Martin Korevaar MSc PhD

Martin Korevaar is a researcher in the hydroinformatics team. Here, he focuses on research needed for the digital transition; a transition in which society and thus also the (water) industry finds itself. This transition offers opportunities as more and more data within (water) companies becomes more easily accessible. This can be used to gain more insights into business processes so that operations can be optimized; among other things, by linking these data sources to computer models to create so-called digital twins. From his background as a physicochemical modeler (fluid dynamics (CFD), transport in porous media, aquatic chemistry (PHREEQC)), Martin focuses primarily on the use of physicochemical models. But to increase applicability of these models in practice, he is exploring whether that can be achieved by combining it with AI to develop so-called hybrid models.
At the same time, the digital transition offers the opportunity to make research results such as computer models relevant to businesses sooner. This can be done by making them accessible as web tools or integrated into business operations, via APIs or docker containers, for example. An example of this is the web tool AquaPriori, in which a complex combination of process models, public databases and machine learning becomes accessible through a simple Web interface. This allows users to quickly estimate the removability of an organic micropollutant in a water treatment step.
But the digital transition also raises questions. To what extent do the costs outweigh the benefits? What is a good strategy for a digital transition? How can computer models (IT) and physical assets such as pumps (OT) be securely connected so that processes autonomously use the optimal settings? Martin also tries to answer these questions for (water) companies in his research.