Greater Efficiency of Membranes Increases their Application in Water and Wastewater Treatment

Membrane technology is emerging as an increasingly viable solution to water and wastewater treatment due to its production of high-quality effluent. Intense R&D efforts have improved membrane technology to make it more efficient, which, in turn, drives down costs and attracts investments.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (UK), Membrane Technologies Market in Water and Wastewater Treatment in Southeast Asia, finds that the market earned revenues of US$249.1 million in 2011 and is expected to reach US$398.0 million by 2017.

“Earlier, a greater number of membranes were required to achieve a certain level of quality, but now, the improved efficiency of membranes means that water and wastewater treatment facilities can lower investments in technologies,” said Frost & Sullivan Research Associate Prashanth Kay. “While the effectiveness of membranes is unchallenged, their compact and scalable features make them ideal for water and wastewater treatment, especially in desalination.”

However, the water effluent quality differs greatly among sectors of the water and wastewater treatment industry. Membrane technology companies have to provide variations in technology to address these different needs, while keeping efficiency at the highest level and costs at their lowest.

Further, the technological complexity of membrane-based water and wastewater treatment necessitates highly skilled human capital. Though prices continue to drop, the total capital needed for a membrane-based treatment system is still higher than a conventional system.

A large segment of the water and wastewater treatment industry still opts for the less expensive and conventional treatment systems. In water rich-countries where water is cheap, the returns on investment from new technologies such as membranes are still unjustified.

“The demand for purer potable water and the increase in regulations for the industrial sector will ensure that this market continues to grow,” noted Kay. “Participants can make the most of these opportunities by focusing on using the different forms of membrane technology to provide the best combinations, at the most cost effective prices.”