| Title of Process/ Know-how/ Product/Design/Equipment

Rejuvenation of the end-of-life seawater reverse osmosis membrane elements

IPR Status & Details:

Under filing

Application/Uses/Problem being addressed

Applications in desalination and water reuse plants for the same or alternate applications e.g. wastewater reuse, brackish water reverse osmosis, grey water treatment etc.

Salient Technical Features including Competing Features/ Impact

We have converted the discarded membranes into useful membranes for following applications:

  • Low salinity brackish water desalination/wastewater treatment and reuse
  • Partial substitution of the original application by enhancing the flow rate but maintaining the salt rejection performance
  • Conversion to ultrafiltration-like membrane elements by removal of polyamide barrier layer
  • The second life of membrane will be a “waste to wealth” proposition.

    TRL Level & Scale of Development:- TRL 5 TRL Reference

    (Pilot plant scale development and demonstration)

    Business scope & opportunity (in terms of scale, cost, market etc.)

    The technology is ready for technology transfer and can be implemented on commercial scale. The industry-specific customization may be required.

    Environmental Considerations

    It is very important from environment perspective to extend the life cycle of membrane elements since membrane waste is a hazardous polymeric waste. Thus, it renders environment-friendly proposition. The treatment chemicals are neutralized before disposal.

    Status of Licensing:

    Not yet licensed

    Not yet licensed; Discussions with industries are on with customer field trials

    Status of Commercialization:

    Not applicable

    Major Raw Materials Needed

    Chemicals, alcohol, acid, surfactants

    Major Plant Equipment and Machinery Required

    Pumps, membrane test-rig, reactor, piping system, tanks etc.

    Techno-Economics

    The rejuvenated membrane cost will be about 15-20% of new membrane cost. It depends on the degree of fouling of membrane and desired use as the second life of membrane.

    Technology Package

    Depends on the scale; Will be available on request

    | Technology Photographs