1. Water Technologies
At GAIKER we are working on supply waters, process waters and waste
waters of both industrial and urban origin. The work is carried out
on two levels: treatability studies, in which the most suitable processes
to ensure the water has the required quality are identified, and laboratory
and pilot tests in which the design and the most suitable process parameters
for construction and operation are defined. The technologies dealt with
include both biological processes (activated sludge, UASB anaerobic
processes, SBR sequential reactors and RBM membrane bioreactors) and
physical and chemical processes (advanced UV oxidation, ozonization,
coagulation-flocculation, decantation and membrane filtration).
2. Soils and Residues Technologies
At GAIKER we design and execute technical studies for soil treatability
and contaminated sediments, and have a wide range of biological technologies
(biostimulation, accelerated bioremediation, solid-phase treatments,
etc.) and physical and chemical technologies (solvent extraction, inertisation
or contention systems) for the recovery of degraded sites. Moreover,
we have a battery of ecotoxicity tests for soils in line with international
ISO and OECD standards. We also carry out characterisation work for
soils and residues, along with environmental counselling, working closely
with engineering firms, consultants and Public Administrations.
3. Membranes
Membranes as a separation technology are ideal for application in the
sphere of water treatment. At GAIKER we carry out membrane characterisation
tests and develop our activity in their application as a separation
technology in the industrial sphere and in water treatment. We study
the viability of their application and the optimisation of their operation
(design, operation, dirtying and cleaning).
4. Supercritical Fluids
Many of the dissolvents used in industrial processes have harmful effects
on health and on the environment. At GAIKER we offer supercritical fluid
technology, in particular supercritical CO2, as an alternative to these
dissolvents in processes involving:
- Extraction: of unwanted substances or active compounds from solid
and liquid samples.
- Synthesis: hydrogenation reactions, polymerisation and biofuel synthesis.
- Development of new materials: encapsulation of active agents and impregnation
of materials with appropriate compounds.
5. Biofuels
GAIKER has extensive experience in biodiesel synthesis, by way of the
conventional process of homogenous catalysis, having developed several
research projects for production from both non-animal oils, used and
unused, and animal fats, studying the adaptation of the primary products
in line with their quality parameters. We are also working on heterogeneous
catalysis projects, validating solid catalysts, optimising the process
variables and characterising the biodiesel obtained, in line with the
specifications of UNE 14214. By the end of 2007 a pilot plant for the
production of biodiesel by heterogeneous catalysis will be set up.
environment