Membrane-based water & wastewater treatment systems are gaining interest globally as the most efficient solution for purification and filtration needs, according to a study by Frost & Sullivan. Asia-Pacific, the Americas and Europe are expected to maintain their strong market position, with Asia-Pacific, in particular, seeing substantial growth fueled by dynamic industrialization and population increase.
The global membrane-based water & wastewater treatment market earned revenue of $5.54 billion in 2012, and Frost estimates this to reach $12.07 billion in 2020. Research and development efforts have led to advancements in membrane filtration, while global water scarcity, owing to a burgeoning population, rising water pollution, and economic development, has added to the demand for membrane-based water and wastewater treatment technologies.
However, membrane technologies are considered an expensive alternative to conventional systems and often used only for problematic applications, according to Frost. Its energy-intensive nature contributes to the already-high costs, indicating the need for low-pressure membranes that reduce energy consumption and still provide high-quality treatment.
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Easy operation and maintenance, compliance with industry standards, longer life span, affordability, and wider application possibilities are other customer requirements. Moreover, end-user specialization in membrane separation systems is crucial for significant market growth.
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