Archive · 31 Jul 2026
BITS Pilani Develops Electric Pulse Wastewater Treatment for Biopharma
Scientists at BITS Pilani in Hyderabad made a new way to clean the water that comes out of vaccine factories.
They use tiny electric pulses instead of lots of chemicals and heat to kill almost all the germs.
After the pulses, the water is cleaned further and can be used again.
The leftover sludge is turned into a gas that can power the factory.
They have a patent for this idea and want to try it in a real factory with a company called Biological E Limited.
Researchers at BITS Pilani Hyderabad created an electric pulse system to disinfect biopharmaceutical wastewater.
The method eliminates over 99.9999% of bacteria, matching autoclave disinfection, while using less chemicals and heat.
Treated water passes biological and membrane filtration, achieving reuse‑grade quality.
Sludge is converted into methane‑rich biogas, providing plant energy and reducing waste.
The team has filed a patent and plans to scale the technology with Biological E Limited.
- Who
- Researchers led by Prof. Sankar Ganesh Palani at BITS Pilani Hyderabad campus
- What
- Developed an electric pulse system to disinfect and reuse biopharmaceutical wastewater
- When
- Recently tested in laboratory conditions
- Where
- Hyderabad, India
- Why
- To reduce chemical use, heat, and enable water reuse and energy recovery
- Technology
- Electric pulse wastewater treatment
- Disinfection efficiency
- 99.9999% bacteria reduction
- Energy source
- Methane‑rich biogas
- Patent status
- Filed (VAIBaW)
- Collaborating company
- Biological E Limited