Centre for Separation Technology

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Separation technologies play a pivotal role in addressing several global sustainability challenges, including enhancing energy efficiency and mitigating climate change. The Centre for Separation Technology is a network that provides various industries with support in innovation, funding, analysis, and laboratory work for their business-critical R&D projects.

CST can offer the ground-breaking research required to elevate your product or process development. We also assist in applying for funding, conducting physical and chemical analyses, and providing the laboratory facilities you need to bring your project to fruition.

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CST provides a singular platform where academia and various industries can jointly advance their shared interests in the field of separation technologies.

Funding opportunities for research projects

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The Centre for Separation Technology is your go-to network for gaining insights and guidance on securing funding for your R&D project. Our network boasts extensive experience in navigating the journey from research to industry-applicable solutions. We can aid in identifying optimal funding opportunities at each stage of your project.

CST assists in building the necessary project consortia, with funding options encompassing Business Finland, EU Horizon, EIT RawMaterials, The Finnish Research Impact Foundation, and various other institutes.

To learn more about available funding opportunities, please contact Katja Lahikainen.

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Katja Lahikainen

Director

Separation Science

Katja.Lahikainen@lut.fi

+358 40 057 0603

Expertise for specific R&D needs

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Through LUT University’s facilities in Finland, the Centre for Separation Technology can address the industry’s most challenging needs with comprehensive analysis and laboratory work. Commission an analysis or development project and take advantage of our unique 2,800 square metre laboratory space, which facilitates laboratory and pilot-scale product development and testing.

Collaborate with our students on projects, internships, and thesis works to foster innovation. By partnering with CST, you gain access to world-class research infrastructure without the need for a significant investment.

To commission an analysis or development project, please contact

Laboratory and analysis services: Markku Rahikainen

Student works: Katja Lahikainen

Read about an example of student work commissioned by one of our clients:

LUT Bachelor’s student helps Finnish industry uncover secrets behind the ageing of plastics

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Markku Rahikainen

Laboratory Engineer

Separation Science

Markku.Rahikainen@lut.fi

+358 50 529 3970

Katja Lahikainen

Director

Separation Science

Katja.Lahikainen@lut.fi

+358 40 057 0603

Innovation through a multidisciplinary network of professionals

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The Centre for Separation Technology serves as a bridge for both businesses and academic professionals, fostering the advancement of ground-breaking research and development. Connect with leading minds in the field and receive invitations to relevant events, from intimate workshops to international scientific conferences.

Collaborate with our experts, who specialize in biorefining, food processing, minerals and metals, P2X and water treatment technologies, to nurture your R&D project and give it the boost it needs.

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Stay updated on what’s new in separation technologies, follow our page in LinkedIN.

30+

partner companies

13

research groups

3 000 m²

lab space

CST can support us in so many ways that we consider them to be a strategic partner for us. We have seen, time and time again, that great things happen when we work together.

Simo Manninen

Vice President of Business Management, Roxia

Read full story

Our focus areas in separation technologies

The Centre for Separation Technology’s extensive network of professionals bridges the gap between academic research and the evolving needs of businesses in various sectors, including biorefining, food processing, mining and minerals, P2X, and water treatment technologies.

We develop advanced processes and knowledge that enable the resource-efficient use of biomasses, ensuring the incorporation of sustainable materials in our every-day products.
Our expertise includes:

Separation technology for biorefining, especially membrane technology and solvent-based fractionation processes
Sustainable biopolymer technology
Chemical process systems engineering
Chemical Separation Methods (CSM) for bio-based materials
Process and plant design of biorefineries

Video about LUT Laboratories in Lahti

Read more about our biorefining expertise:

LUT researchers unlock the potential of tree bark as a scalable, low emission fuel source

5R refinery

We focus on food processing technologies and unit processes integral to food manufacturing. Our research spans food science aspects such as food chemistry, surface and colloid chemistry, rheology, and food analysis.

We also delve into engineering science topics, including different separation technologies, mixing, and modelling necessary for designing, developing and optimizing unit operations and processes.

For more about our food processing expertise, please contact:

Matti Lampinen
Development Manager

We conduct research in several separation technologies pertinent to mineral processing and hydrometallurgy. Our expertise lies especially in particle and solid-liquid separation technologies in mineral processing, chemical separation technologies (solvent extraction, ion exchange, bioleaching, bioprecipitation), electrochemical methods, metal organic frameworks, and novel adsorbents in hydrometallurgy.

In addition, our researchers participate in multidisciplinary research platforms and projects that explore the broader societal aspects of mining and metallurgical industries.

Video about Circular Economy of Minerals and Metals

Read more about our expertise in mining and minerals:

Industrial Hydrometallurgy

SCI-MAT platform

Xplorer network

We strive to find solutions for producing synthetic chemicals and fuels as substitutes for fossil-based resources. The utilisation of renewable-based electricity and its applications, such as green hydrogen, play a crucial role, leading to the need for a deep understanding of the chemical process intensification paradigm.
Our expertise includes:

Production of synthesis gas from available non-fossil sources
Gas separation
Upgrading of bulk chemicals towards synthetic fuels and chemicals
Chemical Process Intensification in P2X, particularly the utilization of different forms of energy (microwave/ultrasound/kinetic/light) and a synergistic approach to processes (combined and hybrid processes)

Introduction video about Gas processing laboratory.

Biotechnology and bioengineering

We integrate a variety of enzyme technologies to recover valuable products from wastewater and valorise lignocellulosic waste.

Our biotechnology approaches target the treatment of wastewater containing organic hazardous recalcitrant pollutants from different industries, including textiles, pulp and paper, petrochemicals, food, pharmaceuticals, and others.

Membrane technology

Our goal is to address diverse separation and purification challenges using utilization membranes technology.

Our expertise includes:
1.    Preparing membranes from wood, textiles, and cellulose
2.    Modifying commercial membranes
3.    Regenerating used membranes
4.    Developing anti-fouling membranes

Water treatment and algal biotechnology

We possess strong expertise in wastewater treatment and resource recovery using Nordic microalgae and microalgal consortia and in developing value-added products from algal biomass.

Additionally, we focus on synthesising a range of functional materials, such as biochar, aerogels, nanocellulose, and other nanomaterials. These materials are used to remove pollutants and persistent chemicals from water and wastewater using various technologies.

Video about water treatment expertise

Read more about our water treatment expertise:

Microalgae are green gold – an eco-friendly water purification alternative

Waste textiles and wood residuals turn out to be effective materials for water cleaning membranes

10 steps to cleaner water

About the Centre for Separation Technology

Established in 1997, CST serves as a bridge between industry and academia in the realm of global separation technologies, both today and in the future. Our inclusive and dynamic community includes large multinational corporations and top-tier universities. The CST board comprises four members from industry and four from LUT. Supported by funding from LUT, CST’s operations offer benefits to both the university and its partner companies.

CST Board

CST board has eight members, four of whom are external to the university community, and four have been elected from different groupings within the university. The term of office of the board is from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2025.