(185a) A Perspective On the Impact of Material Sciences Innovations and Sustainable Development Considerations On Future Membrane Developments In the Water Industry

The early membrane developments from key pioneers and innovators like Pierre have had a profound impact on the water industry over the past 50 years or so.     My presentation will first recognize Pierre’s outstanding contribution to the field, seen from the small window of my personal interactions with him over the years.    

Our world is fast changing in many ways, and needs and opportunities for further membrane innovations in our industry are plenty.       I will use practical examples of recent projects and developments done in our company to illustrate how the future of membrane technology is being shaped by two drivers:  a technology-push driver fueled in part by recent innovations in material sciences, and a market-pull driver where water footprint and sustainable development considerations are playing an increasingly important role.     

As chosen case studies to illustrate those points, I have selected to spend some time in my presentation on our Anaerobic MBR recent developments , as well as on water-footprint considerations as they may apply to membrane processes.