The NITRO-TIC project is a cutting-edge initiative designed to advance the commercialization and scalability of FLOC Ammonia Solutions’ innovative nitrogen recovery technology for livestock manure. This effort is part of the broader FERTIAMONIA project and is being developed in close collaboration with the University of Barcelona and the Centre d’Estudis Porcins (CEP) de Lleida. The core technology utilizes a patented hydrophilic and hydrophobic membrane system to recover ammoniacal nitrogen from livestock manure, offering a sustainable solution to nutrient management in agriculture.
Currently, a pilot plant serves as a demonstrative platform to validate the efficiency and feasibility of the membrane-based nitrogen recovery system, with the goal of advancing its Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from 7 to 8. However, the system’s reliance on manual data collection for monitoring recovery efficiency and quality control has limited its scalability and commercial viability. Manual processes are labor-intensive, prone to human error, and do not support the real-time optimization necessary for large-scale agricultural operations.
To overcome these limitations, NITRO-TIC aims to integrate advanced IoT (Internet of Things) and ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) into the pilot plant. The primary objective is to develop an automated monitoring system capable of collecting and transmitting real-time data on critical process parameters, such as pH, temperature, and ammonia concentration. This automation will significantly enhance process control, operational reliability, and overall system efficiency.
A key component of the project is the development of a user-friendly web server and mobile application. These digital tools will allow operators to remotely visualize and manage sensor data, enabling real-time system monitoring and predictive maintenance. Such digitalization not only streamlines operations but also reduces downtime and maintenance costs, further improving the commercial feasibility of the technology.
To ensure the innovation’s long-term value, the project will also conduct a comprehensive intellectual property (IP) study. This assessment will evaluate the patentability of the automated monitoring system and its integration with FLOC’s existing membrane technology, providing a robust foundation for commercialization and market entry.
The NITRO-TIC project will undergo extensive validation and optimization at the operational pilot plant in CEP Lleida. Rigorous testing will confirm the system’s accuracy, reliability, and compliance with industry standards. The expected results include a fully functional automated monitoring system, a predictive maintenance model, and a comprehensive commercialization strategy supported by IP protection and market validation.
By the project’s conclusion, NITRO-TIC will have transformed FLOC’s nitrogen recovery system into a market-ready, scalable solution for sustainable nutrient management in agriculture. The integration of IoT and ICT technologies positions the system for large-scale deployment, supporting the agricultural sector’s transition toward more efficient, environmentally friendly practices. Ultimately, NITRO-TIC aims to deliver significant environmental benefits by reducing nitrogen emissions and promoting the circular use of nutrients, while also providing economic value to farmers and the broader agri-tech industry.
Project Partners
