BP Invests in Desalination Innovator: Saltworks Technologies

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BP Invests in Desalination Innovator: Saltworks Technologies Inc.

December 16th, 2014

BP Ventures has completed an investment in Saltworks Technologies, a specialist water treatment company based in Vancouver, Canada, as part of its ongoing commitment to developing and supporting leading-edge technologies.

 

Saltworks’ product line offers a number of technology solutions that help address and manage global water scarcity issues, either by using saline water sources instead of freshwater sources, or by recycling wastewater, including produced waters. The technologies are applicable to the long-term goals of the oil & gas industry.

 

Specifically, Saltworks develops new desalination processes that lower the cost and energy of making freshwater from saline water sources. Saltworks focuses on challenging water sources found in industrial settings such as shale gas, oil sands, and mining.

 

BP’s investment in Saltworks follows investments made by other leading resource companies, including Cenovus Energy, ConocoPhillips, and Teck Resources. The investment also comes after successful bench and pilot-scale tests between BP and Saltworks.

 

Saltworks’ CEO, Benjamin Sparrow, notes, “BP’s investment will immediately go to work as we construct our new manufacturing facility and further grow our field operations team. After successful product uptake in Australia, California, Texas, and Pennsylvania, we are extremely pleased to welcome BP to our shareholder base. BP’s investment will increase our scale and our reach.”

About BP Ventures


BP Ventures invests in technology companies working at the frontiers of their fields – across the entire energy spectrum. Investments span the BP Group, focusing on emerging, strategic technologies for oil and gas exploration and production, and downstream technologies including fuels and chemicals, biotech and bioenergy. Today, BP Ventures manages over 30 investments with committed capital of over $200M.

About Saltworks

Saltworks Technologies is a leader in the development and delivery of solutions for industrial wastewater treatment and lithium refining. By working with customers to understand their unique challenges and focusing on continuous innovation, Saltworks’ solutions provide best-in-class performance and reliability. From its headquarters in Richmond, BC, Canada, Saltworks’ team designs, builds, and operates full-scale plants, and offers comprehensive onsite and offsite testing services with its fleet of mobile pilots.

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A photo of a wastewater disposal truck used in brine management
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How to Manage Brine Disposal & Treatment

The many options for managing brine, a term for saline wastewater from industrial processes, fall under two categories: brine treatment and brine disposal. Brine treatment involves desalinating the brine for reuse and producing a concentrated brine (lower liquid waste volume), or residual solids (zero liquid discharge).

Saltworks logo without text
News

Saltworks Gains Investments from Leading Canadian Energy and Mining Companies

Saltworks Technologies announced that they have received CDN$2.5 million in funding from Cenovus Energy Inc. (“Cenovus”, TSX, NYSE: CVE) through its Environmental Opportunity Fund. The fund assists companies to develop technologies that focus on water and energy efficiencies such as Saltworks’ breakthrough desalination process.

Mobile Fleet of SaltMaker Pilots Treats Demanding Wastewaters

Saltworks Mobile Treatment Plant

Mobile Fleet of SaltMaker Pilots Treats Demanding Wastewaters

November 20th, 2014

Saltworks Technologies’ fleet of mobile SaltMaker pilots spent the summer touring North America and producing freshwater from some of the world’s toughest waters.

 

May started with a pilot at a major USA landfill treating six different landfill wastewaters – the water that percolates through a landfill. Two other SaltMakers successfully treated shale gas produced waters in both Northern Canada and West Texas, producing freshwater for re-use and solids for waste volume minimization.

 

A fourth SaltMaker pilot spent the summer treating water from Alberta’s oil sands – the wastewater left over from steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). This challenging wastewater would normally be disposed of in a disposal well.

 

“Four successful SaltMaker pilots in demanding applications where conventional systems have struggled proves the ruggedness and resilience of the SaltMaker platform,” stated Malcolm Man, Saltworks’ VP of Business Development. “All plants operated on varied water sources, reliably producing solids and freshwater 24-7.”

 

Saltworks is continuing to dispatch pilot units for field operation on varying wastewater sources and is accepting orders for full-size systems.

About Saltworks

Saltworks Technologies is a leader in the development and delivery of solutions for industrial wastewater treatment and lithium refining. By working with customers to understand their unique challenges and focusing on continuous innovation, Saltworks’ solutions provide best-in-class performance and reliability. From its headquarters in Richmond, BC, Canada, Saltworks’ team designs, builds, and operates full-scale plants, and offers comprehensive onsite and offsite testing services with its fleet of mobile pilots.

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A photo of a SaltMaker evaporator crystallizer at Saltworks HQ
Product

SaltMaker Evaporators & Crystallizers

Our SaltMaker modular evaporators and crystallizers turn almost any wastewater into clean water, minimal liquid discharge (MLD) brines or zero liquid discharge (ZLD) solids.

A photo of a wastewater disposal truck used in brine management
Article

How to Manage Brine Disposal & Treatment

The many options for managing brine, a term for saline wastewater from industrial processes, fall under two categories: brine treatment and brine disposal. Brine treatment involves desalinating the brine for reuse and producing a concentrated brine (lower liquid waste volume), or residual solids (zero liquid discharge).

Saltworks Technologies Announces ConocoPhillips as an Investor

Saltworks logo without text

Saltworks Technologies Announces ConocoPhillips as an Investor

May 23rd, 2014

Saltworks Technologies has received investment funding from ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP), making the Houston-based E&P company Saltworks’ third major industrial shareholder. Saltworks’ products are intended for robust and reliable operation in the world’s most demanding desalination applications.

 

With its investment, ConocoPhillips joins two of Canada’s leading resource and energy companies as an equity investor in Saltworks: Teck Resources Limited (TSX: TCK.A and TCK.B, NYSE: TCK), Canada’s largest diversified resource company; and Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX, NYSE: CVE), a Canadian oil company.

 

“Through their investments, ConocoPhillips, Teck and Cenovus have demonstrated their interest in Saltworks’ products and technologies,” said Saltworks’ CEO Ben Sparrow. “Our products align well with the needs of resource and energy companies, and are designed ground-up for safe and reliable operation in severe environments, providing maximum recovery at a low cost, and modularity for ease of service and dispatch.”

About ConocoPhillips


ConocoPhillips is the world’s largest independent E&P company based on production and proved reserves. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, ConocoPhillips had operations and activities in 27 countries, $62 billion in annualized revenue, $120 billion of total assets, and approximately 18,800 employees as of March 31, 2014. Production from continuing operations, excluding Libya, averaged 1,530 MBOED for the three months ended March 31, 2014, and proved reserves were 8.9 billion BOE as of Dec. 31, 2013. Visit ConocoPhillips for more information

About Saltworks

Saltworks Technologies is a leader in the development and delivery of solutions for industrial wastewater treatment and lithium refining. By working with customers to understand their unique challenges and focusing on continuous innovation, Saltworks’ solutions provide best-in-class performance and reliability. From its headquarters in Richmond, BC, Canada, Saltworks’ team designs, builds, and operates full-scale plants, and offers comprehensive onsite and offsite testing services with its fleet of mobile pilots.

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A photo of a wastewater disposal truck used in brine management
Article

How to Manage Brine Disposal & Treatment

The many options for managing brine, a term for saline wastewater from industrial processes, fall under two categories: brine treatment and brine disposal. Brine treatment involves desalinating the brine for reuse and producing a concentrated brine (lower liquid waste volume), or residual solids (zero liquid discharge).

BC Minister of Environment Visits Saltworks

Photo of Mary Polak, BC Minister of Environment, as she visits Saltworks Technologies

BC Minister of Environment Visits Saltworks

April 25th, 2014

The Honourable Mary Polak, M.L.A., Minister of Environment, visited Saltworks Technologies to learn more about the company’s desalination and water treatment technology and its potential applications in British Columbia.

 

The Minister and Saltworks’ CEO, Ben Sparrow, discussed how Saltworks’ ongoing work in the oil & gas industry, specifically in Australian gas fields and treating Texas shale gas produced water, could be leveraged to benefit BC’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry.

 

“Saltworks Technologies exemplifies the sort of innovative thinking that has positioned B.C.’s clean-tech sector as a global leader,” said Ms. Polak. “I congratulate Saltworks on its work to date, and look forward to their continued growth.”

 

Emerging Asia-Pacific economies have significantly increased demand for natural gas globally, and created an opportunity for British Columbia to grow its LNG industry.

 

Saltworks’ CEO, Ben Sparrow, stated, “Saltworks is aiming to contribute to Northeastern BC’s development. Specifically, providing a reliable and lower cost means to treat gas produced water and make freshwater for beneficial re-use as opposed to deep well disposal.”

Photo of Mary Polak, BC Minister of Environment, as she visits Saltworks Technologies
Minister Mary Polak visits Saltworks' manufacturing facility.

About Saltworks

Saltworks Technologies is a leader in the development and delivery of solutions for industrial wastewater treatment and lithium refining. By working with customers to understand their unique challenges and focusing on continuous innovation, Saltworks’ solutions provide best-in-class performance and reliability. From its headquarters in Richmond, BC, Canada, Saltworks’ team designs, builds, and operates full-scale plants, and offers comprehensive onsite and offsite testing services with its fleet of mobile pilots.

Related Resources

A photo of a SaltMaker evaporator crystallizer at Saltworks HQ
Product

SaltMaker Evaporators & Crystallizers

Our SaltMaker modular evaporators and crystallizers turn almost any wastewater into clean water, minimal liquid discharge (MLD) brines or zero liquid discharge (ZLD) solids.

A photo of a wastewater disposal truck used in brine management
Article

How to Manage Brine Disposal & Treatment

The many options for managing brine, a term for saline wastewater from industrial processes, fall under two categories: brine treatment and brine disposal. Brine treatment involves desalinating the brine for reuse and producing a concentrated brine (lower liquid waste volume), or residual solids (zero liquid discharge).

Saltworks Supports Nepal Water Projects With USC Canada

USC Canada logo

Saltworks Supports Nepal Water Projects With USC Canada

February 19th, 2013

Staff from Saltworks Technologies volunteered their time on a provincial statutory holiday to raise funds with USC Canada in support of two water projects in Phapharbari, Nepal.

 

The projects will see two towns of 200 people each gain access to safe, clean water and sanitation through the construction of water infrastructure. The local communities will be involved in the planning and construction and will own the system.

 

“When people half a world away, who truly know water and water issues, can partner with a remote communities to help secure clean local water systems, it is truly a global partnership,” said Kate Green, who manages USC’s Nepal program.

 

Ben Sparrow, Saltworks’ CEO, commented, “We are extremely proud of our team for helping raise these funds that will improve the health and welfare of residents in Phapharbari, Nepal while also providing valuable employment opportunities during the construction period.”

About USC Canada


USC Canada’s mission is to promote vibrant family farms, strong rural communities, and healthy ecosystems around the world. With engaged Canadians and partners in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, we support programs, training, and policies that strengthen biodiversity, food sovereignty, and the rights of those at the heart of resilient food systems – women, indigenous peoples, and small-scale farmers.

About Saltworks

Saltworks Technologies is a leader in the development and delivery of solutions for industrial wastewater treatment and lithium refining. By working with customers to understand their unique challenges and focusing on continuous innovation, Saltworks’ solutions provide best-in-class performance and reliability. From its headquarters in Richmond, BC, Canada, Saltworks’ team designs, builds, and operates full-scale plants, and offers comprehensive onsite and offsite testing services with its fleet of mobile pilots.

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Saltworks Named in 2012 Global Cleantech 100

Global Cleantech 100 badge as awarded to Saltworks Technologies for inclusion in 2018 Cleantech 100 list

Saltworks Named in the 2012 Global Cleantech 100

October 7th, 2012

Saltworks Technologies was named in the prestigious 2012 Global Cleantech 100, produced by Cleantech Group, a leading global research and advisory firm focused on innovation in energy and the environment.

 

The Global Cleantech 100 list is unique in the sector because it highlights the promise of private clean technology companies from all around the world, focusing on those companies which the players in the market feel are currently the most likely to make the most significant market impact over the next 5–10 years.

 

“It is a privilege to be recognized as one of the Global Cleantech 100—especially among such a leading group of companies,” said Joshua Zoshi, Saltworks’ President. “This award is a testament to the innovation and drive of the Saltworks team in creating the next generation of desalination and water treatment solutions.”

 

The list is derived from Cleantech Group’s own data and research combined with the weighted qualitative judgments of hundreds of nominations and the viewpoints of a global panel of 75 cleantech experts. To qualify for the list, companies must be independent, for-profit, cleantech companies that are not listed on any major stock exchange.

 

“The Global Cleantech 100 is a natural extension of our company-wide mission to help corporations, investors and financiers, professional service firms and governmental agencies connect with global cleantech innovation,” said Sheeraz Haji, Cleantech Group CEO. “This report celebrates the best in innovation and is the industry standard on gauging where cleantech innovation is headed next.”

 

This year, 8,285 companies were nominated from 85 countries. These companies were weighted and scored to create a short list of 236 companies that were presented to the expert panel for final input. The end result was 100 companies from 13 countries.

 

The 75-member expert panel is drawn principally from leading financial investors in Asia, Europe and North America, and from representatives of multi-national corporations. The composition of the expert panel is created to be broadly representative of the global cleantech community and includes pioneers, leaders, veterans, and new entrants in cleantech resulting in a list of companies that command a broad base of respect and support from many important players within the global cleantech innovation ecosystem, not just insiders.

 

“The 2012 Global Cleantech 100 is markedly different in its composition to that of 2009, our first edition,” said Richard Youngman, Cleantech Group Managing Director. “As such, it is a strong statement of how the collective market opinion has shifted as to what type of companies are the most likely to have significant market impact in a 5–10 year timeframe.”

 

The complete list of 100 companies was revealed today at the Global Cleantech 100 Summit & Gala in Washington, D.C.

About Saltworks

Saltworks Technologies is a leader in the development and delivery of solutions for industrial wastewater treatment and lithium refining. By working with customers to understand their unique challenges and focusing on continuous innovation, Saltworks’ solutions provide best-in-class performance and reliability. From its headquarters in Richmond, BC, Canada, Saltworks’ team designs, builds, and operates full-scale plants, and offers comprehensive onsite and offsite testing services with its fleet of mobile pilots.

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Saltworks Selected as 2012 Top 50 Water Company by the Artemis Project

Artemis Water Top 50 2012 Logo

Saltworks Selected as 2012 Top 50 Water Company by the Artemis Project

September 13th, 2012

Saltworks Technologies is pleased to announce that it has been chosen for the 2012 Artemis Top 50 Water Tech Listing.

 

“The Artemis Top 50 is the water industry’s benchmark for innovation that will matter. It identifies the new solutions that will meet the world’s water challenges,” stated Laura Shenkar, Chair of the Artemis Top 50™. “The Top 50 are some of the most promising start-ups in the emerging high-tech wave in water.”

 

Saltworks Technologies was selected by a jury that included experts from corporations such as Intel, Archer Daniels Midland, IBM, Ecolab, and Syngenta, as well as McKinsey, CH2M Hill, Carollo Engineers, and Singapore’s Public Utilities Board.

 

“We are incredibly appreciative to be selected by the Artemis Top 50 jury. This award recognizes the dedication and hard work of the entire Saltworks’ team in developing innovative solutions for tackling today’s water problems,” said Joshua Zoshi, Saltworks’ President.

About Saltworks

Saltworks Technologies is a leader in the development and delivery of solutions for industrial wastewater treatment and lithium refining. By working with customers to understand their unique challenges and focusing on continuous innovation, Saltworks’ solutions provide best-in-class performance and reliability. From its headquarters in Richmond, BC, Canada, Saltworks’ team designs, builds, and operates full-scale plants, and offers comprehensive onsite and offsite testing services with its fleet of mobile pilots.

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Saltworks’ CEO Awarded Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

Ben Sparrow Saltworks CEO Photo

Saltworks’ CEO Awarded Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

August 8th, 2012

Benjamin Sparrow, CEO of Saltworks Technologies was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal on August 4, 2012. The medal honours citizens and permanent residents of Canada who have made a significant contribution to their fellow Canadians, their community, or to Canada over the previous sixty years. The award ceremonies cited the “importance of Saltworks’ work and significant innovations to Canada and its environment.”

 

“This medal belongs to and was earned by the entire Saltworks’ team,” said Mr. Sparrow. “They work incredibly hard to innovate and improve desalination technologies, particularly for use in treating highly impaired waters. It is a true honor to have our work recognized for its significance to Canadians and the environment.”

 

Saltworks continues to innovate sustainable and economic desalination technologies particularly suited for industrial water treatment, such as saline produced water from oil & gas or mine tailings runoff. Saltworks has a series of confidential contracts with major oil and mining firms, all seeking to improve the economic and environmental efficiency of their operations.

About Saltworks

Saltworks Technologies is a leader in the development and delivery of solutions for industrial wastewater treatment and lithium refining. By working with customers to understand their unique challenges and focusing on continuous innovation, Saltworks’ solutions provide best-in-class performance and reliability. From its headquarters in Richmond, BC, Canada, Saltworks’ team designs, builds, and operates full-scale plants, and offers comprehensive onsite and offsite testing services with its fleet of mobile pilots.

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Saltworks Awarded NASA Contract

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Saltworks Awarded NASA Contract

March 16th, 2012

Saltworks Technologies has been awarded a contract to deliver a pilot unit to NASA.

 

The unit will be used for testing the water recovery systems and processes at NASA Ames Research Center with the intent for future use on board the International Space Station (ISS).

 

“The NASA project is an example of how Saltworks’ innovative technology could be used in diverse applications—both on and off the planet,” said Joshua Zoshi, Saltworks’ President.

 

Saltworks develops and delivers solutions for solving complex water treatment challenges. The company’s product portfolio includes several platforms, including reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and evaporation technologies.

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About Saltworks

Saltworks Technologies is a leader in the development and delivery of solutions for industrial wastewater treatment and lithium refining. By working with customers to understand their unique challenges and focusing on continuous innovation, Saltworks’ solutions provide best-in-class performance and reliability. From its headquarters in Richmond, BC, Canada, Saltworks’ team designs, builds, and operates full-scale plants, and offers comprehensive onsite and offsite testing services with its fleet of mobile pilots.

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Saltworks Awarded BC’s ICE Fund Grant

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Saltworks Awarded BC's ICE Fund grant

February 6th, 2012

Saltworks Technologies is set to receive close to $1 million from the Province of British Columbia’s Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) Fund.

 

The ICE Fund, administered by the Ministry of Energy and Mines, supports clean energy technologies in B.C. and other jurisdictions that have international market potential.

 

ICE Fund support will help Saltworks advance the development of its low-energy, waste-heat-powered technology for desalinating seawater and treating waste saltwater, with pure water and salt as the end products.

 

“Support from the ICE Fund demonstrates the Province of B.C.’s commitment to building a green economy, as well as the potential for Saltworks’ water technologies to deliver benefits to B.C. and globally,” said Joshua Zoshi, Saltworks’ president.

 

Saltworks continues to commercialize its innovative desalination and water treatment technology platforms, including applications in BC’s mining industry.

About Saltworks

Saltworks Technologies is a leader in the development and delivery of solutions for industrial wastewater treatment and lithium refining. By working with customers to understand their unique challenges and focusing on continuous innovation, Saltworks’ solutions provide best-in-class performance and reliability. From its headquarters in Richmond, BC, Canada, Saltworks’ team designs, builds, and operates full-scale plants, and offers comprehensive onsite and offsite testing services with its fleet of mobile pilots.

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