Researchers at the University of California Irvine have developed ultrathin membranes made from silicon nitride and other inorganic compounds which contain nanopores of controllable diameter geometry and chemical functionality of the pore walls. Ultrathin character and tunable porosity of our membranes makes them an ideal candidate for high-resolution transmission electron microscopy supports. The membranes can be used in temperatures >1000 °C and at harsh chemical conditions.

Desalination has been a practical solution to water shortage problems encountered in numerous countries in the world. Several commercial scale desalination plants have been designed built and operated such as multi-stage flash (MSF) type the multi-effect desalination type the membrane-based reverse osmosis (RO) plants hybrid RO and MSF plants and Ion exchange systems.

Background: Water desalination technologies are important in a future “water-scarce world”. Many water desalination technologies have been developed but many of the current techniques experience scale formation due to mineral and salt precipitation which restricts the flow of water damages membranes reduces heat transfer efficiency and clogs system components. These effects can significantly reduce overall system performance and can be costly for the desalination unit.

Their services in water management include consulting to international bodies on Water and Agriculture.

Technology Description: Professor Hoek and colleagues have developed a novel reverse osmosis (RO) membrane formulation that is chlorine tolerant and extremely hydrophilic which imparts significantly better biofouling resistance in application like desalination and water reuse. These new RO membranes could be packaged for use in new and existing RO water treatment plants where they could reduce overall energy demand and cost of operation. Applications: RO water treatment plants

TAHAL Group International BV makes Master plans feasibility studies detailed design financial studies technical assistance and training project and construction supervision turnkey/BOT projects GIS and MIS studies environmental impact assessment. TAHAL's comprehensive approach to integrated water resources development has been implemented successfully in Israel and worldwide resulting in sustainable solutions to meet existing and future demand. As a major player in the water sector for over 60 years the company has helped provide clean and safe water to millions of people worldwide.

Background: Thin-film composite (TFC) membranes for reverse osmosis and nanofiltration are widely used in the production of drinking water desalination and wastewater treatment. A major problem with these membrane-based technologies is the accumulation of microorganisms which leads to biofilm growth and biofouling. Cleaning methods for TFC membranes have proven ineffectual or problematic. For example chlorine generates harmful byproducts and is unsuitable for most water treatment applications.

BEL is a world specialist manufacturer and vendor of membranes composite made PRESSURE VESSELS and other equipments for the water industry. BEL offers worldwide sales and support services from 2 manufacturing plants in Spain and Israel and regional logistics centres in the US and Singapore.

Ceramic membranes are receiving increasing attention as ultrafiltration materials in pollution prevention resource recovery and waste treatment due to their high strength and tolerance to extreme conditions involving solvent pH oxidation and temperature. Conventional sol-gel routes to alumina-based membranes and filters suffer from poor control of resulting pore sizes and distribution. Because membrane selectivity is primarily dependent on these factors this drawback affects the performance of the materials in ultrafiltration applications that often demand pore sizes down to 2mn.

One third of the world’s population lacks sufficient water. The World Health Organisation predicts that by 2050 over two thirds of the world’s population will face severe water shortages. The effects of water shortage are well documented: food shortage poor health hunger and disease.