 Hybrid Batch Reverse Osmosis enhances system performance by increasing water recovery rates to 90–95% Salinity Solutions, in partnership with SUEZ, has announced the launch of the first municipal pilot of a Hybrid Batch Reverse Osmosis (HBRO) system. This pilot, based on Salinity’s patented technology, will be operated under real conditions at a wastewater treatment plant in Béziers, France, marking a significant step toward advancing large-scale water reuse solutions.
The growing pressure on global water resources largely driven by disruptions to the natural water cycle has intensified the need for energy-efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment technologies. In response, this collaboration aims to demonstrate a more economically viable and environmentally sustainable approach to water reuse. The pilot project is supported by the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME). At the core of the system is Salinity’s patented HyBatch™ technology, a piston-driven pressure exchange process that enables repeated recycling of brine until the desired recovery rate is achieved. This innovative approach significantly enhances system performance by increasing water recovery rates to 90–95%, compared to approximately 85% in conventional reverse osmosis systems. In addition to improved recovery, the HBRO system reduces mineral scaling within the equipment and lowers the frequency of chemical cleaning. These benefits contribute to extended membrane lifespan and more efficient removal of contaminants such as dissolved salts, heavy metals, bacteria, and other pollutants. Richard Bruges, CEO of Salinity Solutions, emphasized that the partnership with SUEZ represents a major advancement in redefining the economics and sustainability of water reuse. He noted that achieving high recovery rates reliably and efficiently at scale could establish a new global benchmark for advanced wastewater treatment technologies. Similarly, Gregory Tesse, Infrastructure and Innovation Director for Engineering and Construction at SUEZ, highlighted that the initiative aims to reduce operational costs, thereby enabling municipalities and industries to adopt critical technologies necessary for preserving water resources. Credit: Salinity Solutions
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 Lower-biofouling ultrafiltration membrane module with pore size of 0.005 micrometers Toray Industries, Inc. has announced the upcoming launch of its F-HFUG Series ultrafiltration (UF) membrane module, scheduled for May this year, targeting wastewater reuse applications. The company has completed both mass production development and product reliability assessments for this new system, which is designed to enhance the biofouling resistance of downstream reverse osmosis (RO) membranes and ensure stable long-term operation. The module is built upon a high-rejection UF membrane technology introduced by Toray in February 2025.
With increasing global water demand, many countries are enforcing stricter wastewater regulations, particularly in regions facing water scarcity where reuse is becoming essential for supply security. A major challenge in wastewater treatment is the presence of biopolymers, which are primary contributors to membrane biofouling and operational inefficiencies. Toray’s proprietary micropore control technology enables a nominal pore size of approximately 0.005 micrometers, among the smallest reported in the industry as of April this year. This advancement significantly reduces the passage of biopolymers through the membrane, lowering their permeation to about one-third compared to conventional UF membranes. Pilot-scale studies conducted at wastewater treatment facilities demonstrated that the new UF module effectively suppresses biofouling in downstream RO systems while maintaining consistent permeate flux. Consequently, the decline in RO water production caused by biopolymers is reduced to roughly one-third of that observed with standard membranes. These improvements are expected to decrease the frequency of chemical cleaning, minimize operational challenges, and lower overall costs associated with wastewater reuse and water production. For more about the product, click here
DuPont has introduced two advanced reverse osmosis (RO) membrane elements—FilmTec™ Fortilife™ XC220 and FilmTec™ Fortilife™ XC-Max UHP—aimed at helping industrial users improve water recovery and enhance the efficiency of Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) and Minimal Liquid Discharge (MLD) systems.
As water scarcity becomes a more pressing global issue, compounded by stricter environmental regulations, industries are under increasing pressure to manage water more sustainably. While traditional ZLD systems remain widely used, membrane-based MLD solutions are gaining traction as operators look for cost-effective, high-performance alternatives that reduce waste and energy consumption. According to Gary Gu, Global Technology Leader at DuPont Water Solutions, the new additions expand the company’s membrane portfolio and provide customers with greater flexibility in addressing tightening discharge standards. By enabling higher levels of brine concentration and improved water recovery, these technologies allow system designers to optimize ZLD and MLD configurations while balancing capital and operating costs. The FilmTec™ Fortilife™ XC220 element is engineered for high-salinity, high-pressure applications. It can handle brine concentrations of up to 220 g/L NaCl at pressures approaching 80–83 bar, enabling higher recovery rates while reducing the need for downstream treatment processes. This translates into lower liquid waste volumes and reduced overall system costs. Its design also supports resource recovery within integrated MLD systems, offering an additional economic and environmental benefit. Built with an advanced polyamide membrane, the XC220 integrates easily into standard RO systems, avoiding the need for specialized infrastructure and helping to keep both CAPEX and OPEX under control. Complementing this, the FilmTec™ Fortilife™ XC-Max UHP element pushes membrane performance into ultra-high-pressure territory. Designed to operate at pressures up to 120 bar, it can achieve brine concentrations of up to 250 g/L NaCl—levels traditionally associated with thermal treatment technologies. This capability allows operators to significantly reduce the volume of water requiring final thermal processing, and in some cases, even bypass energy-intensive evaporation steps altogether. By extending membrane performance deeper into the concentration cycle, both XC220 and XC-Max UHP elements help simplify system design, reduce reliance on thermal processes, and lower overall system complexity. The XC-Max UHP, in particular, enables equivalent concentration levels with fewer stages and membrane elements compared to conventional high-pressure RO systems, reducing recycling requirements and improving operational efficiency. Together, the Fortilife™ XC series provides a comprehensive membrane-based approach for industrial water treatment. These solutions not only help companies comply with evolving environmental regulations but also open new opportunities for resource recovery, brine valorization, and more sustainable system design. DuPont Water Solutions continues to play a significant role in global water treatment, with its technologies purifying over 50 million gallons of water every minute across 112 countries. Its portfolio spans membranes, ion exchange resins, and fully integrated systems serving industries such as municipal water treatment, desalination, and advanced manufacturing, including microelectronics. The company is also developing innovations that address the growing intersection of water and energy demands, supporting applications in power generation, lithium extraction, and green hydrogen production. To learn more about the products, click here |
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