LANXESS launches desalination technology

SPECIALITY chemicals company, LANXESS launched the Lewabrane seawater reverse osmosis membranes at the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW), held from 2-4 June 2014. This technology adds to the company’s range of water treatment solutions, which include the Lewatit range of ion exchange resins and LewaPlus software design tool which incorporates both ion exchange resin and reverse osmosis systems in water treatment plant designs. 

Focusing on Asia, LANXESS sees the need for seawater desalination as an alternative source of water in the region where methods of groundwater extraction coupled with increasing population sizes has raised concerns of the ‘sinking city effect’ in some countries. One such city is Jakarta which is 40% below sea level, and has a fast-rising population.

“Adding seawater desalination capabilities to our solutions portfolio is key to LANXESS’ growth as a leading water solutions provider. Asia is strategically important to us, and there is no better place than Singapore - a well-known hydrohub - to launch our newest addition to the Lewabrane range of membranes”, said Alexander Scheffler, director, Membrane Business, Liquid Purification Technologies business unit of LANXESS.