Claros Technologies has successfully demonstrated high-throughput PFAS destruction using UV technology at Daikin America Inc.'s facility, marking a significant step toward scalable and cost-effective elimination of these "forever chemicals" from industrial wastewater.
In a landmark achievement for environmental sustainability, Claros Technologies announced today the successful completion of the world’s first large-scale pilot demonstration of high-throughput per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) destruction using advanced UV technology. This groundbreaking initiative, conducted in collaboration with Daikin America, Inc. (DAI) at their Decatur, Alabama, facility, represents a pivotal moment in the global effort to combat PFAS contamination.
The pilot program showcased Claros' proprietary UV-photochemical process, achieving an impressive over 99.99% destruction of targeted PFAS compounds. More than 50,000 gallons of industrial wastewater were successfully treated by a high-flow system capable of processing hundreds of gallons per minute, demonstrating the technology's readiness for large-scale industrial application. This development is particularly significant given the persistent nature of PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," which pose substantial environmental and health challenges due to their widespread use and resistance to degradation.
Daikin America, Inc. has been at the forefront of addressing PFAS in its operations, having already achieved a 99.9% reduction in large chain PFAS in its wastewater treatment process since 2012. The collaboration with Claros Technologies further amplifies DAI's commitment to environmental stewardship by proving that large-scale destruction of not only long-chain but also short and ultra-short-chain PFAS using UV technology is both technically feasible and economically viable. This pilot program effectively bridges the gap between laboratory success and real-world industrial implementation, a critical hurdle for many emerging environmental technologies.
The successful demonstration of over 99.99% destruction of targeted PFAS compounds in a high-flow system confirms that Claros' technology can operate effectively at scale and at a cost-effective price point. These factors are crucial for widespread industrial adoption, as companies seek efficient and affordable methods to comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations and minimize their ecological footprint. The economic viability aspect is particularly appealing, as it opens the door for broader implementation across various industrial sectors grappling with PFAS-laden wastewater.
Following this successful initial pilot, both Claros Technologies and Daikin America are committed to further collaboration. The next phase of pilot work will focus on enhancing the flow and destruction capabilities of the technology, aiming to refine the process for even greater efficiency and broader applicability. This ongoing partnership highlights a shared dedication to pioneering sustainable solutions and setting new benchmarks for environmental responsibility within the manufacturing industry. The implications of this breakthrough extend far beyond the immediate industrial application, offering a ray of hope for mitigating the pervasive challenge of PFAS contamination globally.
