Super Ultra-low Pressure RO Membrane and Modules for POU Applications

10:15-11:00

Shinshu University

Prof. Morinobu Endo

【Profile】

Prof. Dr. Morinobu Endo studied electrical engineering at Shinshu University in Nagano, Japan. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Orleans, France in 1975, and Ph.D. in Engineering from Nagoya University in 1978. In his doctor thesis, he developed the synthesis method of carbon nanotubes, and showed a tubular structure of carbon for the first time in 1976. In 1990, he became a professor of the Department of Electrical Engineering, Shinshu University. His present post is a Distinguished University Professor of Shinshu University. His current interests are science and technology of nanocarbons such as carbon nanotubes, graphene and the development of high-performance energy storage devices (lithium-ion battery, electric double layer capacitor and fuel cell) based on the advanced "nanocarbons". He has been studying also on multifunctional composites of the nanocarbons for wide range of applications as the robust reverse osmosis membrane to clean water and seawater desalination.

【Abstract】

According to UNISEF, 300,000 children die each year with contaminated water, and 3 billion people who cannot wash their hands by water at home are under the risk of various infectious diseases.
The infrastructure of tap water is not yet sufficiently developed in the world. Contamination of tap water has been often reported even in the developed countries. One of the solutions for water problems is water-
purifier system using reverse osmosis (RO) membrane for POU. For POU applications, the RO membrane function is required to be useful by off-grid and also at very low pressure operation as tap water of 0.2 ~ 0.3 MPa. We have successfully developed an ultra-super-low pressure RO membrane for POU, based on the seawater desalination membrane by the COI project. Here, on such super ultra-low pressure RO membrane and modules for POU, the membrane structure, the operation mechanism and water purification performance of the spiral modules will be shown.

Shindai Crystal as the solution to Africa’s water problems

The chemistry of purifying water using high performance ion-exchange filtration and the flux technique behind the production of high-quality inorganic crystals

11:00-11:45

Shinshu University

Prof. Katsuya Teshima

【Profile】

After working as an assistant and then associate professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Shinshu University from 2005, Katsuya Teshima has been a full professor (now Distinguished Professor) since 2011. He also serves as Special Assistant to the President and Director of the Research Initiative for Supra-Materials. Professor Teshima has led large-scale projects such as the MEXT Regional Innovation and Ecosystem Formation Program and JST-CREST, while pursuing a research path that has led him from the initial creation of crystalline materials using the flux method to their implementation both in Japan and in the developing world. He has published more than 300 scientific papers, books and articles , and has obtained more than 100 patents, and is the CTO of the Shinshu University Certified Venture Verne Crystal Co Ltd.

【Abstract】

In parts of East Africa, dissolved fluorine in the groundwater used for drinking poses serious risks to human health. We propose a solution to this problem that involves the use of "Shindai Crystal", a crystalline material, produced by the flux method, that has already been utilized in environmental protection and energy conservation. The inorganic, ion-exchange crystals have proved to be highly efficient at removing toxic ions, such as heavy metal ions, fluoride ions and nitrate/nitrite ions, from water. The crystals’ high levels of performance on measures of ion selectivity and exchange capacity, along with the speed of ion exchange achieved, has enabled the creation of simple water purification devices. In Japan, "Shindai Crystal" has become associated with new products in various sectors, including the brewing industry. In East Africa, we have designed and installed a small-scale, slow filtration system equipped with the new "Shindai Crystal" technology and FS are now under way.