VSC Zero-Discharge Desalination Prototype 
SAIT Lead: MacPhail School of Energy
Collaborators: Volker-Stevin Contracting Ltd. ; National Research Council Canada - Industrial Research ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: (NRC-IRAP)
Start/End: January 2005/ongoing Background: The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) lists road salt as a toxic substance to soil and water media, and an environmental remediation challenge arose as a result of new government legislation. In early 2005, Volker-Stevin Contracting Ltd., (VSC), Calgary, in cooperation with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, with support from NRC-IRAP, began work to develop a proprietary process integrating an Electrodialysis (ED) desalination system for the clean-up of salt impacted water in Calgary, Alberta. Applied Research and Innovation Services identified and connected Volker Stevin with a SAIT faculty member from the McPhail School of Energy, in addition to retired SAIT staff, with the expertise required to research, develop and construct the prototype. Objective: To develop and test a portable desalination system that could be transported to settling ponds around the province to decontaminate salt impacted waters. Outcomes: - Knowledge & capability to treat salt brine water at highway maintenance facilities in an economical and environmentally sustainable manner
- Reduction in high costs involved in hauling and disposing of salt water
- Conservation of a valuable natural water resource via recycling and reuse of salt water
- Minimizing risks with potential salt leaks or spills from storage ponds into surrounding soil and ground water
- Technology development and adoption
- A successfully proven concept and prototype – ready for commercialization
- Potential to provide salt water clean-up service to other local industries facing similar challenges
- Creation of employment opportunities in engineering, technology and trades
- Knowledge transfer to road authorities, governments and contractors across Canada and internationally
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