INSPIRE partners FishFlow Innovations, VLIZ, and Infordata have successfully completed a series of release-and-catch trials in Oostende, Belgium, testing the Archimedean Drum Screen (ADS) – an innovative, low-energy system that continuously filters plastics and debris from the water surface.
Developed by FishFlow Innovations, the ADS uses a rotating fine-mesh cylinder to remove litter and debris from the surface and upper water layers while allowing clean water to pass through. During the recent trials, the system was tested under real port conditions, confirming its efficiency and environmental compatibility.
Together with FishFlow, VLIZ experts evaluated the removal efficiency of macroplastics and environmental factors such as underwater noise, while Infordata remotely monitored bycatch and power consumption, key for environmental impact and life cycle assessments. The combined data enables a comprehensive evaluation of the solution’s sustainability, cost-benefit ratio, and optimization.
The next steps in upgrading this technique include upgrading the test unit and repeating trials at Evides drinking water Company in Rotterdam, testing a fish-friendly trawling net in the Doeldock near Antwerp, and conducting a series of test trials in the Danube, Romania, using a new small-scale ADS demo unit equipped with a finer mesh.
With these promising results, the ADS system is now progressing fast towards a higher Technology Readiness Level, showcasing its readiness for use in real-world conditions. The system offers strong potential for companies seeking efficient solutions to separate debris, plastics, and biomass from water within their own operations.
These achievements represent an important step toward large-scale deployment of nature-friendly filtration systems that can help keep European waterways and industrial sites free from plastics and floating debris.
