Partially because of the current issue of water scarcity, the sustainability discussion, and the legislation in the field of groundwater, the Van der Ende Groep has developed the Nexus High Performance Reverse Osmosis (HPRO). The Nexus HPRO is equipped with a hydraulic design in combination with artificial intelligence (AI).
Top row (left to right): Lex van der Ende, Marc Romein. Maarten van Krimpen; on the stairs (left to right): Ruud Schulte, Rob van Hulzen; on ground level (left to right): Jeroen de Wit, Ferry van der Ende, Micha van Nieuwkerk
The Nexus HPRO has been developed in-house. The Nexus HPRO is capable to realize a recovery of up to 95%. A conventional RO is continuously discharging concentrate. This is not the case with the Nexus HPRO. The Nexus HPRO recycles the concentrate and again extracts water from it. This is possible by collecting data with the sensors and using e-Meta (AI) to determine the optimal moment for the Nexus HPRO to purge the concentrate, also called discharging. The energy consumption of the Nexus Pro is also significantly lower when compared to conventional RO’s.
The Nexus HPRO installations are equipped with e-Meta intelligence. E-Meta is the brand under which Van der Ende Groep develops self-leaning solutions to work more efficiently and more sustainable. For the Nexus HPROs, this means they are self-adjusting and self-learning. Luuk Tetteroo, Van der Ende Groep: “A large step forward with regard to more traditional RO. By now, we have 4 installations running and two will be commissioned soon.”
Efficient with water
Luuk explains how it exactly works. "The functioning of a conventional RO is a continuous process which uses coarse, saltwater. There is a supply flow which continuously splits in two: a flow with concentrated salt water and a flow with clean water. With Nexus HPRO, the saltwater keeps circulating until as much clean water is extracted as possible.”
The advantage is that water can be used more efficiently. Luuk: “The water saving at the front side is around 20 – 30%. The energy consumption is also significantly lower than with conventional installations.”
Self-learning solutions
Luuk: “With a conventional installation, you set the installation to one value. With the Nexus HPRO, it works differently. It continually measures whether the process is running well and whether the membranes are clean. The sensors are continuously working. Is the water dirty, the installation will work harder and vice versa. You are not stuck to a certain value.”
HPRO vs. Conventional
When a grower chooses the Nexus HPRO, it is a responsible choice. “When you want to use water more efficiently and you look at the long-term energy consumption, it is an interesting choice for a grower. The Nexus HPRO is really an awareness choice, you lower your water footprint.”
Two nominations
That Van der Ende Groep is making strides in the field of innovation and sustainability, is proven by the two nominations they received. GreenTech Live & Online 2020 has nominated them for the Innovation and Sustainability award.
The two nomination are for the Airmix (Model G) for an optimal greenhouse climate and the Nexus High Performance Reversed Osmosis for clear irrigation water. The Airmix in the category Innovation and the Nexus HPRO in the category Sustainability. The eligible products are seen as the most innovative and trendsetting products in the national and international (greenhouse) horticulture sector.
Tuesday 20 October, the winners will be announced during the opening of the GreenTech Live & Online 2020. During the GreenTech Live & Online, the Van der Ende Groep will give two presentations on the Main Stage about two problem areas: greenhouse climate and water management.
For more information:
Van der Ende Groep
Aartsdijkweg 23
2676 LE Maasdijk
Netherlands
+31 (0) 174 51 50 50
[email protected]
www.vanderendegroep.nl