sequential underground passage will be combined on a large scale. This enables the reduction of the physical footprint. Furthermore, the focus of the investigations is the dynamic groundwater management for establishing controlled redox conditions, operational optimization, the establishment of adequate process monitoring, and a possible upscaling of the technology.

The main objective of the subsequent project TrinkWave Transfer is, therefore, the large-scale investigation of the combined elements of the SMART concept under real operating conditions. In collaboration with the Berliner Wasserbetriebe (BWB), the University of Oldenburg and BGS Umwelt GmbH the SMART process will be implemented and tested at field-scale at the former waterworks site in Berlin-Johannisthal. The aim is to test and demonstrate the possibilities and limitations of this nature-based treatment technology and to compare it with available state-of-the-art technical solutions.

In addition to the scientific support of the field study in Berlin, the investigation and further development of the SMARTplus system takes place at the TUM in Garching. With the SMARTplus pilot plant at the TUM, it is possible to analyze the efficiency of the reduction (biotransformation) of anthropogenic trace substances at the pilot scale. Aiming for further characterization and optimization as well as improved hydraulic conditions, the integration of further barriers for the establishment of a multi-barrier system will be investigated. The focus is also to enhance an adequate process monitoring system at the pilot-scale plant at the TUM. With the help of intensified measurement data acquisition, the use of machine learning approaches for improved and automated control of the SMARTplus system in real-time will be investigated.

 

Further information on the TrinkWave Transfer Homepage

Previous project TrinkWave