2024 marks a turning point in the water industry, driven by stricter regulations (e.g., PFAS limits in the EU) and advances in AI. We analyze the 5 trends that will redefine the industry:

Antifouling Technology for Membranes: New graphene and nanoceramic coatings reduce the adhesion of bacteria and minerals on RO membranes, extending their lifetime from 3 to 7 years. Companies such as Dow Chemical are already testing these materials in pilot plants.

Generative AI in Process Optimization: Platforms like AquaGPT analyze historical data to predict failures, adjust chemical dosages and suggest improvements in real time. Example: A plant in Singapore reduced the use of antiscalants by 25% through AI recommendations.

Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) 2.0:

Hybrid systems (evaporation + crystallization) achieve ZDL with 40% less energy. Case Study: A pharmaceutical company in Switzerland treats 500 m³/day without generating waste, recovering salts for resale.

PFAS removal with Advanced Nanofiltration: Adjustable molecular size membranes capture PFASs and microplastics, even at ppt (parts per billion) concentrations. The EPA already requires this level in the U.S. by 2025.

In 2022, Pure Water collaborated with Coca-Cola Beverages Africa to bring clean water to 10 rural villages in Kitui County (Kenya), a region with recurring droughts and critical salinity levels in wells. The objective: to install self-sufficient purification systems combining reverse osmosis and solar energy.

Technical and Social Challenges:

High salinity (TDS > 4,500 ppm): local wells exceeded 10 times the WHO safe limit.

Lack of infrastructure: No electricity or paved roads for equipment transport. Community Training: Ensure residents could operate and maintain systems.

Innovative Implementation:

Hybrid System Design: 5 solar RO units with lithium batteries, capable of treating 10,000 liters/day each. High solids tolerance membranes, with multimedia filtration pretreatment for sand and sediment.

Adapted Logistics:

Use of drones to map terrain and transport in all-terrain trucks with demountable kits. Partnerships with local NGOs for safe storage of equipment.

In an increasingly competitive industrial environment, reducing costs without sacrificing quality is a priority. Water purification systems, traditionally seen as a fixed cost, have become a strategic lever to optimize operations. This article explores how technologies such as reverse osmosis (RO) with IoT and modular nanofiltration can generate significant savings, backed by case studies and concrete data.

Common Challenges in Industrial Plants:

High energy consumption: obsolete pumps and systems driving up electricity bills. Chemical waste: Treatment costs and environmental risks due to excessive use of antiscalants or disinfectants. Unplanned shutdowns: Membrane or sensor failures that stop production lines.

Key Technology Solutions:

RO Systems with Intelligent Monitoring: IoT sensors measure pressure, flow and TDS (total dissolved solids) in real time, automatically adjusting performance to reduce energy by up to 35%.
Example: A textile mill in India reduced its electricity consumption from 8.2 kWh/m³ to 5.3 kWh/m³ after installing our variable frequency drives (VFD) pumps.

Wastewater Recovery:

Closed-loop technologies allow reuse of up to 90% of wash water in secondary processes, decreasing dependence on external sources. Case: A bottling plant in Mexico saved $150,000 USD per year by treating and reusing 2 million liters/month of effluent.