Microfiltration, ultrafiltration hold huge potential for desalination pretreatment market

PALO ALTO, CA, Nov. 13, 2006 -- The desalination pretreatment market is expected to grow as desalination and new pretreatment technologies are likely to improve the overall quality and performance of desalination systems. With Microfiltration and Ultrafiltration technologies demonstrating successful pretreatment, industries and municipalities are realizing the benefits of installing new water systems using RO technology along with a proper pretreatment system.

Frost & Sullivan finds that the "U.S. Desalination Pretreatment Market" earned revenues of $184.0 million in 2005 and estimates this to reach $399.6 million in 2012

Adoption of MF and UF membrane systems for RO pretreatment has increased significantly in the past couple of years. Some of the major market participants are experimenting and installing MF/UF systems prior to the RO systems for pretreatment. Clients are realizing the benefits of these systems.

"MF/UF systems for pretreatment comprise 35% to 40% of all pretreatment system installations. Virtually all new RO plant installations are utilizing MF/UF systems for pretreatment" notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Kshitij Nilkanth "The pretreatment application of both of these membrane systems is based on feed water quality, system design, product quality requirements, etc. MF/UF systems are expected to replace over 80% of the existing conventional/other pretreatment systems by 2012."

The prevalence of conventional systems for pretreatment is widespread. There are several drawbacks when using a conventional system for pretreatment including instability in silt density index (SDI) value, high rate of chemical consumption, frequent backwashing and high rate of water consumed for this exercise, high-energy consumption and others.

"A number of plants have conventional systems in place for pretreatment. Financial constraints or satisfactory results from these systems restrict users to upgrade using newer pretreatment technologies," explains Kshitij. "Another reason is the lack of knowledge about innovative technologies resulting in hesitance to upgrade."

The quality of effluent from a pretreatment system has a direct effect on the performance and operating expense of an RO system. Several industries such as power generation have realized that the innovative technologies used in water/wastewater treatment are best suited for the demanding and competitive electric-generation facilities. Likewise, other industries and municipalities are realizing the benefits of installing new water systems using RO technology along with a proper pretreatment system. The end users will look at a company who can deliver a customized solution for both desalination and pretreatment.

"U.S. Desalination Pretreatment Market" is part of the Environmental Growth Partnership Service, which also includes research in the following markets: U.S. Membrane Separation Systems Market; New and Emerging Water and Wastewater Technologies and Practices; Strategic Analysis of the U.S. Water Disinfection Equipment Markets. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews are available to the press.

Frost & Sullivan (www.environment.frost.com), a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics.

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