Wetox turns rivers of sludge into profitable revenue streams

Viclink, the commercialisation partner of Victoria University of Wellington, has announced an exciting clean technology project called Wetox.

Wetox is an innovation that uses science to address one of today's biggest pollution problems; it has the potential to keep New Zealand's rivers and waterways clean by treating the run-off from our dairy farms, wineries and meat works.

The patented technology works by breaking down smelly, liquid organic sludge, turning it into usable by-products such as water, steam, fertiliser and acetic acid, which may be used to generate additional revenue streams.

"Traditional wet air oxidation methods have been prohibitively expensive for smaller to medium sized users. The invention of Wetox will bring this technology to industries in a much more cost-effective way," says John Errington, Chief Executive Officer at Viclink

"The creation of Wetox is an example of how Viclink works with academics and business to solve real problems, such as cleaning-up New Zealand’s waterways, and creating revenue for New Zealand from the export of this ground breaking technology."

Wetox uses a vat or autoclave that is fed organic liquid waste made up of 4% to 15% solids. Through a patented process, the formerly problematic waste in the vat is turned into water, steam, acetic acid, nitrates and phosphates that can either be used by the business or sold on. The high-pressure steam that is generated in the process can be used to drive a turbine for power generation or the heat generated can be used for industrial process heating.

Taylor Preston, a Wellington meat processing company, has been providing samples for Wetox lab testing.

Simon Gatenby, Chief Executive Officer of Taylor Preston says Wetox provides an increased level in environmental sustainability for manufacturing businesses that produce organic waste as part of their processes.

"We are excited to be involved in the development of Wetox with Viclink and are looking forward to being able to gain benefit from a part of the waste stream that was previously a problem."

Sophie Howard, Viclink's Manager, Commercialisation, managed the development of Wetox from a thesis to a business.

"We believe that even though the business is in the beginning stages, it shows international promise. There is huge potential for Wetox given that the clean-tech industry is experiencing exponential growth and managing waste in a sustainable manner has become a global problem.

"The European market has been identified as one where Wetox could have a huge impact due to the existing strict legislation surrounding the treatment and disposal of wastewater."

Viclink identified the commercial potential of Wetox from a PhD thesis at Victoria University and began the process to commercialise the intellectual property. This included applying for patents, securing initial funding, researching market opportunities, testing the technology, hiring a management team and appointing a governance board.

The Foundation for Research Science and Technology (FRST) provided assistance to Viclink to help understand what the technology could do for the market. Viclink used the Global Expert Search, a FRST database of experts, to contact specialists in liquid waste for advice and feedback.

About Viclink: Viclink helps Victoria University's staff and students to transform their brilliant ideas and research into real businesses, creating opportunities and income for the inventors, Victoria University and the wider New Zealand economy as a result. Viclink also takes Victoria University's research to the business community through industry connections and business growth services.