Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Nanofiltration is a pressure-driven, membrane-based separation process whose
characteristics fall between those of ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis.
Nanofiltration membranes were first introduced during the late 1970s, for
water filtration and purification. However, starting in the early 1990s, the
number of research activities resulting in patent applications and issued
patents has increased rapidly, by a factor of six, leading to the development
of innovative materials, advanced properties, and an increased number of
applications spanning many industrial sectors.
The growing interest in the utilization of nanofiltration membranes primarily
stems from their unique physical properties, making them particularly well
suited for specific applications, as a low-cost alternative (both in terms of
unit price and operating costs) to reverse osmosis.
The primary reason for doing this study is to establish a market overview of
the nanofiltration membrane industry by quantifying sales of these products
based on their types and fields of application.
There is also a need to evaluate the current status and future trends of the
nanofiltration membrane industry from a global standpoint. As use of this
technology expands, information-on regional production, sales, and type of
suppliers-becomes more valuable.
An equally important reason for performing this study is to supply a review of
the fabrication methods used for manufacturing nanofiltration membranes, to
identify current technical issues, and to illustrate the latest technological
developments and their impact on market expansion.
SCOPE OF STUDY
This report:
- Projects global market opportunities for nanofiltration through the year
2012.
- Analyzes markets for applications in food, textiles, caustic cleaning
solutions, recycling of acid solutions, water treatment and processing,
antibiotics and many other key market segments.
- Profiles the important manufacturers, discusses key technologies and
documents key factors driving demand trends.
- Includes government regulations, industry structure, major companies and
market shares, trends in price and price/performance.
- Analysis patents, provides R&D update and complete company profiles.
METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES
The technology section of this report is based on information derived from
technical literature, related BCC' s reports, professional journals, author' s
field experience, and online sources.
Global market analysis was performed by analyzing 25 suppliers of
nanofiltration membranes, accounting for at least 98% of the global market.
Data for each company were obtained by thoroughly analyzing SEC filings,
Internet Web sites, annual reports, industry directories, industry magazines
and catalogs, government sources, and other public sources.
Additional data were obtained from the direct contribution of primary sources,
including: company executives, managers, engineers and other technical
personnel representing manufacturers of nanofiltration membranes and process
equipment; representatives of academia and trade associations; and industry
market analysts.
Secondary sources of information include:
- EDGAR-U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissions Filings
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- European Patent Office
- Company Web Sites
- Company Annual Reports
- Thomas Registers
- Moody' s Directory
- S & P Industry Survey
- Dun & Bradstreet Business Directory
- Foreign Chamber of Commerce Directories
- Foreign Stock Exchange Listings
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