The originality of the ZEUS approach lies in its dual objective of reducing water consumption and enabling the reuse of effluents after treatment. It aims to demonstrate the efficiency of the advanced recycling process and the separation of streams (water/salts/nutrients) in order to regenerate and reuse them in proportions greater than 75%. The innovation lies in combining these techniques under real operating conditions.
Following a study of the various streams and uses carried out in 2019 at the MONIN plant demonstration site in Bourges, 90% of treated industrial wastewater can be reused, provided it is possible to produce water suitable for food contact.
The two technologies at the heart of the project
At industrial scale, two membrane filtration prototypes integrated into MONIN's process facilities will form the LIFE ZEUS demonstrator:
R-Oasys® for the treatment of organic streams — uses an MF membrane (a proven material in a novel configuration), a low-pressure nanofiltration membrane for effective treatment of sugary effluents, and a reverse osmosis polishing stage. The low pressures and permeability will enable exceptional energy performance.
ReGeCycle® for the specific treatment of saline streams from softeners, aimed at reusing concentrated brines as a substitute for salt — in-situ recycling of 38 t of salt per year.
Both prototypes are at TRL 6 and rely on nanofiltration and well-known, reliable advanced materials (silicon carbide).
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TRL 6
At the start
of the project |
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TRL 8
At the end
of the project |
Context and origin of the project
A state-of-the-art study, carried out jointly by INSA, OiEau and MONIN, highlighted the value of membrane filtration in terms of performance, costs, and ease of implementation and operation.
The membrane technologies proposed by CHEMDOC WATER were identified and then further validated through a pilot trial. In July 2020, CHEMDOC proposed forming a consortium to submit an application to the European Commission's LIFE programme.
Technologies used
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90 %
of wastewater reusable at the MONIN site
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> 75 %
of streams regenerated and reused
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2
industrial prototypes deployed
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2019
Preliminary study at the MONIN site
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General objectives
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The general objectives of LIFE ZEUS align with those set out in Article 3 of the LIFE Regulation (1293/2013). They aim for "a transition to a more resource-efficient, low-carbon and climate-resilient economy" and to "improve the development, implementation and enforcement of Union environmental and climate policy and legislation" by establishing a solution for reusing industrial wastewater.
The solution deployed within the LIFE-ZEUS project ensures safe and efficient use of water resources, improving quantitative water management, preserving a high level of water quality, and preventing misuse and deterioration of water resources in the demanding context of the food and beverage industry.
The zero discharge solutions will be disseminated across the food and beverage industry in France and Europe.
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Objectives for preserving water resources
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LIFE ZEUS aims to reuse effluents compliant with food contact standards. At the demonstration site, this represents 45,000 m³ per year, meaning 100% of wastewater volumes will be treated, with 40,500 m³ reused on-site, leading to a 68% reduction in water withdrawals. Over 5 years in total, thanks to the project's sustainability and replication strategy, 186 facilities will treat 1.5 million m³ of effluents, saving 1.3 million m³ in withdrawals. The project aims to contribute to the evolution of regulations regarding the best available techniques (BAT) for effluent treatment and recycling. |
Key figures
45,000 m³
treated / year
− 68 %
withdrawals
186
facilities within 5 years
1.3 M m³
saved within 5 years
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Objectives for the circular economy
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The R-Oasys® technology will enable the recycling of 405 t of COD per year, i.e. 1,688% more than today, resulting in the production of 1.5 million kilowatt-hours of renewable biogas. ReGeCyle® will enable the in-situ recycling of 38 t of salts contained in 372 m³ of brine per year, representing 76% and 82% of current consumption respectively. Over 5 years in total, 14,985 t of COD and nearly 25,000 t of brine containing 2,689 t of NaCl will be recycled or recovered thanks to the deployment of 186 new facilities. |
Key figures
405 t
COD recycled / year (+1,688%)
1.5 M kWh
renewable biogas
38 t
salts recycled / year (82%)
14,985 t
COD recovered within 5 years
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Objectives for climate neutrality
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By avoiding the discharge of 38 t of salt per year into the aquatic environment through the recycling of 82% of the MONIN site's brine, the project will make it possible to recycle 40,500 m³ of water and recover 405 t of COD per year, representing 90% of discharges and 100% of COD. By producing 1,501,100 kWh of renewable gas, the project will avoid 1,419 t of CO₂ (−3,952%) in annual emissions across the entire water value chain, amounting to more than 33,000 t saved over 5 years. These objectives aim to support the goals of Regulation COM(2020)80 and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 (COM(2020)380). |
Key figures
− 1,419 t
CO₂ avoided / year (−3,952%)
+ 33,000 t
CO₂ avoided within 5 years
100 %
COD recovered as energy
1,501,100
kWh renewable gas / year
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