Enpar's DeSEL to be put to test by Singapore Utilities
2007-05-25 06:17 MT - News Release
Dr. Gene Shelp reports
ENPAR DESEL UNITS TO BE TESTED BY SINGAPORE UTILITIES INTERNATIONAL
Singapore Utilities International Pte. Ltd. (SUI) of Singapore is to test Enpar Technologies Inc.'s DesEL system for the recovery of water from brine concentrate that is produced by conventional membrane-type water treatment systems.
SUI is a wholly owned subsidiary of the public utilities board (PUB) of Singapore. Its mission is to support the functions of the PUB, using expertise in state-of-the-art water treatment technology.
SUI employs the expertise of its own Centre of Advanced Water Technology (CAWT) to develop and consider for commercialization, novel technologies that can assist its clients in supplying and recycling water for, or treating waste water from, industrial and manufacturing operations.
Capacitive deionization technology is currently being considered for recovery of water in the reject brines that are produced with membrane-based water treatment systems such as reverse osmosis. As much as 30 per cent of the treated water can end up in the waste stream.
Dr. Gene Shelp, president and chief executive officer for Enpar, stated: "This is an exciting opportunity for collaboration with a leader in recycling and reuse of process water. In contrast to conventional disposal of the brine, Enpar's DesEL system should recover greater than 90 per cent of the water. In countries such as Singapore, where affordable water is in limited supply, recycling and reuse are becoming important management tools."
SUI has purchased two DesEL units for testing. Both parties understand that a successful test program shall lead to a business relationship that explores water opportunities in Singapore and other regions of Asia. A non-disclosure agreement between Enpar and SUI has been signed.
It is reported that recycled water will meet a third of its water supply needs by 2011. Historically, Singapore has imported much of its water from neighbouring Malaysia, but is currently moving toward self-sufficiency through the opening of a series of recycled water plants. Last month, Singapore opened its fourth and largest recycled water plant, which can produce up to 32 million gallons of recycled water daily. With the addition of the new plant, it is reported that Singapore now meets up to 15 per cent of its water supply needs with recycled water.
According to market reports the global industrial water recycling and reuse equipment market is expected to expand tremendously in the near future. With increasing water costs, as well as strict regulations regarding waste disposal and resource consumption, a convincing economic business case for industrial water recycling and reuse is likely to emerge.
