Capturing and eliminating heavy metals in industrial effluent: that is the aim of Capterall®, a wastewater treatment solution developed by Solvay and now owned by Prayon. With this acquisition Prayon can harness a sustainable and innovative technology while also developing a new high-added-value business offering that involves providing its customers with integrated solutions to overcome the water-related environmental challenges they face.

Metallurgy, plastics, glass, and textile companies emit varying levels of heavy metals into the environment. Since they can be toxic to many organisms, including humans, industrial stakeholders are seeking out ways to minimize their environmental impact and satisfy ever-stricter standards on limiting these pollutants in their wastewater. Capterall® is one such solution.

Using phosphorus to tackle water pollution

“This product range offers an efficient solution for cleaning up industrial water. Products take the form of a powder or slurry, i.e., a mixture of water and solids, based on calcium phosphate. Once mixed with wastewater, the product acts like a sponge, absorbing heavy metals like copper, chromium, cadmium, zinc, aluminum, and even mercury that have been dumped in the water by treatment plants. The mixture is then left to settle and the adsorbent is removed,” explains Alain Germeau, Prayon’s Vice President Development Projects.

Solution to be made by Prayon by 2023

“We’ve purchased the technology, the associated patents, some of the equipment, and the existing contracts between Solvay and multiple companies. Solvay will continue to work with Prayon to develop sales opportunities over the next few years,” explains Alain, who is responsible for the technology transfer. “Our aim for 2022 will be to move the equipment, probably to Engis, so that we can produce the mixture ourselves from January 2023 onwards. Until that time, Solvay will provide us with enough product to supply our customers,” he adds.

A project with huge potential for development

Prayon will initially focus on selling the phosphate solution and compiling plans to install the system (which consists of a reactor and a decanter) in existing or dedicated treatment units.

“We ultimately intend to go even further, controlling plants remotely and carrying out maintenance,” says Joël Cerfontaine, Vice President Sales EMEA APAC LATAM at Prayon. “We may also forge partnerships with major companies specializing in water treatment with a view to enhancing sales of Capterall® technology more quickly and effectively and boosting our profile on this market.”