Abstract
Overcoming Skepticism about MBR Key to Increase Deployment
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Membrane bioreactors (MBR) became commercially available over ten years ago,
but in the last couple of years, the market has really begun to show some
significant growth. Initially, prospective customers were put off by high costs
and the perception that the technology had a complexity that needed excellent
operating skills, unfamiliar maintenance, and high levels of labor requisites.
However, in recent years, the technology has been redesigned and greatly refined
by several manufacturers including Zenon Environmental, Kubota (through its
licensees), Ionics/Mitsubishi Rayon, U.S. Filter, Aqua-Aerobics/Pall
Corporation, and Norit X-flow. Therefore, it now has several advantages over
more conventional technologies, including a smaller footprint, better solids
removal, and lower sludge retention time. The biggest challenge for
participating companies is to convince decision makers in wastewater facilities
about the efficiency of MBRs and the benefits they offer.
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This Frost & Sullivan research service presents an overall view of the
MBR market structure in the United States and Canada and the way it is expected
to develop toward the end of 2010. It also analyzes the market by technology and
end-user sectors and calculates market shares to enable strategic modeling and
decision-making.
Growing Population Demands Expansion of Treatment Facilities
The United States has an estimated population of 269 million, of which 77
percent lives in areas serviced by wastewater treatment facilities. According to
the most recent EPA Needs Survey, these plants, totaling about 16,500, are
expected to grow to 17,022 by 2007 to accommodate the needs of a growing
population. "Though new treatment plants are being built, another option
being considered is that of pumping waste from smaller communities to larger
municipalities when it proves cost-efficient," says the analyst. This move
is likely to expand larger facilities and boost demand for wastewater treatment
equipment. The modular nature and ease-of-use of MBRs are perfect for meeting
their needs.
Besides this major driver, the current water shortage is making water reuse
and recycling critical in certain regions, positively influencing the water
treatment market. Enforcement of stricter regulations regarding water use and
conservation is compelling industries, communities, and agricultural end users
to reappraise issues relating to effluent discharge and sewage treatment.
Moreover, as the public becomes increasingly aware of the potential negative
effects of treating water with chemicals, municipal and industrial sectors are
turning their attention to membrane-based technologies. The market is also being
driven by the need for small scale, on-site plants for use by communities and
industries.
Growth Opportunities in MBR Markets Likely to Attract Entrants
Higher acceptance of MBRs as well as greater scope for replacement and
retrofitting of older wastewater plants are expanding the customer base. With
the increasing use of MBRs, leading participants are entering into partnerships
that are bound to prove exceedingly fruitful. For example, the collaborations
between Pall & Aqua Aerobics and Ionics & Mitsubishi Rayon should prove
beneficial in future, with all companies being strong players in the overall
water and wastewater treatment industry in North America. As MBRs become a
mainstream technology, the market – currently in the development stage
– is likely to attract numerous entrants.
"As industrial waste discharge becomes more regulated, the additional
treatment can make it easier for companies to reuse their treated water instead
of discharging it," says the analyst. Though there are some restraints due
to excessive costs of membrane bioreactors and high maintenance requirements,
technology improvements and eventual price reduction can help participants tide
over this challenge.
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