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Cutting-Edge Technology that Saves the Earth
Countries around the world are trying to develop and secure alternative water resources. Techwin, through a joint project with K-water, has developed a new technology to use brine that is discarded as a byproduct of seawater desalination, a key technology to secure alternative water resources. The company is also taking the lead in protecting the environment by developing various eco-friendly, cutting-edge technologies including floating solar panels and green hydrogen, based on the technological expertise it has accumulated over the years in the environment and energy business.
Text by Seung-hee Huh Photos by Hyun-gyun Shin
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Q. Tell us about Techwin. What does it do?
Techwin was spun off from LG Chem and established as an engineering company in 1999. Building upon our know-how on plant engineering, we first created Green Energy Business Division and steadily expanded our business to environmental energy including floating solar panels and electrolytic business, with a focus on the development of electrochemical products including materials, parts and equipment. One of Techwin’s main technologies is electrolysis, a key tool we use to solve different environmental problems. -
Q. Techwin and K-water are conducting a joint research project to develop uses of brine generated from the seawater desalination process. What is the project about?
When seawater is desalinated and converted into freshwater, half of it is discharged as brine. If the brine with high salt content is discharged directly into the ocean without proper treatment, it can adversely impact the marine ecosystem. K-water has been involved in the construction of Korea’s largest seawater desalination plant in the Daesan Imhae Industrial Area since 2020. Techwin stepped in and worked closely with K-water to come up with a productive, eco-friendly way of using brine. Finally, we have developed a new technology to produce NaOC1 using brine. After two years of joint R&D efforts, Techwin and Water Supply & Wastewater Research Center of K-water successfully installed the facility in June 2023, marking a milestone in the development of desalination technology.
Q. Can you elaborate on the technology?’
The key to electrolysis is to make sure that anode electrode and waste are not generated in the process. Techwin's core technology lies in producing anode electrodes and preventing scale formation on electrolysis equipment. We create a chemical from the brine in the desalination process, which is used to inhibit marine microorganism growth in seawater intake pipes, thereby conserving and recycling resources.
Q. How far have you come in terms of the technology to produce NaOC1 using brine?
All we have left to accomplish is to increase the durability of the electrolysis tank and reduce the energy consumption. In addition, we are also working with K-water to find other ways to use the brine.
Q. Plus, Techwin is the first producer of liquid NaOC1 with a 12% salt content.
Chlorine gas is most frequently used at water purification plants but it may explode. Liquid NaOC1 can replace chlorine gas. Techwin and K-water have been working on this research project since 2013 and finally developed a technology to drastically increase the salt content in liquid NaOC1. Since it is highly concentrated, you can use only a small amount and it is easy to store. We are supplying high-content NaOC1 production equipment to 11 water purification plants in Korea.
Q. What are Techwin’s major plans in the environment and energy field?
We are concentrating much of our efforts on producing green hydrogen using water electrolysis. In 2003, Techwin became the first company to apply the hydro energy-based hydrogen production technology at Seongnam Water Purification Plant, thus demonstrating its superior technology. We also build buoyant bodies on the water and install floating solar panels on them. Another technology we are trying to develop involves converting carbon dioxide into useful chemicals through electrolysis. With these proven technologies, we want to make a difference in various fields, especially in saving the Earth.
