ITRI Introduces PolyE, Low-Energy Consumption Membrane For Reverse Osmosis

First Commercially Viable Technology Solves Reverse Osmosis Issues to Deliver Cost-Saving Water Desalination; Recognized as a 2015 R&D 100 Award Finalist

Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Taiwan's largest and one of the world's leading high-tech applied research institutions, introduces PolyE membrane technology, the first commercially viable nanofibrous thin film composite membrane for reverse osmosis water filtration. As fresh water scarcity is becoming a major global concern, reverse osmosis continues to grow as a water desalination technology. However, reverse osmosis requires both high-energy consumption and high hydraulic pressure. PolyE combats these issues with a special layer design that utilizes lower hydraulic pressure than conventional methods, without compromising the level and quality of filtration. Large water desalination facilities in particular can realize lower costs as a result of the lower energy consumption. This technology is a finalist for the 2015 R&D 100 Awards in November in the “Mechanical Devices/Materials” category.

PolyE membrane integrates with current reverse osmosis systems and is inexpensive to mass produce and energy efficient, with the capability of lowering energy consumption by 30 to 80 percent. In addition to desalination, PolyE membrane can also perform brackish water treatment, water softening and purification with minor engineering adjustments to the same fundamental technology.

“PolyE is a high-performance, low-energy consumption membrane designed for desalination. In addition to low operating costs and low hydraulic pressure, the advantages include the ability to integrate with the current reverse osmosis technology,” said Shu-Hui Cheng, Senior Researcher of Material and Chemical Research Laboratories, ITRI. “PolyE membrane is the most cost-effective reverse osmosis technology available today and is particularly beneficial for utility scale applications.”

How It Works
The key component of PolyE membrane is its mat layer, a non-woven web with hydrophilic and strong electrical charge characteristics that replaces the conventional porous polysulfone sheet layer. A typical reverse osmosis membrane consists of three layers: an ultra-thin polyamide layer, a polysulfone layer and a non-woven web of PET fibers supporting the polysulfone layer. The conventional polysulfone layer must be highly porous with large pores for a large flux. However, if the pores are too large, the hydraulic pressure is reduced.

The PolyE membrane polymer enhances the hydrophilic and electrical charge on the surface of the polyamide thin film and the PolyE membrane mat layer reduces hydraulic pressurization energy consumption. It is highly porous, yet still allows the polyamide filtration film to form, creating an increased outflux of filtered water and improved contaminant rejection. Thus, the PolyE membrane can effectively selectively eliminate metal ions such as Na, Ca and Mg and/or small organic molecules by up to 99 percent.

The PolyE membrane is manufactured by New Micropore, Inc.

About ITRI
Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) is one of the world’s leading technology R&D institutions aiming to innovate a better future for society. Founded in 1973, ITRI has played a vital role in transforming Taiwan's industries from labor-intensive into technology-oriented. It focuses on the fields of Smart Living, Quality Health, and Sustainable Environment.

Over the years, ITRI has cultivated more than 140 CEOs and incubated over 260 innovative companies, including well-known names such as UMC and TSMC. In addition to its headquarters in Taiwan, ITRI has branch offices in Silicon Valley, Tokyo, Berlin, Moscow and Eindhoven in an effort to extend its R&D scope and promote opportunities for international cooperation around the world. For more information, visit http://www.itri.org/eng.