1 April 2025: Australian company EPOC Enviro is pleased to announce the approval of its foam fractionation patent by IP Australia, securing exclusive rights for SAFF® technology Down Under through to December 2038.
This announcement comes hot on the heels of recent patent approval by the US Patent and Trademark Office for EPOC’s Surface-Active Foam Fractionation technology in the USA.
“This is a fantastic step forward for our little Aussie company and another significant milestone that confirms the inventive nature of the foam fractionation process for removing PFAS from impacted waters. We couldn’t be prouder,” said EPOC Enviro Managing Director, Peter Murphy.
“Foam fractionation is increasingly recognised on the global stage as a highly effective method to remove PFAS contaminants, and our expanding family of Surface-Active Foam Fractionation (SAFF®) technologies are providing solutions for a market that’s eager for proven, sustainable alternatives,” he said.
“Being first to develop and patent the use of foam fractionation for PFAS removal was a big challenge but it means that our distinct approach has paid off.”
“Clients are reassured of a market leading solution that is cutting edge, exhaustively tested and patent protected.”
EPOC Enviro’s SAFF® technology is now protected by several patents, which cover:
- Multi-stage foam fractionation and the application of vacuum for enhanced PFAS concentration.
- Addition of chemical amendments to improve short-chain PFAS removal.
- Treatment of primary stage fractionate through either additional fractionation or passing it through IX resin or GAC.
EPOC Enviro has developed a fleet of PFAS remediation technologies based on the foam fractionation principle. The technology has successfully treated nearly two billion litres of PFAS impacted waters across three continents, with operational systems at both Oakey (QLD) and Shoalhaven (NSW) within Australia, and several more on the drawing board.
“Our approach is founded heavily on the principles of green chemistry and sustainable engineering. Use of foam fractionation is a naturally elegant solution, where a combination of clever engineering and biomimicry using air bubbles enables the rapid removal of PFAS contaminants from source waters,” he said.