Project partners: Stockholm Vatten Och Avfall, WEDA, RISE
Grant: SEK 2 053 358
Project duration: 2026-06-01 to 2029-05-30
Contact person: Lars-Erik Hägglund, Stockholm Vatten Och Avfall
Project partners are: Stockholm Vatten Och Avfall, WEDA & RISE
Purpose and objectives
The aim of this project is to develop and evaluate a method for efficient underwater cleaning of slow filters in the drinking water process. This addresses increasing water losses from slow filters in the drinking water process and uneven production capacity due to disturbed microbiology. Conventional cleaning methods require filters to be drained and sand scraped off with wheel loaders. Within the project, a robot is developed that can drive under water and gently peel off the top layer to disturb microbiology as little as possible. The main goal of the project is a developed method that provides: reduced hours out of operation for underwater cleaned filters, fewer coliform bacteria in connection with cleaning and increased possibility of cleaning when needed.
Expected impacts and results
The result of the project will be a robot prototype that can demonstrate effective cleaning of entire slow filters. A report that includes follow-up of the filters cleaned underwater during the project period compared to conventionally cleaned reference filters. The effect is expected to be a method that SVOA and more water producers, including participating reference parties, may choose to incorporate into their processes. Which can contribute to a reduced amount of wastewater in the process and increased production capacity.
Planned approach and implementation
WEDA develops a robot prototype that meets SVOA’s needs in a joint development group. The development will be iterative where the first tests are followed by changes in design. WEDA, together with KTH, is leading a degree project in autonomous control of the underwater robot. At regular cleaning times, SVOA plans three filters to be cleaned underwater. SVOA plans the method and also acquires the equipment needed to handle flows linked to the field tests. Results are compiled and evaluated for the final report.
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Goals and tasks
- Resilient supply and management of water in society
- Secure supply and management of water
- Wise use of water
- Reduce water usage and leakage
