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U.S. Ultrafiltration (UF) Nanofiltration (NF) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane Elements Markets
Frost & Sullivan, Nov 2004
Lengthy and Costly Technology Validation Process Hinders Timely Introduction of Water Treatment Products
Lengthy and expensive technological validation requirements mandated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are a key challenge facing the U.S. membrane elements market. Although large-scale municipal water treatment projects present a highly profitable opportunity, membrane technologies are required to be piloted and validated before companies are allowed to bid for a project. This process may take anywhere between six months and a year. In addition, the validation requirements differ from state to state and entail significant up-front investments, causing a further slowdown in launching water treatment products. Contractual terms have also become more stringent and membrane suppliers need to be prepared to take on more risks in terms of guaranteeing long-term performance of their products. Well-established and larger manufacturers that can leverage on their existing competitive advantage are better positioned to profit from opportunities in the membrane elements market.
This research service focuses on polymeric membrane separation technologies currently available in the ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis membrane elements markets. It also provides in-depth analysis of current industry challenges and market trends, as well as growth potential in the various membrane market segments.
Increasingly Stringent Regulatory Requirements Drive Membrane Elements Market
Several new and existing government regulations to ensure the safety and quality of public water supply are driving growth in the membrane element market. The Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, in particular, restricts the usage of conventional filtration technologies that fail to control pathogen outbreaks efficiently. Compared to conventional water treatment, where quality of treated water varies with feed water quality, membrane filtration is capable of yielding water of consistent quality regardless of the source, explains the analyst. The ultrafiltration technology is capable of removing 99.99 percent of pathogens present in water.
Membrane suppliers are also investing heavily in research and development to improve product quality and increase versatility in design and capabilities. This has played a vital role in bringing the prices of membrane elements in line with those of conventional water treatment options. In addition, membrane elements are more energy efficient, less labor intensive, and also available in smaller footprints.
Aging Infrastructure Propels Future Investment in Membrane Elements
Findings released by the American Society of Civil Engineers indicate that most of the drinking and wastewater treatment systems in the United States are approaching the end of their life expectancy. At the same time, constant expansion of population and industrial activities are increasing demand for clean water, observes the analyst. Water infrastructure upgrades and wastewater reuse through membrane water treatment technology are likely to be adopted in order to resolve the demand-supply gap.
Increasing levels of product refinements are also providing the membrane elements market with positive growth opportunities. Pharmaceuticals and microelectronics manufacturing requires precise and reliable purification processes, therefore, these industries rely on advanced separation technologies such as membrane processes to ensure that product specifications are adequately met.
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