New Membrane Research and Development Achievements

Technology makes the world go round . This statement is not only valid in general, but is also a true representation of the future of membranes in the field of the water treatment. Since their introduction in the late 1950 s, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and microfiltration membranes have been increasingly used for a multiple of different applications in the field of water treatment. From the early development work of Sourirajan and Loeb on the spiral wound cellulose acetate membrane and the invention of capillary technology, to the introduction of a low fouling composite (LFC) spiral RO membrane and the backwashable capillary ultrafiltration membrane in the late 1990 s, membrane research and development has proven key to the evolution and continuation of the use of membranes in all aspects of life. Within the past 40 years, the evolution of membrane development has improved performance, reliability and contributed to lower operating costs, making membranes the preferred technology in the water treatment industry. The evolution of membrane technology can be categorized in two specific avenues; the first being spiral wound reverse osmosis and nanofiltration technology and the second capillary ultrafiltration and microfiltration technology. Both technology categories have evolved through the years and are equally important in understanding what has been achieved up to this point and what the future may hold. The treatment of fluids with membrane technology is about to take on a new meaning as technology charges forward and reshapes the use of membranes, as we know them today.