VIDEO: Cutting through the hype in membrane developments

Oct. 24, 2017
Membrane guru Dr Graeme Pearce discusses the latest developments in membrane technology and gives an honest opinion about graphene...
Industry expert Dr Graeme Pearce from Membrane Consultancy Associates discusses the latest trends in membrane technology and what impact graphene could really have on water filtration...

LONDON, England - Membrane technology for water filtration has come on a long way since it was first introduced.

Improvements in flux, resistance to biofouling and reductions in energy consumption have all made membranes the go-to technology of choice, particularly for desalination plants where they make up 95 percent of the market.

The question now facing manufacturers is how will the technology be improved further? How will new materials, such as graphene, improve membrane filtration?

WWi spoke with membrane guru Dr Graeme Pearce, an independent consultancy with a whopping 37 years experience in the industry to find out more.

Speaking on the sidelines of the IDA World Congress in São Paul, Brazil, Dr Pearce outlined some of the innovations that caught his eye at the show, including a “Big Data” solution from Australian company CMS Innovations which can provide intel on single membrane modules, rather than entire blocks.

He also gave a note of caution to some of the bold claims coming out about graphene and said the industry is still trying to overcome the operational challenge of membrane biofouling.

The full interview with Dr Pearce can be viewed above.

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About the Author

Tom Freyberg

Tom Freyberg is an experienced environmental journalist, having worked across a variety of business-to-business titles. Since joining Pennwell in 2010, he has been influential in developing international partnerships for the water brand and has overseen digital developments, including 360 degree video case studies. He has interviewed high level figures, including NYSE CEO’s and Environmental Ministers. A known figure in the global water industry, Tom has chaired and spoken at conferences around the world, from Helsinki, to London and Singapore. An English graduate from Exeter University, Tom completed his PMA journalism training in London.