“Our invention relates to a method by which wastewater, sludge and dregs can be treated and utilised, for example, in a mining area. Waste materials, such as gypsum sludge can also be used in other construction applications which will be of great value to Betolar's business in the future,” says Juha Leppänen, Betolar's Chief Innovation Officer.
The advantage of the patented solution is that the fractions and precipitates formed in the treatment of wastewater can be solidified simply and cost-effectively. Hardened materials can be stored in piles and holes. The use of such above-ground storage and disposal sites allows for space and cost savings. Above all, it is safer for the environment.
Placing liquid and sludge waste materials in tanks incurs costs throughout the life cycle of the tanks. Storage requires substantial investment in the storage pools as well as continuous monitoring and maintenance of the condition of the pools. The economic benefits arise from the reduction in investment and maintenance costs associated with the pools. In addition, value is created for the binder used elsewhere.
Betolar is a materials technology company. Research and development is an important business area for its success. Product development produces new inventions that generate new innovations for business needs. In connection with the company's normal product development, innovations are created that, at best, lead to new value-added, patentable solutions for business needs.
“The ability to produce new solutions for the utilisation of sidestreams is essential to the functioning of our ecosystem. Betolar has a rapidly growing patent portfolio considering its age. We have already obtained approved patents for five inventions of ours,” says Leppänen. Betolar, with another five inventions in the process of patent approval.
