“RI Tech and Innovation Report” - Introduction of Precise Energy Separation Technology

“RI Tech and Innovation Report” - Introduction of Precise Energy Separation Technology

Just this week, Virginia Beach-based Abwasser Technologies, Inc. introduced its Precise Energy Separation (PES) technology, which is set to revolutionize the way we remove drug-resistant microbes and organic chemicals from water—in other words, sterilize water pathogens.

Why are we talking about an innovation from a Virginia company? Because the University of Rhode Island’s Thomas Boving, professor of environmental technology, and his colleagues were instrumental in the development.

Professors in URI’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering last year completed a study using the PES technology to kill E. coli bacteria and destroy Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocrabon compounds in source water.

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GoLocalProv caught up with Boving to get some more insight into the university’s involvement in what Abwasser is calling a “high effective” and “extremely cost efficient” “non-traditional”

GoLocalProv: Could you provide an explanation of how the product works for our readers who are not familiar with the technical terms provided in the product description?

Boving: The PES device creates short bursts of powerful light energy pulses.  The light pulses contain enough power to rip apart the molecular bonds of select environmental pollutants commonly found in stormwater runoff and even drinking water resources. Also, the cells of bacteria and other life forms exposed to the light get destroyed, essentially removing these biological pollutants from the water.  Hence, the polluted water entering the PES is flowing out of the device clean.

GoLocalProv: Why was URI chosen to assist in the development of the PES system by serving as a partner?

Boving: The company behind the PES technology—Fash Stagemyer—approached URI with a request for assistance in developing their proto-type devise.  The Department of Geosciences and Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Vinka Oyanedel-Craver) developed a proposal that was later funded by the R.I. Commerce Corporation.

GoLocalProv: Why was it beneficial to you, your colleagues and URI to participate in the water treatment research?

Boving: It opened the door for a collaboration with an (local) industry partner.  Our research resulted in one major journal paper published in a high-end journal (Chemosphere). Also, the project enhanced URI's visibility as a center for water research and caused other companies to approach our team with their equipment research.

GoLocalProv: What, in your opinion, will this product do for development of healthy drinking water? Who will most benefit from this development?

Boving: The PES device was designed for household use or use on a boat or trailer where people need to produce their own clean water.  A larger PES devise could be built to address greater water needs, say in the aftermath of a catastrophic event or for use in developing country settings.

GoLocalProv: Will your involvement in the water treatment research continue now that the product has been launched?

Boving: Yes, we still work with the company that is now marketing the PES device.  There are plans for a follow up study in local drinking water treatment plant.

GoLocalProv: Is there any other departmental news you would like to share?

Boving: We are working on an innovative device that can possibly remove PFAS compounds from waste- or even drinking water.  We just applied for a patent for this device and if we can prove the viability of this treatment approach, it may address on of the currently most pressing problems in water treatment.