TOPSFIELD, MA, July 5, 2011 -- The International Desalination Association (IDA) has named Hiren D. Raval of India the recipient of its 2011 IDA Fellowship Award.
The goal of the IDA Fellowship Award is to facilitate the advancement of global expertise in desalination and water reuse through the exchange of talents, knowledge and skills. In addition to a monetary award, the program provides recipients with an opportunity to spend time with a host agency -- a high-profile public utility or well-respected research organization -- working alongside colleagues in the desalination industry, gaining insights into the host agency's operations, strategies and policies, and ultimately exchanging ideas with the global desalination community following this attachment.
A scientist at the Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Mr. Raval will undergo an attachment with the Bureau of Reclamation in the United States, the 2011 host agency for the IDA Fellowship Program.
The Bureau of Reclamation, established in 1902, is a U.S. government agency within the Department of Interior and, as the largest wholesaler of water in the U.S., is a leader in advanced water treatment.
Mr. Raval's responsibilities at the Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, India, include conducting reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration membrane research and development with a focus to develop low energy intensive membrane processes. He has been involved in developing the technology of making thin film composite membrane for RO and effluent management of the total process. He was also instrumental in developing a process to increase TFC RO membrane permeability.
"Mr. Raval's experience and dedication to the desalination industry exemplify the high standard that the IDA Fellowship program represents. We are confident that his attachment with the Bureau of Reclamation will result in outstanding opportunities to gain new insights and share information that will benefit the desalination industry globally," said Mr. Khoo Teng Chye, First Vice President of the International Desalination Association and Chairman of its Foundation Committee.
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