Research Overview
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 Frost & Sullivan 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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