R&D Activites at Singapore Membrane Technology Center: From Laboratory to Commercialization

The Singapore Membrane Technology Centre (SMTC) under the Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI), at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) of Singapore, was established in January 2008 to do fundamental and applied research in membrane technology. In particular, it has a mission to be a world-class research centre in membranes for the environment, water, energy and cleaner production. This is achieved through combining multidisciplinary talents at NTU as well as working closely with government institutions, other universities and industry partners to bring the outcomes of the research activities to larger scale through collaborative projects.

The SMTC’s objectives are (1) Research & Development: research with links to industry and international community; (2) Education & Training: to produce PhDs and Researchers in membranes technology; and (3) Industry & Application: to act as incubator for novel membrane technology. The fundamental and applied research topics including:

• Novel Membranes – based on advanced material science and nanomaterials including biomimetic, forward osmosis, pressure retarded osmosis, low pressure nanofiltration, membrane distillation membranes;
• Enhanced Module & System Design – improved performance through hydrodynamic modeling, module design optimization via 3D printing technology, multi-stage approach;
• Fouling Control – novel control and cleaning strategies towards lower chemical usage, antifouling surfaces;
• Characterization – non-invasive and online biofilm and scale sensors for smart membrane system;
• Energy from Brines – harvesting of chemical potential energy using pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) technology;
• Novel Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) and Energy – forward osmosis MBR, membrane distillation MBR, anaerobic MBR, extractive MBR, fluidized bed MBR;
• CO₂ Separation – biogas upgrade and GHG capture with membrane contactor;
• Cleaner Production – membranes for bio-pharmaceutical, food, petrochemical, electronic industries.

This presentation will show cases of SMTC’s R&D efforts from laboratory study to commercialization.