FAQs

D-Solve
Which metals has D-Solve been demonstrated to recover?

D-Solve has been demonstrated at pilot scale on nickel at Eagle Mine in Michigan. Based on Allonnia’s analysis, widespread deployment of the technology has the potential to unlock more than $5 billion of metal value across the mining industry by increasing recovery from existing operations, improving concentrate quality, and enabling the processing of lower-grade ores. The platform has been characterized for copper and molybdenum, and lab screening has confirmed activity on lithium, zinc, and iron. Customer screening engagements are active across additional metals.

D-Solve
How does D-Solve compare to traditional acid leaching?

Traditional acid leaching is non-selective: it dissolves both gangue and target metals, which raises downstream costs (neutralization, separation, and water treatment) and increases environmental load. D-Solve is selective: it targets specific gangue minerals while leaving the valuable metals in the solid phase for downstream processing.

D-Solve
Can D-Solve handle concentrates with complex mineralogy or impurities?

Complex mineralogy is what D-Solve is designed for. The selectivity of the biosolution means it can target specific impurities without disturbing target metals. The more complex the mineralogy, the greater the value of the selectivity. Lab screening on your specific ore is where we determine which impurities matter most for your site.

D-Solve
Will D-Solve work with my existing flowsheet?

D-Solve deploys as a self-contained process that bolts onto existing flowsheet treating a side stream, or all of your concentrate.

The commercial units are engineered to your site, sized and configured to your ore, throughput, and operating conditions rather than supplied as a fixed standard module. The capital cost is materially lower than that of any flowsheet redesign or new circuit build, and the staged engagement (lab-to-pilot-to-commercial) ensures the deployment cost is aligned with demonstrated performance at your specific mill before commercial commitment.

D-Solve
Can D-Solve be deployed at mines outside the United States?

Yes. Customer screening engagements span eight countries today, across Tier 1 and Tier 2 operators globally. The biosolution itself ships under standard industrial reagent logistics; no export-control complications apply. Allonnia’s commercial team works directly with mine operators in their jurisdictions.

D-Solve
Does D-Solve work in heap leach operations or in flotation-based flowsheets?

Heap leaching has a different residence-time profile, and we evaluate that case on a case-by-case basis. If you operate a heap leach circuit and think D-Solve might apply, we can discuss whether your specific mineralogy and flow conditions are within scope.

D-Solve
What kind of recovery uplift can I expect?

Removing non-sulfide gangue that is challenging to separate by flotation, has been shown to increase grades of copper, nickel and molybdenum by 1-5% depending on the mineralogy. With this level of grade improvement, mass pulls in rougher or cleaner circuits can be increased by 10% or higher, improving recovery by several percentage points and allowing D-Solve to achieve the target grade and impurity profile. The initial lab screening will outline the expected range of recovery increases.

D-Solve
Can D-Solve help me process low-grade ore that is currently uneconomic?

Yes, processing low-grade ore is a valuable use case for D-Solve because the economics are dominated by recovery rate and concentrate grade. The biggest impact on recovery is the effective separation of gangue minerals from the valuable metals.

D-Solve
What does a D-Solve engagement cost?

Costs scale with the engagement stage. Lab screening is a fixed-fee engagement. Pilot phases are priced based on the site scope. Commercial pricing includes the deployed D-Solve unit and ongoing biosolution supply, structured so that the customer’s net economic improvement is positive after accounting for the total cost of operation.

D-Solve
Has D-Solve been tested at an operational scale?

Yes, at pilot scale in an operational environment. The Eagle Mine pilot in 2026 processed approximately 30 tons of concentrate, increasing the grade of nickel while reducing the magnesium content. At this flowrate and scale, OPEX and CAPEX estimates can be calculated as a function of performance, validating lab scale measurements and fueling feasibility studies to install the technology on site.

D-Solve
What happens during the lab-screening phase?

The first step is to send us a representative sample. Our team then characterizes the mineralogy, identifies the target gangue minerals, and screens multiple Biosolution formulations from our library to determine which delivers the best performance on your material. Leveraging insights from previous test programs across a range of ores and concentrates, we can quickly focus on the most promising conditions and optimize the process for your application. The screening report quantifies impurity removal, grade improvement, and recovery impacts, while identifying key operating parameters and the confidence level for advancing to the next stage. Typical turnaround is 8–12 weeks.

SAFF
Is SAFF^® commercially available?

Yes, SAFF^® units have been commercially available in North America since early 2022, and globally since 2019. Please contact us to be connected with a sales manager and learn more about how SAFF^® can support your site.

SAFF
In which applications has SAFF^® successfully demonstrated PFAS separation and concentration?

SAFF^® has been proven to be highly versatile, successfully treating hundreds of millions of gallons of PFAS-contaminated water across varied applications including landfill leachate, groundwater, drinking water, process water, and reverse osmosis (RO) reject water – often without pretreatment. View the map of SAFF’s global installations and case studies across applications.

You can also quantify the effectiveness of SAFF^® for your site conditions with our free calculator.

SAFF
Has the SAFF^® technology been validated with the U.S. government?

We have been awarded eight government contracts deploying SAFF^® to treat PFAS contaminated groundwater across the United States. See the announcement discussing details of a two-year contract funded by the Department of Defense’s Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP).

SAFF
How does SAFF^® compare to traditional PFAS removal technologies, like granular activated carbon and ion exchange resins?

SAFF^® is a portable, containerized water treatment system which utilizes the natural physiochemical properties of PFAS compounds to adhere to fine air bubbles rising through a narrow water column. As the bubbles rise, they are exceptionally effective in collecting PFAS compounds which are loosely bound to the water molecules. Unlike other PFAS removal technologies such as granular activated carbon or ion exchange resins, no solid adsorbent media is used in SAFF^®, so no costly pretreatment, media change-outs and disposal, or breakthrough evaluations are required.

SAFF
What are short chain PFAS? How do they differ from long chains?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products for their water- and grease-resistant properties. They are characterized by a carbon-fluorine (C-F) bond, which is one of the strongest chemical bonds and makes PFAS highly resistant to degradation in the environment.

PFAS can be categorized into two main groups based on the length of their carbon chain: short-chain PFAS and long-chain PFAS. Short chain PFAS are not as hydrophobic and have a shorter carbon backbone compared to long chains, typically consisting of fewer than 8 carbon atoms, such as PFBA and PFPeA.

SAFF
Does SAFF^® remove both short and long chain PFAS?

EPOC Enviro’s Surface Active Foam Fractionation (SAFF^®) is effective across a full spectrum of short-chain PFAS compounds and can separate and concentrate both short chain and long chain PFAS through a naturally elegant and sustainable process. The process relies on PFAS’ amphiphilic characteristics to remove the contaminants and can be further enhanced with a dose of an Allonnia booster, which facilitates increased aggregation and subsequent separation. Requiring only a low dosage, the booster pairs seamlessly with SAFF^® and is ready to use upon deployment – no additional hardware required.

For example, Allonnia has demonstrated removal of PFBS from groundwater in the field to concentrations below laboratory detection limits, meeting proposed EPA MCLs at three different groundwater sites. If your site has short chain PFAS, reach out to us and we can find the right combination of technologies to meet your needs.

SAFF
Will SAFF^® work for my site?

The best place to start is with PFAS Prepare+, Allonnia’s assessment service designed to help organizations evaluate PFAS treatment options and develop a clear path forward before making capital investments or determining longer term treatment solutions. It includes baseline PFAS characterization, treatability testing, comparative evaluation, preliminary pilot planning and a strategy session.

Allonnia also offers SAFF pilot systems that can deploy rapidly on-site to confirm treatment performance prior to full-scale deployment.

SAFF
Once treated through SAFF^®, what is involved in the disposal process?

SAFF^® concentrate is well-suited for downstream disposal and destruction technologies. Current customers use on or offsite commercial PFAS destruction (i.e., mineralization) technologies, or solidification and solid waste disposal strategies. Other common solutions for disposing of liquid PFAS concentrate include deep well disposal or incineration.

SAFF
Which destruction technologies has SAFF^® been paired with?

There are several destruction technologies available on the market today, which include electrochemical oxidation, supercritical water oxidation, hydrothermal alkaline treatment, photochemical, plasma, UV-sulfite, thermal oxidizer, photo-activated reductive defluorination, and sonochemical. So far, Allonnia has paired SAFF with the following: AECOM’s DE-FLUORO™, Aquagga’s HALT, Haley & Aldrich’s EradiFluor™, Onvector’s Plasma Vortex, and Revive Environmental’s PFAS Annihilator™.

SAFF
What happens to the concentrate and is there any safe way to store PFAS waste?

All SAFFs have built-in concentrate storage tanks. The SAFF^®20 and SAFF^®40 also include secondary containment with alarms in the event of a leak. When those tanks are full, the recommended process is to decant storage tanks by gravity using a hose to a closed drum with external secondary containment. This process minimizes operator exposure and risk of leaks during waste management.

SAFF
What is the maximum flow rate of a SAFF^®40?

A SAFF^®40’s maximum flow rate can vary dependent on your treatment objectives and starting concentrations because it is considered a “batch” system. As batch time increases, fractionation time decreases. On average, a SAFF^®40 system can treat approximately 100 GPM for groundwater and up to 70 GPM for higher foaming waters such as leachate or industrial process water.

SAFF
How often does a SAFF^® unit need to be cleaned?

Routine maintenance cleaning of a SAFF^® will depend on influent water characteristics. We typically see routine maintenance needed 1-2 times per year for cleaner waters. Landfill leachate, or very hard waters, may need routine acid rinses for descaling, or additional cleaning to remove other solid deposits on a biweekly or monthly basis. SAFF units also contain remote telemetry where some issues can be corrected without physical intervention.

SAFF
What is the average total energy consumption of a SAFF^®40?

The SAFF^®40 is very energy efficient. It provides an estimated rate of 2.5 kwh per 1,000 gallons treated.

SAFF
What are the power requirements for a SAFF?

Please see the SAFF product data sheet for the specifications required for set-up, including power.

SAFF
How long does it typically take to design and install a SAFF^®40?

The SAFF^®40 is containerized, pre-designed, and pre-manufactured offsite for rapid deployment without site-specific design. Once the SAFF^® arrives on site, it can be set up for operation within days, and about 2-4 weeks for optimization.

SAFF
What is the availability and estimated time of arrival of a SAFF^®?

We have SAFF^®40 units available now in the United States that can be deployed in less than 30 days. Please contact us if you’d like to learn more.

SAFF
How much does a SAFF^®40 cost?

We offer several financial options including straight purchase, monthly lease, or equipment as a service, depending on your need. Contact us to learn more.

SAFF
What’s included in the standard SAFF^®10?

The SAFF^®10 includes primary and secondary foam fractionation vessels, internal storage for concentrate, integrated Booster dosing system, automation controls and remote telemetry capabilities. It’s delivered fully assembled for plug-and-play deployment.

SAFF
How does the SAFF^®10 differ from SAFF^®40 or SAFF^®20 in design and performance?

The SAFF^®10 is a more compact version of a SAFF^®40 or SAFF^®20, designed for smaller flow rates, pilot studies and remote applications. It includes the same primary fractionation vessel as a larger SAFF^® unit and includes secondary fractionation. It’s ideal for customers looking to validate the technology onsite before scaling up.

SAFF
What is the flow rate capacity of the SAFF^®10?

The SAFF^®10 is designed to treat up to 20,000 gallons per day or up to 14 gallons per minute.

SAFF
How quickly can the SAFF^®10 be deployed for pilot?

Allonnia deploys the SAFF^®10 pilot unit on a mobile trailer which can typically be deployed within days, depending on availability and site readiness. It comes fully assembled, minimizing onsite set-up time.

SAFF
Is the SAFF^®10 mobile or skid-mounted?

Allonnia deploys the SAFF^®10 on a mobile trailer for pilot trials. However, if purchased, the SAFF^®10 unit is skid-mounted and can be lifted by forklift and placed on a flat, level surface in a building.

SAFF
Is pretreatment required before using SAFF^®?

Pretreatment is not typically required for any SAFF^®. All SAFFs can handle high TSS, TDS and TOCs with the included bag filters.

SAFF
Can SAFF^®10 operate in extreme climates or remote areas?

The SAFF^®10 does not include a heated enclosure. So, in extreme climates, it will need to be placed in a building or heated enclosure.

SAFF
How often does the SAFF^®10 need operator oversight or maintenance?

All SAFFs are designed for autonomous operation with 24/7 remote telemetry available. Ongoing operation requires preventative maintenance and occasional cleaning.

SAFF
Does the SAFF^®10 include telemetry and remote monitoring capabilities?

The SAFF^®10 uses the same telemetry system as SAFF^®40, enabling full remote operation, performance monitoring, and data reporting.

SAFF
Does SAFF^®10 support use of Allonnia’s foam fractionation boosters for short-chain removal?

Yes, SAFF^®10 includes a dosing system compatible with Allonnia’s foam fractionation boosters. Our boosters improve short-chain PFAS removal and foam quality in low-foaming waters.

SAFF
What water matrices can SAFF^®10 treat?

All SAFFs can treat any contaminated water type, including landfill leachate, groundwater, surface water, drinking water, industrial process water, and RO reject water.

SAFF
Is SAFF^®10 compatible with destruction and disposal technologies?

Yes, all SAFFs produce a PFAS concentrate compatible with any PFAS destruction and disposal technology available today.

SAFF
Is SAFF^®10 available for purchase?

Yes, SAFF^®10 is available for piloting and purchase.

PFAS Prepare+
How does this differ from the standard treatability study Allonnia offers?

PFAS Prepare+ includes everything in our standard treatability study, plus an initial PFAS baseline characterization, an expanded analytical report, technology (SAFF, GAC, IX) cost comparisons, a pilot workplan, and expert guidance tailored to your site. It’s designed to answer not just “will this work?” but “what should we do next?”

PFAS Prepare+
What is PFAS Prepare+ designed for?

PFAS Prepare+ is designed for sites that need clarity on PFAS before committing to a treatment solution. It helps landfill operators, industrial facilities, and consultants understand their and their client’s PFAS profile, evaluate treatment options, and plan a path forward. It’s an ideal first step for sites preparing for regulations or exploring treatment strategies.

PFAS Prepare+
When should we consider PFAS Prepare+ versus going straight to a treatment plan?

PFAS Prepare+ is best suited for sites that are early in their PFAS decision-making process or want to reduce uncertainty before investing in treatment. If you don’t yet have a clear understanding of your PFAS levels, treatment performance, or costs, this service provides a structured way to evaluate options. For sites ready to move immediately into implementation, a pilot or full-scale system may be more appropriate.

PFAS Prepare+
How long does the PFAS Prepare+ process take from start to finish?

The full process can take up to 10 weeks, starting from sample arrival. Lab analysis and treatability testing are completed first, followed by preparation of the report, and pilot planning materials. A final review meeting is then scheduled to walk through results and recommendations.

PFAS Prepare+
What decisions will PFAS Prepare+ help us with?

PFAS Prepare+ helps you determine whether treatment is needed, which technologies are most appropriate, and what next steps make sense for your site. It provides the data needed to evaluate performance, costs, and implementation considerations. Ultimately, it supports informed decisions around pilot testing, budgeting, and long-term PFAS management.

PFAS Prepare+
What if our leachate composition varies over time?

Variability is common in landfill leachate, and PFAS Prepare+ is designed with that in mind. The service includes an initial baseline PFAS characterization, followed by additional sample analysis as part of the treatability study to evaluate treatment performance under site-specific conditions. During the final review, our team also discusses how changes in leachate composition may impact treatment performance and whether additional testing or a pilot is recommended.

PFAS Prepare+
What samples do we need to provide and how much water is required?

PFAS Prepare+ requires two types of samples: small-volume samples for PFAS analysis and a larger volume for the treatability study. Typically, this includes two 500 mL samples for analysis and approximately 40 gallons of water for lab testing. Our team will provide clear instructions to make sampling and shipping straightforward.

PFAS Prepare+
What PFAS compounds are analyzed? Are short-chain PFAS included?

Samples are analyzed using industry-standard methods (e.g., EPA Method 1633) that include a broad suite of PFAS compounds (18 compounds if conducted through Allonnia’s internal lab, 40 compounds if analysis with an external lab is needed). This includes both long-chain and short-chain PFAS, which are increasingly important from a regulatory and treatment perspective. Results are reported in a format that supports technical evaluation and decision-making. We’re happy to provide the full analyte list upon request.

PFAS Prepare+
What is the cost of PFAS Prepare+?

PFAS Prepare+ is offered as a one-time service with a defined scope and deliverables. Contact us and we can discuss pricing and next steps.

PFAS Prepare+
What happens after PFAS Prepare+ is completed?

After completion, you will have a clear understanding of your PFAS profile, treatment performance, and next steps. Many customers choose to move forward with a pilot to validate performance on-site, while others use the results for planning and budgeting. There is no obligation to proceed, PFAS Prepare+ is designed to support your decision-making process.

PFAS Prepare+
What if PFAS regulations change?

PFAS Prepare+ is designed to help you prepare for evolving regulations by providing a strong baseline understanding of your site. The service includes evaluation of a broad range of PFAS compounds and treatment considerations that remain relevant as standards develop. This positions you to adapt more quickly if requirements change.

PFAS Prepare+
How quickly can we get started with PFAS Prepare+?

Getting started is straightforward and can typically begin within a couple weeks. Once scope and logistics are confirmed, we provide sampling guidance and begin coordination immediately. Timing largely depends on sample collection and shipment.

PFAS Prepare+
Can results be incorporated into permitting submissions?

The results from PFAS Prepare+ can support technical discussions, feasibility evaluations, and planning documents. While the data is highly informative, regulatory acceptance may depend on specific requirements such as certified lab analysis. We can work with you or your consultants to determine how best to use the results in permitting or regulatory processes.

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