AI to make water use more efficient in the process industry

"We have long had very cheap water in Sweden, but the process industry is a huge water consumer. We have realised the importance of addressing this challenge and want to become more efficient in our water use and better at purifying and reusing water for our processes. This is where AI research can play an important role," explains Malin Rosqvist at RISE, Programme Manager for PiiA.

The project, which involves around 30 different stakeholders, has a focus on food production but is relevant to a wide range of industries such as life sciences, paper and mining. The aim is to change the way we think about water management and consider all water as a resource instead of waste.

"For us, it's essential that we make sure we clean the water properly and retain the nutrients. We want to minimise the use of chemical fertilisers and at the same time ensure sufficient nutrient levels for cultivation," Malin adds.

Mälardalen University in Västerås is leading the project and has already started construction of a test facility in Sweden. A further test facility is planned in the United States. The facilities will be an integral part of research and development to optimise water use related to cultivation.

To monitor and control water quality in real time, the project will use advanced technologies such as sensors and AI.  By utilising experiences from previous research projects, custom AI models will be built for the purpose. One technology of particular interest is an electronic nose, which uses AI to detect bacteria and contaminants with an accuracy of over 95%. 

"We have previously successfully tested a multi-sensor system to detect salmonella and other bacteria. The electronic nose with almost 30 sensors worked beyond expectations, and we look forward to using sensor data and machine learning in a similar way to analyse water and food quality," says Mikhail Popov, senior researcher at RISE. 

The project also welcomes international co-operation and sees the potential to spread its results and sustainable solutions worldwide. With RISE's multidisciplinary, impartial expertise as well as partners and stakeholders from companies and research institutions, they will contribute to developing and improving water management in the process industry.

"This project is part of a larger effort to address the challenges of water shortage and improve our water utilisation. We look forward to collaborating with more stakeholders and developing innovative solutions that not only benefit Sweden but also have global relevance," finishes Malin Rosqvist. 

Project website: Unity4Water