Intelligent nanofiltration membrane systems for natural organic matter removal in water treatment (IntelMEM)

IntelMEM expands the contact established in 2018 between the water research group at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) and the Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology (IAMT) of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany. Norwegian waterworks experience a growing challenge of the significant increase in concentrations and fluctuations of Natural Organic Matter (NOM). This increase is likely due to the combined effects of climate change and represents a severe challenge for process control systems and operation performance of membrane treatment. Therefore, the IntelMEM project focuses on applied research and development of intelligent membrane systems for NOM removal in drinking water treatment. Such systems will integrate advanced membrane separation technology and process analytics, utilising expertise of IAMT and NMBU respectively. The project will facilitate exchange, harmonisation and co-development of good practices in laboratory research, research-based education, internationalisation and knowledge transfer. The projected will be implemented through reciprocal research stays and student exchanges. IntelMEM will deliver two joint scientific publications, conference presentations at Nanofiltration 2021, IWA NOM/Particle Separation conferences, at least two MSc theses, one joint research proposal, at least four meetings with academia/industry beyond NMBU-IAMT to discuss prospects of research and results. IntelMEM is a part of the more targeted network-building in the membrane area started by NMBU in 2017 under INTPART program of the RCN. IntelMEM adds European vector of cooperation to the existing INTPART projects with institutions in the USA, Canada, China and Japan: "MEMPREX – International partnership on membrane processes in water treatment for research and educational excellence" (2017-2019) and "Membrane processes for the next decade's challenges in the water sector" (2020-2023).