Liron Friedman (Technology Researcher at Fluence) then presented: firstly speaking to the structure of the MABR modules (Spirally wound V cassette) and then presenting performance data from the Bordeaux Plant (which has been producing 95 cubic m of water for the past year and a half.); including breakdown of energy costs.
Liron was the
only presenter to mention the Decentralised Wastewater Treatment market; laying out a cost benefit analysis over centralised treatment.
Finally, he answered a question about the potential for clogging and cleaning of the membranes (a bit of a problem with MBR systems apparently). He said there is no cleaning necessary (as the water doesn't actually pass through the membrane). He also said that they have not experienced issues with any of their projects and can't imagine it happening (unless done intentionally - like when researchers at EMC did intentionally clog a system a few years back - it was easily fixed by flushing the system overnight).
He was an impressive speaker. I'll post some of the screen shots below.
Final thoughts: Currently, Fluence, Oxymem and Zeelung are the only commercial players in MABR - there doesn't appear to be anyone else. We are witnessing the evolution of a completely disruptive solution for wastewater treatment (much like MBR in the early 2000's). The need for this technology is absolutely there - It's just a matter of proving the tech through enough case studies to break the back of the incumbents. When will the inflexion point be?
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