Research and Development

Research and Development
Innovative. Functional. Sustainable.
We utilize knowledge, technologies and innovations in industrial production and sustainable waste stream management.

BIODEGRADABLE WASTE

Optimization of waste recovery operations based on biodegradability testing

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ANAEROBIC DIGESTION AND CO-DIGESTION OF ORGANIC SUBSTRATES

Anaerobic digestion and co-digestion of organic substrates

Development and optimisation of anaerobic digestion and co-digestion of organic substrates

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INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER

Development and optimisation of industrial wastewater treatment processes

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MUNICIPAL WATERWASTE

Development and optimisation of municipal wastewater treatment processes

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SLUDGE DISPOSAL

Development of processes for the treatment, reduction and disposal of sludge

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LINGOCELLULOSIC MATERIALS

Difficult-to-degrade lignocellulosic material testing

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DEVELOPMENT, RESEARCH AND PROCESS OPTIMISATION - AREAS OF APPLICATION

The knowledge and experience of CROTEH’s employees and partners provide for the development and application of sustainable technologies that ensure the much-needed reduction of the burden on the environment.

  1. Our own reactors for conducting anaerobic and aerobic biological treatment tests (UASB, SDR, SBR, aerobic-anoxic reactor, reactor for thermo-chemical hydrolysis of substrates)
  2. Testing and development of effective technologies for anaerobic waste and wastewater treatment 
  3. Implementation of anaerobic and aerobic biological waste treatment simulation processes
  4. Research projects in the field of new technologies (raw materials for biogas production, biorefineries, circular economy, etc.)

PILOT POSTROJENJA

Does your business entity require our R & D services? Do not hesitate to contact us.

Associate Professor Gregor Drago Zupančić, PhD
Head of Research & Development
+385 99 5399 530
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BIODEGRADABLE WASTE

Optimization of waste recovery operations based on biodegradability testing

1. The process of waste treatment, as one of the most significant issues in the area of environmental protection in the Republic of Croatia, primarily aims at material and energy utilization of waste by replacing waste with other materials (primarily raw materials).

2. The determination of the share of biodegradable waste is an important starting point for further waste handling.

3. Certain procedures are exclusively waste-to-energy directed. Biological waste processing technologies enable the material utilization of the remaining nutrients in the form of compost, as well as energy use through the utilization of the produced biogas.

4. In its work, CROTEH prefers an integral approach to organic waste management and treatment by selecting the most appropriate method of pretreatment/sorting, defining biodegradable waste treatment technology, and drafting the necessary documentation.

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ANAEROBIC DIGESTION AND CO-DIGESTION OF ORGANIC SUBSTRATES

Development and optimisation of anaerobic digestion and co-digestion of organic substrates

1.  Anaerobic digestion is the optimal process for the stabilisation of organic waste materials with a high water content that produces biogas that belongs to renewable energy sources. In conventional biogas plants, the most commonly used substrates are various livestock slurries (except poultry) combined with corn silage. Given the rising trend of corn silage prices, grass silages, as well as organic residues from food, pharmaceutical, chemical, leather and paper industries and other similar industries, can be used as a quality substitute for corn silage.

2. For our clients we develop co-digestion or mono-digestion processes of new or replacement substrates that are often not readily degradable and can also inhibit microorganisms and the entire process of biogas production.

3. The manner in which the process needs to be adjusted and/or to what extent and with which procedures the substrates need to be pretreated in order to fully and without inhibition provide for the production of the maximum possible amount of biogas through the anaerobic process is determined during the development.

4. One of the development goals includes a partial/complete replacement of unsustainable (expensive) substrates with more available and cheaper ones in order to reduce waste disposal costs in the manufacturing industry and increase revenues from their processing at biogas plants.

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INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER

Development and optimisation of industrial wastewater treatment processes

1. Testing the industrial wastewater load is primarily necessary given their higher organic load rate than when compared to municipal water.

2. By using equipment and reactors with granulated biomass on a pilot scale (UASB reactor), we test continuous wastewater treatment processes and determine all key parameters for achieving optimal treatment and process conditions.

3. The application of anaerobic digestion on industrial wastewater with organic load has proven to be very cost-effective, usually with an investment return period of 2 to 5 years. The possibility of direct utilisation of the produced energy for one’s own production process, as well as a high degree of thermal energy utilisation, do represent an additional reason.

4. In cooperation with our international partners, we develop custom-made wastewater treatment processes for our clients in the region. In addition to applying anaerobic technology, also used as needed are other physicochemical and biological treatment procedures that are being applied at industrial plants in the region.

5. We base our approach on ensuring optimal wastewater treatment in order to comply with legal limit values and provide for economic and ecological system sustainability.

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MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER

Development and optimisation of municipal wastewater treatment processes

1. Municipal wastewater or already anaerobically treated industrial wastewater with no significant organic load is mostly treated by aerobic processes or a combination of anoxic-aerobic processes.

2. Our aerobic-anoxic reactor enables us to test the wastewater treatment process as well as the removal of nitrogen and other compounds under different conditions while complying with the legal limit values of wastewater emissions.

3. Based on the test results of the purification process and wastewater key parameter analyses, we develop and optimize existing municipal wastewater treatment devices for our clients (especially in cases of increased load), and provide technical assistance for operating the device.

4. Acting in the area of municipal wastewater treatment and in cooperation with our partners, we offer a complete range of services from testing organic load and other physicochemical parameters, analyzing possible purification options, defining the optimum wastewater treatment technology, and preparing all types of projects and technical documentation.

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SLUDGE DISPOSAL

Development of processes for the treatment, reduction and disposal of sludge

1. Every wastewater treatment device produces sludge. When using anaerobic wastewater treatment technologies, the sludge increase ranges from 3 to 10% of the removed load, as opposed to using aerobic treatment processes, where the increase in sludge can be up to 60% of the removed load.

2. Most sludge is considered waste; however, certain sludge types can be reused commercially. Since the ultimate sludge disposal costs are extremely high, ways of reducing the amounts of sludge remaining after treatment are sought.

3. The amount of sludge can be reduced by classic “end of pipe” procedures, such as, for example, anaerobic digestion, aerobic digestion (auto thermal), oxidation, etc. It is also possible to apply integrated procedures for that purpose, such as ozonation, cavitation, etc., where the wastewater treatment process includes sludge treatment.

4. CROTEH develops and designs optimal sludge treatment procedures, primarily taking into account the impact on the environment, that is, the economic component of the treatment process itself and the ultimate disposal of sludge.

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LINGOCELLULOSIC MATERIALS

Difficult-to-degrade lignocellulosic material testing

1. Difficult-to-degrade lignocellulosic materials are rich in organic substances; however, these are found within materials as complex organic compounds, such as lignin, cellulose, or hemicellulose, and the biological decomposition of such compounds is much more difficult.

2. The research focused on the treatment of difficult-to-degrade lignocellulosic materials aims to identify and determine the necessary and most significant process parameters and to develop an anaerobic digestion process enabling the maximum utilization of the processed substrate.

3. The maximum utilization of the energy potential of the processed substrate during treatment of not-readily degradable materials is achieved by determining the optimal process parameters, such as substrate pretreatment method and conditions; temperature; pH; retention time; optimal co-substrate ratios; mass and energy transfer method; and the selection of appropriate treatment technology.

4. The CROTEH team specializes in the development of biogas production technologies from hard-to-degrade lignocellulosic materials by implementing a project financed by European Structural Funds. After the technology has been successfully developed on a laboratory scale, a further goal is a process “scale-up”, that is, the development of the process on an industrial scale and the evaluation of its economic viability.

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1. REAL SAMPLE COLLECTION

We collect representative field samples directly at client facilities and analyze them in our accredited laboratory in accordance with recognized standards. Our laboratory testing includes physical, chemical, and biological parameters required to define design input values, including load variability and seasonal or operational fluctuations. These data form the foundation for reliable scaling solutions and technology development.

2. DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS

Based on the assessment of existing conditions and laboratory results, we develop technical solutions tailored to each client’s requirements. When designing solutions, we consider plant capacity, influent characteristics, discharge requirements (public sewer systems or natural receiving waters), and circular economy principles. To support detailed process development, our laboratory is equipped with reactors, measuring instruments, and pilot-scale systems that allow us to simulate real operating conditions. Through pilot testing, we evaluate process efficiency, optimize operating parameters, and validate treatment concepts before full-scale implementation. This approach significantly reduces investment and operational risk while ensuring long-term sustainability of the selected solution. We also place strong emphasis on optimizing energy, chemical, and resource consumption while minimizing the plant’s environmental footprint throughout its lifecycle.

3. ENGINEERING DESIGN AND PERMITTING

Our multidisciplinary engineering team prepares complete project documentation, from conceptual designs and feasibility studies to detailed engineering documentation and permit applications. All documentation is developed in accordance with current legislation, technical regulations, and applicable standards while maintaining close coordination with clients and regulatory authorities.

4. PLANT ENGINEERING AND INSTALLATION – Complete turnkey plant implementation proposal, including detailed design documentation and commissioning services

We deliver turnkey treatment plants tailored to each client’s needs. Our services include detailed engineering design, equipment procurement and delivery, site organization, installation of process and electrical equipment, and integration of automation and control systems. The final stage includes functional testing and preparation for plant commissioning.

5. CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION

We provide professional technical supervision during construction to ensure full compliance with project documentation, technical standards, and contractual requirements. We monitor construction quality, installed equipment, and adherence to project timelines.

6. PLANT COMMISSIONING AND STAFF TRAINING

After construction and functional testing are complete, we perform staged commissioning with continuous monitoring of process parameters and adjustment of operating conditions. We also prepare operational manuals and provide professional staff training to ensure safe, efficient, and long-term stable plant operation.

7. POST-CONSTRUCTION TESTING

After project completion, we perform functional and other tests to verify that the treatment plant achieves the required operational parameters and effluent quality.

8. PLANT SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

We provide preventive and corrective maintenance, scheduled service inspections, and 24/7/365 technical support. Our systematic maintenance approach extends equipment lifespan, minimizes downtime risk, and ensures high operational efficiency.

9. PLANT MONITORING AND OPERATIONAL CONTROL

We implement SCADA and PLC automation and control systems that enable continuous plant monitoring, analysis of key process parameters, and rapid response to operational deviations or fluctuations in wastewater flow and loading. We place particular emphasis on reducing energy, chemical, and labor consumption.

10. PLANT OPTIMIZATION AND RECONSTRUCTION

We perform technical assessments of existing systems to identify capacity limitations, energy losses, and operational inefficiencies. Based on our findings, we recommend retrofits, upgrades, and modernization of technological process lines to improve efficiency, ensure compliance with new regulatory requirements, and extend plant service life.

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