Innovation For A Clean Environment – WTA UNISOL In The 'Cleo' Project

Automated leakage testing for filter modules – digital, efficient, sustainable
As part of the joint project CLeo (cyber-physical system for inline leak detection), WTA UNISOL is working with strong partners to develop an innovative solution for the automated quality control of membrane filtration modules. The aim is to detect leaks directly during production in future – precisely and in real time.

Background: New requirements for wastewater treatment
The new EU Wastewater Directive requires the widespread use of a fourth purification stage in wastewater treatment plants in order to reliably remove micropollutants, microplastics and pathogens. Membrane filtration is a key process here – reliable, efficient, but also costly in terms of quality assurance.

Currently, membrane modules are usually still tested for leaks manually using a bubble test in a water bath – a time-consuming, non-scalable process. A digital, automated solution is required to meet the increasing demand for filter modules.

The CLeo project – a new approach to leak detection
The CLeo project is developing an inline-capable test cell that exposes filter modules to a test gas and checks for possible leaks using a spatially resolved spectroscopic method. The exact position of leaks can thus be detected and, ideally, repaired automatically.

A key objective is to improve production quality while significantly increasing the efficiency and sustainability of manufacturing.

Our contribution as WTA UNISOL GmbH
As a specialist in innovative membrane modules and filter systems, we are contributing our many years of expertise to the development of a new test specimen with targeted defects. This reference module is used to validate leakage detection. We also take care of system integration and coordinate the requirements for the components in a joint specification sheet.

Our aim is to develop a reliable, industrial-grade testing system that can be flexibly integrated into existing production lines – including for applications in the food and chemical industries.

Project partners

• DBI Gas- und Umwelttechnik GmbH – Project coordination and gas technology
• WTA UNISOL GmbH – System integration, reference module and requirements management
• ibl Maschinenbau GmbH – Robotics and automation technology
• Fraunhofer IWS – Development of the laser-based leak detection method and AI-supported image processing
• Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau (WHZ) – Development of a protective textile to shield against environmental influences during measurement