Acousweep: An Innovative Microplastic Fibre Separation System Using Sweeping Acoustic Waves
Overview
To overcome current shortcomings in collecting microplastic waste in water systems, HKRITA has developed this innovative and sustainable system, Acousweep, to separate microplastics during water treatment, significantly preserving the water quality.
Technical name of innovation
An Innovative Microplastic Fibre Separation System Using Sweeping Acoustic Waves
Research completion
2023
Commercialisation opportunities
Technology licensing
Problem addressed
Microplastic pollution is raising increasing concern over its impact to natural environment, especially in ocean, and its potential adverse effect to human health. This project develops a novel approach using physical treatment to separate microplastic fibres from sewage water discharged from industrial laundry.
Innovation
- Unlike existing filtration processes, the system enables continuous water treatment and easy collection of microplastic fibres by its acoustic manipulation technique
- A special design chamber that facilitates waterflow and collection of microplastic fibres
Key impact
- Reducing microplastic pollution generated from industrial laundry
- Relieving threat to marine wildlife
Award
- 2023 R&D 100 Awards - Winner (2023)
- Silver Medal in the Special Edition 2022 Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days
Application
- Relieving microplastic pollution to marine ecosystem
Patent
- PAT-R-0191-US-PSP
The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA)
Established in 2006, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) is funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR government, and hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
HKRITA has achieved research deliverables over the years around our research clusters targeting in sustainability, industry advancement and social benefits through our centre-owned research teams and laboratories as well as collaborations with industry partners and institutions.
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