U.S. ultrafiltration membrane markets will reach $908 million by 2011, states new research report

WELLESLEY, MA, March 14, 2007 -- According to a new and updated technical market research report, "Ultrafiltration Membrane Markets" (MST044B) from BCC Research, the total U.S. market value for ultrafiltration membranes was worth $579 million in 2005 and $635 million in 2006. At a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%, this market will reach $908 million by 2011.

Broken down between bioseparations/medical and municipal/industrial applications, the market remains largely split down the middle throughout the forecast period. Bioseparations will grow slightly to 52% of the total market value throughout the forecast period while municipal/industrial applications will drop slightly to 47%. Bioseparation/medical applications have the highest CAGR throughout the forecast period. In 2006 this sector of the market was worth $324 million and will grow to $476 million by 2011, a CAGR of 8.0%.

In the food and beverage industry, where UF is standard for producing dairy and juice products, profitable new applications are developing in separations needed for protein fractionation, corn and other mill product processing, nutraceuticals manufacture, and wastewater treatment (especially for the meat and poultry industries.) A large replacement market for membranes also exists in this sector, although large gains in sales of replacement products are offset somewhat by reductions in module cost.

Although UF currently lags behind some other membrane methods for potable water production, it is potentially a very large market. Because UF provides an absolute barrier to bacteria and viruses, communities are increasingly looking to UF as a safer treatment alternative. Beyond our five-year survey, future regulations that might mandate virus removal for municipal water utilities are met easily with UF, which would contribute significantly to market growth.

For industrial water users, UF will see increased application as part of the ultrapure water-making process required in power plants, semiconductor manufacture and other industries. UF's ability to treat "used" process water for recycling within the plant will add to market growth. As will UF applications for reclaiming used industrial cleaning compounds and recovering raw materials. The purification of various chemicals used by many manufacturing industries also will be important in UF growth.

BCC Research Inc. (www.bccresearch.com) is based in Wellesley, MA. To purchase a copy of this report or other market research publications please call 866-285-7215.

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