“The hub seeks to generate opportunities for the demonstration of membranes in real-life industrial problems”
In conjunction with 32 European partners, TECNALIA is developing a virtual and modelling laboratory to access a network of facilities and services that foster the development of membrane technology
Membrane technology encompasses a number of different separation processes that have the use of a membrane in common, whereby it acts as a semi-permeable barrier allowing some components to pass through while retaining others. This technology is one of the most rapidly developing processes in the field of industrial materials research. The technologies developed may be instrumental in addressing key challenges. They tackle issues such as climate change, water treatment, sustainability or increasing process efficiency.
Accelerating the development of membrane technologies
TECNALIA, along with a consortium of 32 partners within the framework of the four-year INNOMEM initiative, has led a European alliance to revolutionise the membrane technology sector. In this new phase, the Dutch centre EMI Twente will be in charge of coordinating the hub’s activity, which involves 6 partners: EMI Twente, Hereon, Fraunhofer, Caiotech, Vito and TECNALIA.
The initiative has a virtual open innovation test lab to access a network of facilities and services. It seeks to promote the development of this technology in different industrial processes. These developments are primarily aimed at SMEs to address their concerns with minimal investment costs and reduced risks associated with technology transfer.
This single entry point offers:
- A network of facilities and services in the application and development of membrane technology
- Advanced membrane development services
- Testing under different use conditions
- Modelling of membrane-based processes
Therefore, an organisation can turn to INNOMEM when it has a need related to membrane technology. A network of specialised centres throughout Europe will provide the service. This opens up opportunities for the demonstration of innovative membranes in real-life industrial problems and thus accelerates and creates a more effective route to the market for these new products.
Challenges addressed by INNOMEM
In addition to the development of technology, the initiative addresses social and environmental challenges, and focuses on areas such as climate change mitigation, water treatment, sustainability and increasing process efficiency. To do so, different examples of how membrane solutions can solve challenges in different sectors have been developed:
- Gas separation
- Water treatment
- Manufacture of pharmaceutical products
- Food processing
In addition to validating the technical feasibility and effectiveness of membrane solutions, these case studies provide valuable insights into practical challenges, as well as the economic feasibility of applying these technologies in industrial environments.
