
SAFF – Innovative Foam Fractionation
SAFF – Innovative Foam Fractionation for PFAS-treatment
Surface Active Foam Fractionation (SAFF) is an award-winning and sustainable technology that revolutionizes PFAS remediation by leveraging the surface-active properties of these compounds. This advanced technology works by injecting fine air bubbles into the water, causing PFAS molecules to attach to the bubbles and form a foam, which is then collected and removed from the surface.
SAFF, developed by EPOC Enviro, is now used globally to efficiently treat complex water sources, such as landfill leachate and groundwater from contaminated sites. The technology has been successfully proven in multiple projects worldwide and is well-suited for both small- and large-scale treatment needs.
How SAFF works
1. Air Injection and Foam Formation
2. Fine air bubbles are injected into water columns, where PFAS molecules attach to the bubbles due to their surface-active properties. These molecules are then transported to the water's surface, forming a foam.
3. Passive and Active Collection: At the water surface, the foam is collected using passive overflow systems and active vacuum collectors.
Multi-Stage Fractionation
The SAFF technology utilizes up to three fractionation stages to concentrate PFAS levels by 50,000 to 2,000,000 times compared to the original concentration. This results in a minimal amount of residual waste that can be easily destroyed.
Flexible capacity
The capacity of the SAFF system depends on several factors, including water type and PFAS composition. The system is available in two variants: SAFF40, with a maximum capacity of 20–40 m³/h, and SAFF20, with a maximum capacity of 10–20 m³/h.
Advantages of SAFF
Sustainable technology:
SAFF operates using only air and electricity, without relying on filter media or chemicals. The process has minimal energy requirements and generates very small amounts of waste, making it both cost-effective and environmentally friendly, especially for high-flow applications.
Robust and User-Friendly:
The technology is unaffected by other water contaminants, such as metals, organic compounds, particles, and pH levels. This makes it ideal for treating challenging water sources, such as landfill leachate and complex groundwater contamination.
Flexibility and Scalability:
With its modular design and various capacity levels, SAFF is adaptable for both small- and large-scale treatment projects. The mobile unit can be easily transported and installed on-site.
Reduced Environmental Impact:
By generating minimal amounts of highly concentrated waste, SAFF significantly reduces transportation and disposal costs, making the technology both economically and environmentally sustainable.
Applicability and Project Use
SAFF is an ideal solution for:
- Groundwater from PFAS-contaminated sites.
- Leachate from landfills with complex water chemistry.
- Industries with high contamination levels in process water.
The technology is particularly effective for longer PFAS chains (e.g., PFOS and PFOA) but also addresses short-chain compounds.
SAFF represents the next generation of PFAS treatment, combining simplicity, efficiency, and sustainability. By utilizing SAFF technology, Envytech ensures safe, long-term, and environmentally friendly management of contaminated water.
Contact us to learn more about how SAFF can solve your PFAS challenges.