With its innovative products and technologies, Siemens has a global pioneering role especially in the water sector. The repertoire of advanced solutions for water preparation ranges from disinfection systems that work with UV irradiation to purification systems with sand or membrane filters. In addition to this, Siemens is working on the production of potable water with pulsed electrical fields. Within the scope of an EU research project, Siemens has co-developed a suitcase-sized AWACSS (Automated Water Analyzer Computer Supported System) for online water monitoring.
Through Siemens' newly developed Cannibal Process and novel membrane bioreactor, water treatment in sewage facilities will be improved. The amount of effluent sludge will be reduced to a minimum, thus, reducing disposal costs and markedly easing the burden on the environment.
Thanks to innovative technologies that do not produce hazardous waste, Siemens also helps in other areas of life by lowering the release of noxious substances. Osram, for example, has developed a fluorescent lamp, Planon, that works without mercury. A new PM (particulate matter) filter catalytic converter developed by the Siemens company, Emitec, lowers nitrogen oxide and soot emission in diesel powered vehicles.
A further area of focus at Siemens is resource conservation. Hence, up to 95 percent of the materials used in medical technological equipment are recycled. Moreover, Siemens' used medical equipment from all over the world is resold with a seal of quality after a general overhaul.
