Toray Industries, Inc. has introduced an advanced ultrafiltration (UF) membrane designed to enhance wastewater reuse while significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions. This high-removal UF membrane improves water permeability and decreases the strain on reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, leading to more stable, long-term production of high-quality water.
Toray’s Solution to Growing Wastewater Reuse Challenges
With global water demand increasing, hybrid UF-RO membrane systems are becoming essential for wastewater recycling in industrial and municipal applications. Industries like semiconductor manufacturing, which require ultrapure water, face mounting challenges in maintaining efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
A major drawback of conventional UF membranes is their inefficiency in removing biopolymers commonly found in wastewater. This leads to frequent RO membrane cleaning, increasing operational costs and carbon footprints.
Toray’s Breakthrough in Ultrafiltration Technology
Toray addressed this issue by analyzing the formation of sub-10-nanometer nanopores using the SPring-8 synchrotron radiation facility. Through precise control of polymer materials and the membrane fabrication process, Toray successfully developed a UF membrane with finer yet more abundant nanopores.
This next-generation UF membrane offers:
- Superior removal of biopolymers, reducing their transmission to less than one-third of conventional levels.
- Optimized water permeability, ensuring more efficient wastewater treatment.
- Extended RO membrane lifespan, minimizing fouling and reducing maintenance needs.
Toray’s UF Membrane Delivers Cost Savings and Sustainability
Pilot operations at a sewage treatment plant confirmed that integrating Toray’s UF membrane with an RO system significantly improved efficiency. The new UF membrane reduced RO membrane permeability decline by one-third, prolonging its operational lifespan and lowering replacement frequency.
The key benefits include:
- Lower RO membrane cleaning requirements, leading to reduced chemical consumption.
- Fewer operational disruptions, enhancing wastewater treatment reliability.
- Over 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions, as fewer RO membranes need to be replaced and disposed of.
Toray Plans Market Launch in 2025
Toray aims to begin mass production in mid-2025, initially targeting North America, where wastewater reuse is rapidly expanding. Japan and other global markets will follow.
The company will officially unveil its UF membrane technology at the Membrane Technology Conference in the United States on February 24.
By continuously innovating in water treatment technologies, Toray reinforces its commitment to sustainability, supporting a future where industries can efficiently recycle wastewater while reducing environmental impact. More Information