New reverse osmosis membranes to double impurity removal and produce ultrapure water from recycled wastewater

Toray Industries, announce the launch of its TBW-XHR series of reverse osmosis (RO) membrane elements, which are designed to double the efficiency of urea removal in ultrapure water production from recycled wastewater. The advanced membranes, now available for sale to domestic water treatment engineering companies, represent a significant step forward in producing ultrapure water for semiconductor manufacturing and other industries that require extremely high-water purity.

As global water shortages become more severe, semiconductor manufacturers are increasingly turning to recycled wastewater and seawater as alternative sources for ultrapure water. These industries, which consume vast amounts of ultrapure water, require advanced filtration technologies capable of removing a variety of impurities, including salts, silica, boron, urea, and alcohols. Urea, in particular, is a major challenge due to its small molecular size and neutral charge, which make it difficult to remove efficiently. This is especially critical in semiconductor manufacturing, where high levels of purity are needed for processes like photolithography.

Toray’s new TBW-XHR series is designed to address this challenge. The membranes utilise a newly developed manufacturing technology that enhances the removal of urea, boron, alcohols, and other substances, all while maintaining high water permeability at low pressure. Internal testing has shown that the urea removal efficiency of the TBW-XHR membranes is nearly 90%, a significant improvement over conventional systems, which typically remove much less. This level of efficiency helps ensure a stable and high-quality supply of ultrapure water needed for advanced semiconductor fabs, with urea levels reduced by half compared to traditional methods.

The TBW-XHR membranes are particularly valuable for producing ultrapure water from recycled wastewater, which often contains urea concentrations three times higher than those found in tap water. With the increasing demand for sustainable water sources, Toray’s innovation provides a solution that not only improves water quality but also supports the global transition to more circular and environmentally friendly water treatment practices.

In collaboration with recycling partners, including Stena Recycling in Europe and Ohio Drop Off in the United States, Toray ensures complete traceability for every part of the water treatment process. These partnerships also help provide transparency in sustainability reporting by offering certified assessments of the material properties of returned components. Additionally, Toray offers financial incentives for customers to exchange faulty parts for remanufactured or refurbished ones, further supporting sustainable practices.

Looking ahead, Toray plans to expand the application of its new membranes to other regions, including those using seawater desalination and wastewater reclamation systems. The company also aims to present the technology behind the TBW-XHR series at the upcoming International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) annual conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from December 8 to 12, 2024.

Toray’s broader mission includes advancing water treatment technologies that contribute to global sustainability. The company’s RO membranes, along with other water treatment solutions such as ultrafiltration membranes and membrane bioreactors, are key to tackling the growing challenges posed by water scarcity and pollution. As part of its commitment to sustainable development, Toray continues to innovate and market advanced materials that will help preserve natural resources and promote social progress.