AFFF contaminated water treatment
Groundwater contamination due to firefighting water? We provide the solution.
Pioneering work for clean water
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are among the most persistent and harmful pollutants of our time. They accumulate in the soil and groundwater - and thus end up in our food and drinking water.
A particularly critical entry path is the use of fluorine-containing foam extinguishing agents - for example during firefighting operations or by triggering fixed fire suppression systems. Even a single application can be enough to introduce PFAS into the ground over a large area.
The result: long-term contamination of the groundwater, which poses a serious risk to people and the environment. Targeted and effective remediation of this damage is therefore essential in order to sustainably protect our environment and preserve our health.
Cornelsen has taken on this challenge – with a solution that sets new standards worldwide: the PerfluorAd® process. This patented technology targets PFAS from contaminated water, in a cost-effective and demonstrably successful way – even in highly contaminated sites.
PerfluorAd® process
The patented PerfluorAd® process is based on a liquid active ingredient that reacts with the PFAS in the system and forms stable flocs. These can be removed from the water by filtration or sedimentation. The advantage: cleaning is efficient, gentle on the material and without the disadvantages of adsorption. The rinse water is also treated directly on site, which minimises transport and disposal costs.
What makes the process so special?
Unlike conventional methods that bind PFAS only to filter media, PerfluorAd® acts earlier: directly in the water.
Targeted bonding
Explosion
Separation
More efficient residue
This approach is not only highly effective, but also reduces follow-up costs - because downstream filter systems need to be serviced or replaced less frequently.
up to
Firefighting water
Data from laboratory tests and corresponding treatment applications on site have shown that the treatment of firefighting water poses a particular challenge. This water can contain high PFAS concentrations, organically bound fluorinated compounds (so-called precursors), particles such as soot and/or surfactants. Such a combination of substances has a negative effect on sorption processes such as granular activated carbon (GAC) or ion exchangers (IX). This can result in premature or even immediate breakthrough of the filter material.
A treatment method that combines the removal of PFAS in a precipitation step with subsequent adsorption for fine purification can optimize the treatment.
Case study
Nuremberg Airport
PerfluorAd® process for the treatment of PFAS-contaminated groundwater
Comparative study
Deutsch 
Svenska 
English 
Nederlands (Formeel)