Dec 15, 2003
Focus on developing cheaper and more efficient membrane-based solutions for various industries in Asian markets
Singapore, 15 December 2003:-
The Institute of Environmental Science and Engineering (IESE), under the Nanyang Technological University, and Singapore-listed Sinomem Technology Ltd have jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop and commercialize advanced membrane technology for separation, purification and cleaner production applications in various industries.
The partnership will bring together IESE's membrane-related research and Sinomem's advanced membrane technology and vast market and industry experience to meet Singapore and other Asian countries' needs for separation, purification and cleaner production purposes in various industries. The collaboration will leverage on the strengths of both organisations to advance the research and development of advanced membrane technology, particularly targeted for applications by the biotechnology & pharmaceutical, chemicals & dyestuff, food & beverage, water and wastewater treatment industries.
Prof. Tay Joo Hwa, IESE's Director said: "This is a very good example of IESE's mission to serve Singapore by researching, developing and promoting advanced membrane technology with a local-listed company like Sinomem. The project will also put Singapore at the forefront of water management solutions and provide an opportunity for us to build a core team of researchers here who are focused and skilled in advanced membrane technology."
The demand for cheaper and more efficient membrane systems for process-stream separation and purification, water production, wastewater treatment, resource recovery, gas treatment and separation is growing. Annual growth in the global membrane market is between 10-15 percent, with the strongest growth seen in China, who currently accounts for 30% of the world market. Growth is largely driven by an anticipated three fold increase in the production of desalinated water in water scarce countries as well as by greater adoption of membrane technology to replace traditional production processes.
Said Dr. Lan Wei Guang, founder and managing director of Sinomem Technology, "We are very excited to be partnering with IESE, a preeminent center of research excellence in Asia. At Sinomem, we have always differentiated ourselves with our proprietary membrane technology and our focus on the customer. We look forward to working with IESE to further accelerate the pace of applications of membrane technologies in vast industries. Together we can develop and offer companies customized quality solutions that will help them increase production yields while making greater efficient use of raw materials and energy. Not only will these companies be able to lower their overall costs, but our focus on preserving the environment will also help them minimize pollution and water discharges."
About Membrane Technology
Membranes are thin films of porous material that are used for a number of chemical separations. The small pores of the membranes serve as a physical barrier, and ifsufficiently small can prevent passage of certain materials such as salt, bacteria and viruses while allowing the free passage of water and air. By forcing a fluid through a membrane, it is possible to separate, concentrate and purify the fluid. Advanced membrane technology is applied in many industries such as water and wastewater treatment (for eg. desalination processes), process-stream separation and purification din biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemicals, and food and beverage industries.
