Breakthrough Technology For Thickening Concentrated Streams Using Low-Grade Residual Energy

Energy saving and re-use of materials become more and more important and are crucial for maintaining a good and healthy environment for future generations. Galicos (short for liquid gas contact system) makes it possible to thicken concentrated (waste) streams and recover valuable resources, using low-grade residual energy. The technology, that is developed over the last years and of which there are a number of full-scale installations successful in operation, will be introduced at the north american market during WEFTEC 2016 (Sept. 24-28).

GaLiCos is a highly ingenious (and patented) device that is designed to bring gasses and liquids in a very efficient and intensive manner in contact with each other. The unique features of the technology are that this is achieved with a minimum of energy input and in a way that the equipment does not get contaminates by the medium. The modular design of the system makes it possible to realize a system for any desired capacity.

From a circulation tank, the liquid is fed to the evaporator and brought into contact with an air flow. In the turbulent water film, the attracted air is getting saturated with water, causing the evaporation. The concentration in the circulation tank is increased in this way. Since evaporation can take place at low temperatures (from 30oC/86o F), even low-grade residual energy can be used.

GaLiCos allows industries to thicken concentrated (brine) streams to the point of saturation, so that, after a controlled cooling in a side stream, crystals can be separated. This makes GaLiCos the ideal solution for "Zero Liquid Discharge" applications.

GaLiCos Working Principle
GaLiCos is short for "Gas-Liquid Contact system" and is developed to be a very efficient and intensive manner to get gasses and liquids into contact with each other. The result is a very clever (and patented) device that has proven its value in many areas. The unique features of the technology are ao. a gas and liquid mixture and transfer with a minimum energy input, no pollution of the equipment by the media. The modular design of the system makes it possible to realize a system for any desired capacity.

This patented method provides a very intensive gas/liquid contact, offering an optimal exchange of components at minimal energy input. Even residual energy e.g. from heating, cooling and ventilating may be put to good use.

A low negative pressure in the perforations, caused by the fast flowing liquid film, allows a small ventilator to push an enormous gas flow through the water film with only a small pressure drop. The gas flow in the turbulent water film creates an extreme large exchange surface between the gas and the liquid. Furthermore, there will be no contamination/fouling of the plate surface, not at the back side (which will remain dry), and also not at the inlet. Contamination is prevented by the high degree of turbulence across the entire plate surface. GaLiCos is as good as maintenance free.

The GaLiCos concept has great added value above competitive systems. The main advantages are:

• I. Lower investment costs; systems are modular constructed and are relatively simple. A recirculating pump with limited head loss and a low-pressure ventilator are the only moving parts of the process.
• II. Reduced operating costs; The modules are not sensitive to scaling and are maintenance free. Further, the energy consumption is low and a plant can be operated without any significant attention.
• III. Limited space requirements; the simplicity of installation, and the modular design make the technology compact in construction.

Galicos is presented by BWA at WEFTEC at BOOTH 1801 hall C at the innovation hotspot of the dutch pavilion

About BWA
For maintaining a good and healthy environment for future generations, it is crucial that we reduce the disposal of waste and encourage recycling of valuable components. BWA aims to contribute actively to the sustainability of society and reuse of (waste) materials in particular.

With both proven and innovative technology, we are able to provide the most appropriate solution for a large number of environmental issues. We have a specific focus on the development of alternative raw materials such as recovered cellulose from municipal wastewater, the use of low value residual heat for evaporation of concentrated streams and we encourage recycling of waste and energy.

The Water market becomes more dynamic and the need for specialists is increasing. Cooperation and sharing knowledge are the keys to progress and the keys of our business.