Membrion, Inc.

Membrion is a 2016 spin-out from the laboratories of the University of Washington (UW). Membrion's technology was developed at the University of Washington by Professor Lilo Pozzo & Dr. Greg Newbloom. The company is commercializing membrane technology designed to filter molecules for multiple applications. The company's technology filters molecules under any conditions, including hot, cold, acidic, caustic, and vacuum. The technology is biologically sensitive and is made from environmentally friendly silica gel.

The use of silica gel allows Membrion to develop a novel class of commercial ceramic membranes. This technology converts highly absorbent, small-pore silica gel into flexible ceramic membranes that can be engineered to meet a range of needs, including for solutions in water purification, pharmaceutical purification, batteries, and fuel cells.

The ion exchange membrane, developed by Membrion, uses a cation and anion membrane that allows users to recover 98 percent of water passing through the membrane, while removing waste. This allows the membrane to remove heavy metals in low pH and oxidizing environment or demineralize oily water at high temperatures and can allow water treatment plants to remove thermal treatment, chemical precipitation, or offsite water removal.

Furthermore, this ceramic ion exchange membrane is developed using silica, an abundant natural material, which offers the ceramic material long life with its performance advantages, making it a sustainable material. As well, the material is manufactured with a roll-to-roll processing to make the polymer desalination membranes economical as well.

Example of Membrion's ceramic membrane being manufactured.

The benefits of such a membrane include lower fouling rates for longer lasting membranes and reduced need for cleanings, higher water recovery rates, capability to operate at temperatures exceeding 60 degrees Celsius (140 degree Fahrenheit), lower electricity costs for processing, and ability to remove dozens of salts, minerals and dissolved metals.

Membrion's ceramic ion exchange membranes can be used across industries, including in microelectronics, in oil and gas, and in food and beverage industries. The treatment capabilities of the membranes include the treatment of heavy metal wastewater, concentrated brine streams, and high temperature wastewater or produced water.

The ceramic membrane is capable of being included inside electrodialysis reversal processes, which can, according to Membrion, maximize the efficiency of waste streams for brackish water, produced water, heavy metal wastewater, and concentrated brine.