SUSTAINABLE VERTICAL BIOSOLIDS DRYING
IPMF Technologies offers a game-changing biosolids management technology to save water utilities millions and protect the environment: 3D-AeroDry®
At IPMF Technologies, we are tackling one of the biggest challenges in wastewater treatment – biosolids management. With over 100 million tonnes of biosolids produced globally each year, managing this waste is a multi-billion-dollar issue for utilities, often accounting for 50% of sewage treatment operational costs.
The primary challenge?
Even after best-practice dewatering, biosolids still contain 75-80% water, making disposal costly and inefficient. Utilities basically pay billions each year to get rid of water! Our solution: A breakthrough 3D printing-based drying technology that reduces water content to below 10% – without external energy input, at ambient temperatures, and with a minimal footprint. Imagine hanging biosolids in the wind to dry!
ABOUT IPMF TECHNOLOGIES
IPMF Technologies is a recently founded start-up company located in South-East Queensland, Brisbane. At IPMF Technologies, our mission is simple: Turn innovation into real-world solutions. We are committed to transforming biosolids from a costly and notorious challenge in wastewater treatment into a valuable resource, unlocking their potential as a renewable energy source or value-added commodity. By doing so, we aim to drive a more sustainable and cost-effective future for wastewater treatment worldwide.
PROJECTS
‘Accelerating Commercialisation’ Grant – Next-gen low energy biosolids drying technology (September 2023 – current)
IPMF Technologies together with the City of Gold Coast as industry partner has been awarded an Accelerating Commercialisation Grant entitled ‘Next-gen low energy biosolids drying technology’ from the Australian Government. We are working in close collaboration with the City of Gold Coast to conduct long-term demonstration scale trials of IPMF Technologies’ biosolid drying technology at the Coombabah Sewage Treatment Plant of the City of Gold Coast to serve as a “proof of concept” for process validation to inform economic viability of full-scale implementation. Through this project, IPMF Technologies aims to advance 3D-AeroDry® to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7, making it ready for large-scale (semi-)commercial testing and paving the way for market introduction.
Proof-of-concept testing of 3D-AeroDry® for drying of drinking water sludge from Dutch AquaMinerals BV (2024)
The key objective and scope of this project was to demonstrate the proof-of-concept of the 3D-AeroDry® for drying of drinking water sludge of different origin and composition by demonstrating its working principle. To achieve this, a custom-made small pilot-scale 3D-AeroDry® systems was designed and built. The system was used to conduct experiments with iron coagulation sludge and iron-rich groundwater sludge from two Dutch drinking water treatment plants. The outcomes of the batch experiments were used to conduct a cost benefits analysis as well as to provide a basis of design for further scaling-up of the technology. Ultimately, this project validated the strong potential of 3D-AeroDry® and outlined key recommendations for future R&D and full-scale implementation in the Netherlands, where sludge drying plays a crucial role in sludge valorisation and reuse.
OUR SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
NEWS
May 2025: DEMO Plant successfully moved to site at City of Gold Coast
We are so excited! Our DEMO arrived with the help of an oversize truck and a pilot vehicle at the Coombabah Sewage Treatment Plant of the City of Gold Coast. Power will be connected as soon as possible to get started!
Apr 2025: Dry commissioning successfully completed and DEMO plant ready for transport to site
After many long days of hard work, we are happy to announce that the dry commissioning is successfully completed, and the DEMO plant is ready for transport to the Coombabah Sewage Treatment Plant of the City of Gold Coast.
Mar 2025: Foundation in place for DEMO plant at City of Gold Coast’s sewage treatment plant
Our industry partner, the City of Gold Coast, has prepared the DEMO plant site at one of their sewage treatment plants for the commissioning of the DEMO installation. We can move the 3D-AeroDry® DEMO plant to the site soon! Foundation is there, exciting times ahead....
Nov 2024: Proof-of-concept testing of 3D-AeroDry® for drinking water sludge from Dutch utilities successfully completed
For our partnership with AquaMinerals BV, we evaluated the practical feasibility and economic viability of 3D-AeroDry® for drying drinking water sludge through proof-of-concept testing and a cost-benefit analysis. The outcomes were excellent and very promising....
May 2024: Construction begins on the 3D-AeroDry® DEMO plant
We are thrilled to announce that construction is officially underway for our first-of-its-kind 3D-AeroDry® DEMO plant! With the City of Gold Coast approving the detailed design, we are now bringing this innovative technology to life. We can’t wait to share more...
Nov 2023: The Basis of Design for the DEMO plant has been approved
The Basis of Design for the DEMO plant has been approved by our industry partner, the City of Gold Coast. With this milestone achieved, we now move into the next phase - Detailed Engineering - bringing us one step closer to making the DEMO plant a reality. Stay tuned...
Sep 2023: We secured the prestigious ‘Accelerating Commercialisation’ Grant for DEMO-scale testing at the City of Gold Coast and kicked-off the project
How exciting! – We secured the prestigious ‘Accelerating Commercialisation’ Grant entitled ‘Next-gen low energy biosolids drying technology’ by the Australian Government together with the City of Gold Coast as our key industry partner. The Grant will enable IPMF...
Feb 2023: We are happy to announce that we signed a strategic partnership with AquaMinerals BV
We are thrilled to announce our long-term partnership with AquaMinerals BV, a leader in commercialising innovative products recovered from the water cycle for over 20 years. This collaboration allows IPMF Technologies to leverage AquaMinerals’ extensive network and...
Dec 2022 Exciting News: We entered the Guidance Phase of the Accelerating Commercialisation Grant
We are thrilled to announce that we have been accepted into the Guidance Phase of the Accelerating Commercialisation Grant! As part of this phase, we will be working closely with an independent facilitator who will provide expert recommendations and support us in...
May 2022: We established a proof-of-concept during pilot trials in IPMF Technologies workshop
We are excited to have established our first proof-of-concept during pilot trials in our Brisbane based workshop using biosolids from a local City Council. We are now ready to approach potential industry partners to pitch our invention and seek interest to fund...
CONTACT US
IPMF Technologies Pty Ltd, 2B 44 Baldock Street, 4105 Brisbane, Australia