R&D Tech
RedefiningWaterTreatmentWithNanotechnology
METASORB is focused on the two core components that shape membrane system performance: the membrane itself and the feed spacer that controls water movement through the channel.
Industry Problem
Why membrane systems lose efficiency.
Water treatment and desalination are among the most energy-intensive and operationally demanding processes on the planet. Membrane technologies face relentless fouling, cleaning pressure, and rapid performance loss under continuous operation.
High operating cost
Pressure-driven systems create major pumping-related OPEX across desalination and water treatment.
Fouling pressure
Membranes and spacers degrade faster when fouling builds up under continuous operation.
Chemical cleaning burden
Frequent cleaning cycles increase downtime, chemical consumption, and operational complexity.
Replacement demand
Material degradation shortens asset life and drives repeated membrane and system replacement.
Project Ignition — Spacer
Spacer-side fouling control.
Project Ignition focuses on the feed spacer — one of the main sources of biofouling build-up inside reverse osmosis systems.
Spacer-side fouling control
Targets the feed spacer, one of the primary sites of biofouling accumulation.
Reduced cleaning burden
Aims to reduce pressure drop, fouling build-up, and cleaning frequency.
Direct spacer coating
Uses METASORB’s patented antifouling coating applied directly to reverse osmosis feed spacers.
Early biofilm prevention
Combines a superhydrophobic air layer with antimicrobial action to stop biofilm formation early.
Project Phantom — Membrane
Membrane-side energy reduction.
Project Phantom focuses on lowering the energy burden of membrane systems by improving water transport through the membrane active layer.
Membrane-side energy reduction
Targets the membrane active layer where energy demand is determined.
Lower operating pressure
Focuses on reducing operating pressure while maintaining selectivity.
CSIRO-developed membrane
Developed with CSIRO as a next-generation thin-film nanocomposite membrane.
Improved water transport
Uses engineered nanomaterials to create more efficient water transport pathways.
