EPOC Enviro secures patent for PFAS remediation technology

Australian company EPOC Enviro has announced the approval of its foam fractionation patent by IP Australia, securing exclusive rights for SAFF technology through to December 2038.

This announcement comes after the recent patent approval by the US Patent and Trademark Office for EPOC’s Surface-Active Foam Fractionation technology in the US.

“This is a fantastic step forward for our little Aussie company and another significant milestone that confirms the inventive nature of the foam fractionation process for removing PFAS from impacted waters. We couldn’t be prouder,” EPOC Enviro Managing Director Peter Murphy said.

“Foam fractionation is increasingly recognised on the global stage as a highly effective method to remove PFAS contaminants, and our expanding family of Surface-Active Foam Fractionation technologies are providing solutions for a market that’s eager for proven, sustainable alternatives.

“Being first to develop and patent the use of foam fractionation for PFAS removal was a big challenge, but it means that our distinct approach has paid off. Early hurdles are behind us and SAFF technology is now a serious contender in the competitive remediation space. Clients are reassured of a market-leading solution that is cutting edge, exhaustively tested and patent protected.”

EPOC Enviro’s SAFF technology is now protected by several patents, which cover:

• multi-stage foam fractionation and the application of vacuum for enhanced PFAS concentration
• addition of chemical amendments to improve short-chain PFAS removal
• treatment of primary stage fractionate through either additional fractionation or passing it through IX resin or GAC.
   

EPOC Enviro first conceived of foam fractionation as a method for PFAS removal in 2015 and has since developed a fleet of PFAS remediation technologies based on this principle. The technology has treated nearly two billion litres of PFAS-impacted waters across three continents, with operational systems at both Oakey (QLD) and Shoalhaven (NSW) within Australia.

“Our approach is founded heavily on the principles of green chemistry and sustainable engineering. Use of foam fractionation is a naturally elegant solution, where a combination of clever engineering and biomimicry using air bubbles enables the rapid removal of PFAS contaminants from source waters,” he said.

With this patent in place, EPOC Enviro said it reinforces its leadership in PFAS remediation, providing clients with a scientifically validated, legally protected solution that meets differing regulatory standards. The patent is said to also further strengthen the company’s commitment to continuous innovation, ensuring efficiency, compliance and credibility in the remediation sector.

Image caption: EPOC Enviro’s foam fractionation technology has received patent approval by IP Australia. Image: Supplied.