Scientific Seminar / Webinar - By Prof Robert Field, University of Oxford

A set of three associated items that are intended to be appreciated together is called a triptych. Now one cannot respond effectively to the environmental challenges around water without appreciating the role played by membranes, and equally an appreciation of membranes is essential if the benefits of water re-use are to be established. For recycling and re-using water, satisfactory processes already exist. However, are further changes necessary? Indeed, can one anticipate very significant changes? There is the classic tension between operating at high permeate fluxes, which enhances fouling but reduces capital costs, and operating at lower fluxes which increases capital costs.