- 18 March 2008 -

Dow Water and Singapore test reclamation membranes

Dow Water Solutions and the Singapore Public Utilities Board (PUB) national water agency have signed an agreement to test Dow's 16 inch Filmtec membranes for use in water reclamation.

The joint collaborative research effort is expected to validate preliminary data which suggests that Dow's newer 16 inch Filmtec membrane modules are more efficient in water reclamation than current standard 8 inch modules. Once validated, the next generation membrane technology will allow for more efficient and affordable water reclamation and reuse processes at large-scale treatment facilities.

"We're constantly pursuing breakthroughs in membrane technology to improve the economics of full-scale desalination and water reuse to help relieve water shortages in water-stressed areas," said Cedella Beazley, global product market manager, Filmtec membranes, Dow Water Solutions.

"Conclusive results of the testing are likely to classify the 16 inch membranes as the future standard for water reuse."

The 16 inch Filmtec Reverse Osmosis membrane elements from Dow have an active surface area of 1,725 ft²- more than four times that of the standard 8 inch element currently used in full-scale reverse osmosis systems for water reuse. The increase in active surface area could greatly decrease the number of membrane elements needed for the same quantity of reclaimed water, reducing the system's footprint and equipment needs and providing capital cost savings for plant operators.

The reduction in the number of reverse osmosis elements and trains also is expected to deliver savings in operation costs due to a decrease in the number of permeate 'O' ring seals.

During the process of finding solutions in the last few decades, Singapore has turned its limitations into a strategic strength and is becoming a global hub for water treatment technologies.

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