Access to clean water is evidently crucial. With growing population, climate change, and emerging new contaminants, water challenges are omnipresent. It is of prime importance to understand water systems and their management, innovate water treatments, and explore e.g. energy generation possibilities from water.
Produced Water
Produced water is the major byproduct in the oil and gas industries. In oil and gas wells large quantities of naturally or injected water can be present. This water, which is trapped in the underground formations, is extracted to the surface during the production of the oil or gas. It contains hydrocarbons, salts, and various other components. Produced water is a growing source of concern due to environmental reasons. During CuriousU we will look at the several aspects associated produced water, and we will discuss and compares technologies that provide potential solutions to the problems it poses.
Nieck Benes is professor of Films in Fluids. He has a longstanding background in the science and technology of separating molecules from mixtures, in particular using membranes.
Learning Outcomes. After attending this topic a student:
- Is aware of the ecological and economical aspects associated with produced water
- Is aware of the major techniques that are available to treat produced water
- Has identified the major stakeholders and can reflect on their strategies w.r.t. produced water
Small Water
Small water deals with the phenomena and properties of water when encountered on a small length scale. The presence of interfaces and surfaces become dominant for the characteristics of aqueous systems, with often surprising consequences. Here, we will focus on interface related aspects such as wetting and water repellency.
Rob Lammertink is professor of Soft matter, Fluidics and Interfaces (SFI). His research interests include transport phenomena in aqueous media where surfaces, e.g. catalysts or membranes, are encountered.
Learning Outcomes. After attending this topic a student:
- Understands the relevance of lengthscale (nano, micro) on interface characteristics.
- Can relate interfacial phenomena to aqueous processes.
Other topics
- Water Treatment and Purification
- Water Footprint
- Rivers and Seas
- Blue Energy
- Interfacial Phenomena
- Earth Observation of Water Cycle
- Ecodynamic Development and Design - Building with Nature
Building with Nature
Building with Nature (BwN) is an infrastructure development philosophy that makes use of natural processes both to improve ecosystems and at the same time realize their socio-economic potential. It emphasizes interactions between biotics and a-biotics in ecosystems and realizes the potential of the eco-system, while using the forces of nature. We will use multiple examples of wet infrastructure in coastal and inland systems. You will also have the opportunity to undertake your own BwN design session. Finally, we will suggest ways to promote Building with Nature in society.
Ewert Aukes MSc is a PhD candidate in the STW NatureCoast project and works for the Department of Governance and Technology for Sustainability (BMS-CSTM). He studies how human interactions and arguments during (wet) infrastructural decision-making processes shape the infrastructure solution.
Dr. Kris Lulofs works as a researcher at the Department of Governance and Technology for Sustainability (BMS-CSTM) and manages the Twente Water Centre (TWC). Since 2006, he participates in the Ecoshape-Building with Nature research and innovation program
Learning Outcomes. After attending this topic a student:
- Understands the importance of the Food-Energy-Water nexus and the need to rethink infrastructural development and design for socio-economic goals.
- Is aware of the drivers for BwN and the role of EU habitat regulations.
- Is able to apply the principles of BwN.
- Is able to assess and evaluate governance conditions for BwN.
Water management
How should we manage our precious and limited freshwater resources? Water managers, politicians, business(wo)men and scientists all over the world ponder about this difficult question. We will not bother you with theoretical monologues. Instead, you will get a chance to experience yourselves how hard it is to manage our water resources wisely, efficiently, effectively and fairly – from the perspective of the end user! How we are going to achieve this? We will play…. the River Basin Game. This exciting, educational game – developed by prof. Arjen Hoekstra – realistically illustrates various phenomena that take place when people use water in a river basin. It’s always fun and a great learning experience. Hope to see you there!
The River Basin Game will be hosted by two enthusiastic PhDs from prof. Hoekstra’s research group: Lara Wöhler and Rick Hogeboom.
Rick is doing his PhD research on global water scarcity. He keeps a bird’s eye view of worldwide water use and supply. He can put water allocation decisions on the basin scale in the perspective of a globalized world economy.
Learning Outcomes:
- Experience how difficult water management can be.
- Learn about hydrological, social and economic issues related to water management, such as the ‘tragedy of the commons’, cooperation, free-rider behavior, upstream-downstream effects, complexity of water systems, conflicts between individual and group optima and (the difficulty of) cooperation.
Festival Schedule
Overall Learning Outcomes
After attending the full course a student:
- is aware of the ecological and economical aspects associated with produced water
- is aware of the major techniques that are available to treat produced water
- has identified the major stakeholders and can reflect on their strategies w.r.t. produced water
Course aim
Build awareness of emerging technologies and scientific developments related to water management, treatment and fundamentals.
Course leaders
Course details
- Methods: Lectures, project, excursion.
- Course level: Beginner’s/Intermediate/Advanced
- Target group: Bachelor’s students of engineering or science
- Required knowledge: An engineering or science background at Bachelor’s level
- Course leaders: Prof.Dr.Ir. Nieck Benes and Prof.Dr.Ir. Rob Lammertink
- Credits: 2 ECTS credits for successfully completing the summer school
Want to know more?
If you need to know more, we have information available about the fee & programme, an admission check, registration & payment, visa, accomodation and the terms & conditions.