European Membrane House

A strong consortium..

MemBridge’s challenging objectives will be reached thanks to a strong multidisciplinary consortium of 16 partners with high-level expertise from Europe and Russia/NIS.

       1. European Membrane House (EMH), Belgium - Coordinator

 2. N.S. Kurnakov Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (IGIC RAS), Russia 

It is one of the leading Russian institutes in the field of inorganic and physical chemistry. More than 15 members of Russian Academy of Sciences are working here. The team pays significant attention to the solid state chemistry and to the physical chemistry of inorganic and composite membranes. A number of the inorganic membrane materials having high ionic conductivity (hydrogen and lithium) were obtained. The theory of proton conduction in hydrates of mineral acids and acid salts developed in this collective has changed representations about the mechanism of proton conduction and allowed to find the basic directions for the search of systems with high proton conductivity. A new approach for the directed synthesis of composite solid electrolytes with high ionic conductivity was developed on the basis of chemical surface modification and formation of composite materials by including nanoparticles of oxides or phosphates of polyvalent elements. A lot of new membrane materials with perovskite structure characterized by high electronic and ionic conductivity (ferrates, cobaltite, manganates) were synthesized. The scientists of Kurnakov Institute have significant experience in ion transport study. They had showed that defect formation process at solid interfaces leads to ion transport acceleration and an increase in ionic mobility.

     3. A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Russian Acedemy of Sciences (TIPS), Russia

It studies in membrane science and technology covering the following directions:

* Membrane catalysis and catalytic membrane reactors (including bio-reactors),

The membrane R&D in the Institute started in early 70s, later on these activities are carried out at Membrane Research Center (MRC) within the Institute. An important feature of MRC is that it includes all the necessary components for the development of membrane materials, membranes themselves, and separation processes. The laboratories of MRC are engaged in directed synthesis of polymers as prospected membrane materials, development of novel methods for membrane formation (membranes with nano-size and fractal structures), membrane materials studies including mathematical modeling and multi-scale simulation. A Database “Gas permeation parameters of polymers” was created (730 polymers); it enables us to predict the transport parameters of membrane materials on the basis of their chemical structure. An important direction of applied research is integrated systems for environmental protection.  

         4. Joint Stock Company Scientific and Technical Centre Vladipor (Vladipor),   Russia

Vladipor is the successor of NPO “Polymersintez” and MNTK “Membrany”, which were the leading institutions of the USSR in problems of development and creation of membranes and technological processes. 49% of the authorized capital of Vladipor is the intellectual property in immaterial goods, duly registered. The staff of Vladipor constitutes 106 people, including 38 researchers; there are between them four laureates of Russian Government’s award in the field of science and engineering. Vladipor is leading RTD organization in NIS being a largest manufacturer of pressure driven membranes and membrane MF, UF, NF and RO modules. Between the applications of techniquedeveloped at Vladipor, there are new types of composite polymeric membranes for recovery of heavy fraction of hydrocarbons from natural gas, casing-head gases and effluent gases of oil refineries; tubular filtering elements for purification of fruit and vegetable juices; composite membranes based on fluoroplast and filtering elements for purifying oils and fuels from trace mechanical contaminants, water and suspended sludges.

     5. A.V. Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography, Russian Academy of Sciences (Shubnikov Institut), Russia 

The Membrane Technology Department (MTD) of Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography, RAS, Moscow, is known as a research center in the field of track nanomembranes on international level. The research axes comprise:

* The structure of swift ion tracks in polymers and inorganic crystals,

* The mechanism of pore forming in irradiated polymers under track chemical etching process,

* The surface properties and their effect on track nanomembrane operational properties,

* The development of track nanomembranes appropriate to template nanostructures,

* The modeling and simulation of membrane separation processes,

* The applications of track nanomembranes.

In Russia, MTD is working in close collaboration with Flerov laboratory of nuclear reactions of Joint institute for nuclear research (Dubna), Topchiev institute of petrol- chemical synthesis of RAS, State scientific center of RF Leypunskiy physical-power institute (Obninsk), Ioffe physical-technical institute of RAS (St.-Petersburg), Tomsk polytechnic institute (Tomsk). There are many links with foreign scientific organizations in USA, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Poland, Belgium, China, Japan, and Korea.Shubnikov Institute provides the Russian National Contact Point for the third thematic priority of the Sixth Framework Programme "Nanotechnologies and nanosciences, knowledge-based multifunctional materials and new production processes and devices" (FP6-NMP).

    6. Kuban State University (KubSU), Russia 

The Membrane Institute at Kuban State University (KubSU) (Krasnodar) is known by its contribution to fundamental as well as applied aspects of electromembrane processes.  There is equipment and long-term experience in ion-exchange membrane synthesis and modification, in experimental and theoretical study of transport phenomena in membrane systems. Many efforts were applied in improving experimental measuring methods and elaborating cells for electrochemical measurements and membrane characterisation. There is a group of applied mathematicians who develop methods specially intended for resolving transport problems in membrane systems. Numerical and analytical methods have been elaborated for treating the problems based on the Nernst-Planck, Poisson and Navier-Stokes equations in 2D. There are several softwares developed: a data base on ion-exchange membrane properties accumulating the data for more than 40 different membranes fabricated by all leading companies; a data base on results of ED and EDI stacks characterisation permitting to compare different apparatuses and make the simulations/predictions; a tool for modelling the ED processes of natural waters treatment; and other. The team is working as well in applied areas by using ED and EDI for treating natural waters and for other applications.

    7. MEGA a.s. (MEGA), Czech Republic 

       8. MTB Technologies Sp. Z o.o (MTB), Poland 

MTB was established in 2002. From the beginning MTB has been concentrated on development of liquid filtration solutions including especially membrane and depth filtration. The staff has more than 16 years of experience in filtration business. Effects of the long time experience are the highest quality products manufactured by us and professional selection of solutions. MTB Technologies production profile includes filtration systems, membrane modules, membranes and filter cartridges. The company designs, assembly, commission and service complete, computer controlled, membrane filtration systems for liquids. The staff has experience mainly but not only in liquid food processing, dairy industry, water processing and waste water purification. Water purification mobile systems for disaster aid and submerged filtration installations are their new products. Very sophisticated products are MTB complete membrane modules for microfiltration. They are suitable for numerous industrial applications ranging from water purification to biotechnology. Manufactured by MTB capillary polypropylene membranes for microfiltration represent the latest development in filtration technology. Absolute and nominal rated depth filter cartridges are produced by MTB using an advanced, melt blown technology. These are widely used items for different applications. 

       9. Aquamarijn Micro Filtration BV (Aquamarijn), The Netherlands 

Aquamarijn Micro Filtration is a Dutch company which is engaged in developing micro filtration membranes based on semiconductor fabrication technology. Aquamarijn is also very active in the development of microstructured polymeric flat sheet and capillary membranes in close collaboration with the University of Twente. Both type of membranes open up a whole new area of filtration applications that have not been possible before: separation of cells or particles on size; low pressure filtration thereby minimising fouling rate; a low internal membrane volume thus no protein loss during processing; an extremely smooth membrane surface that declines the anchoring of cells or fouling to it. An application on beer clarification has been pursued with Grolsch since 1997. Milk filtration experiments started since 2000 with Friesland Coberco Foods. Currently Aquamarijn works towards microstructured capillary membranes for ultrafiltration of water together with the Membrane Technology Group of the University of Twente. Also new applications came across: the membranes enabled users to generate monodisperse droplets, either to study emulsification processes or to generate aerosols.

      10. Céramiques Techniques et Industrielles S.A. (CTI), France 

CTI is born in 1990. The first aim of the society was the manufacture of porous ceramic supports and membranes for ultra and microfiltration. Then the activity of the society has grown up and now CTI is specialized in perfecting the design of a wide range of technical ceramics often porous, whose applications are mainly in environment, filtration and catalysis fields.

     11. Membrane Technology Innovation Enterprise (MTIE), Russia

Мembrane Technology Innovation Enterprise (MTIE) forms part of the Technological Park of Kuban State University. MTIE acts the role of connecting-link between the researchers of the Membrane Institute at the Kuban State University and industrials. The enterprise realizes the transfer of new knowledge into electromembrane technology.

The main direction of activities is the development of experimental-industrial pilot electromembrane units and the short-run production of electrodialysis apparatuses (including bipolar membranes) for water desalination and deionization, electrolyte concentration, producing acid and alkaline solutions. As well, MTIE carries out experimental and technological development in the field of electromembrane technology; assures after-sale service of working electromembrane units, and organizes student probation and training. MTIE has developed and protected by 18 Russian patents several new technologies :

* Free chemical electromembrane technology of producing different types of waters: deionized and high purity water, the makeup water for heat-and-power engineering,

* Electromembrane technology for treatment of condensate of ammonium nitrate in nitrate fertilizer industry,

      12. Regional Inter-branch Centre Yugtechinform (YTI), Russia

      13. Membrane Technologies C.A. (MTCA), Kazakhstan

The former NIS Asiatic Republics and the Republic of Kazakhstan, en particular, enter an arid region where the resources of potable water are limited. The desalination of salty and brackish underground waters is almost a unique way to resolve the problem of drinking water. The Kazakhstan Company Membrane Technologies C.A. (MTCA) has been created in 1996 especially for the solution of water problems. MTCA specializes in R&D and manufactures different types of electrodialysis (ED) and reverse osmosis (RO) units ranging from the household appliances to the plants for water desalination and disinfection of large capacity for industrial use. The plants are of different types including those of the container type specially designed for small and medium settlements, which are developed in the framework of the Republican program “Potable waters”. Constructions and process sheets of the units possess corresponding certificates, specifications and are protected with the defensive documents of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

MTCA proposes a number of services, accounting for the needs of each client, including development and manufacturing of the equipment for purification, desalination and disinfection of natural and industrial waste waters, as well as installation of the equipment, training of the personnel of the client and technical maintenance during the whole exploitation period of the equipment.

     14. DECHEMA Gesellschaft für Chemische Technik und Biotechnologie e.V. (DECHEMA), Germany

The DECHEMA (Society for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology) is a non-profit making scientific and technical society based in Frankfurt on Main. It was founded in 1926. Nowadays it has over 5000 private and institutional members. Its aim is to promote research and technical advances in the areas of chemical engineering, biotechnology and environmental protection.

Its work is interdisciplinary, with scientists, engineers, and technologists working together under one roof. Experts from science, business, and government departments cooperate in working parties and subject divisions. This is the strongest society in Europe and it holds a leader position in the framework of the European Federation of Chemical Engineering (EFCE – 25,000 members). It has today a specific interest in membrane technologies. Through it, tight contacts may be expected with the largest chemical companies in Europe and the SUSCHEM platform, the European Technology Platform for Sustainable Chemistry. This platform brings together a wide spectrum of organizations and individuals, looking to boost sustainable chemistry, industrial biotechnology and chemical engineering research, development and innovation in Europe.

15. Russian Technology Transfer Network (RTNN), Russia

The Russian Technology Transfer Network was founded in 2002. It is an association of 62 Russian Innovation Centres from 25 regions of Russia and CIS, specialized in technology transfer area. The RTTN is an innovation infrastructure tool, aimed at effective dissemination of technological information and partner search for implementation of innovation projects. RTTN’s mission is assistance to development of innovation business and to commercialization of science-intensive technologies in Russia: technology transfer between the science sector and industry, as well as between different industries; partner search for co-operation in development and commercialization of new high-tech products.

The network architecture of RTTN is based on adapted methodologies of the EU IRC Network, thus allowing an easy exchange of technological information with the European Innovation Relay Centres. RTTN members are SMEs and big companies, academic and industrial R&D institutes, universities, individuals, engaged in promotion of technological information and partner search. The networking is aimed at searching Russian and foreign partners and establishment of technological co-operation between the interested parties (technology seller and buyer) with the purpose of further commercialization of technology. Partner search and establishment of co-operation is achieved through matching of existing technology offers with identified market technology requests. Technology offers and requests (TO-TRs) from RTTN partners and clients are presented in the form of structured questionnaires (profiles). The profile gives to potential partners a notion of the offered/requested technology, its technical and commercial advantages, innovation aspects, intellectual property rights and the type of partnership sought.

      16. Université Montpellier 2 Sciences et Techniques (UM2), France

UM2 will be represented also by the members of the UMR5635 “Institute Européen des Membranes" between the “Université Montpellier 2 Sciences et Techniques”, the “Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique”, and the National Chemistry School of Montpellier. It specializes in the experimental and theoretical study of membranes and membrane processes