Nano pore technology makes cost effective water production

‟Our starting point in the development of new manufacturing technology for nanoporous membranes has been to significantly reduce production costs," says Paronen. "Our research group has been open to exploring alternative manufacturing methods, and in this context we have benefited from combining our experiences and the scientific literature."

A popular solution for producing membranes with the nano-sized pores capability is the track etch method. Arcada’s newly developed nano pore technology is based partly on the same principle. With minor modifications, it permits production of membranes that can filter substances from water based on their size or chemical properties and transformed production economics to make it cost-effective. Arcada’s track etch membrane research group is also the first in the world to succeed in producing nano-sized pores using a method considered previously to be scientifically impossible.

The new production technology enables significant reductions in membrane prices and subsequently broadening future applications of membrane technologies. The largest volumes will most likely be seen in clean water production and in industrial process water treatment where, for example, the aim is to separate out valuable or hazardous substances.

The research group strives to further develop exceptionally innovative and cost-effective solutions, as well as improvements to energy and materials efficiency and health-related issues. The main premise is utilization of plastics and pure polymers in various forms and applications. These materials are advantageous due to their corrosion resistance, ease of shaping even on the nano-scale, and potential cost-effectiveness.

Membrane technologies, such as reverse osmosis, are vital in the water production and treatment processes. AQUA SOLUTIONS offers RO pretreatment systems with high production rates and high capacity frame mounted systems that allow for the removal of 95-99% of the contaminants in tap water, representing a cost-effective technology similar to nano pore membranes.