NAMS 2002 Workshop - ICOM 2008

separation quality (10 µS/cm) and module integrity; however flux performance
and energy efficiency were still quite low.
A second pilot - equipped with the second generation of modules - operated for 4
months at E.ON Benelux - in the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands (October
2006 - January 2007) with promising results. A mean distillate flux of 2.7 l/h.m 2 or
a distillate flow of 800 l/h (300 m 2 ) has been measured during the 4 months test
trial. At start-up, an energy consumption of 120-150 MJ/m 3 was registered,
increasing over time likely due to some fouling.
Currently, this pilot is being revamped for a third field test at the waste
incineration plant of AVR, again situated in the Port of Rotterdam, the
Netherlands. New modules were manufactured and installed - allowing higher
cross-flows and higher energy efficiency. In addition, this pilot trial will focus on
fouling issues and is scheduled for the coming six months, starting from March
2008 onwards. Preliminary cost assessments for large scale desalination show
that Memstill costs come close or even equal RO sea water desalination costs.
Because significant improvement of performance and decreasing production
costs can be expected in coming years, Memstill technology should be subject to
a further cost reduction. In addition, future increasing cost discrepancy can be
expected in favor of Memstill as electricity costs are assumed to rise steadily in
the coming years.
In this presentation an overview of the main results and improvements based on
previous & current pilot trials will be given. Performance data like flux, energy
consumption, distillate quality and fouling will be discussed. Finally, an outlook on
further development work, product improvement and the preparation of the
commercialization will be briefly presented.
Acknowledgement The Memstill development was supported by the Netherlands E.E.T. program.
The Memstill consortium comprises Keppel Seghers,TNO, EMF, WTH, Twente University, E.ON
Benelux,Heineken International, Evides, Amsterdam Waternet. The Memstill development was
also supported by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) of
Singapore.