카타르국립대학교 공업대학(Qatar University College of Engineering)이 석유·화학 분야의 대기업인 코노코필립스(ConocoPhillips)의 글로벌 물 지속가능성 센터(Global Water Sustainability Centre)와 함께 저탄소 담수화 기술 및 멤브레인 증류를 개발했다. 비즈니스 매체 월드폴리오(Worldfolio)의 보도에 따르면 카타르의 수전력 기업(QEWC, Qatar Water and Electricity Company)과 파트너십을 체결함에 따라 QEWC 의 Ras Bou Fantas는 전력 플랜트에서 멤브레인 증류의 시범 플랜트에 대한 권한을 갖는다.

 

이번 공정은 80ºC의 물에서 분리된 증기에 소수성 멤브레인을 이용해 저기압 상태에서 염수를 공급한다.

 

 

 

Researchers at Qatar University College of Engineering, in collaboration with a team from petrochemical giant, ConocoPhillips' Global Water Sustainability Centre, have developed low-carbon desalination technology, membrane distillation.

 

According to a report in business publication, The Worldfolio, the researchers, in partnership with Qatar Water and Electricity Company (QEWC) - have commissioned a membrane distillation test plant at QEWC's Ras Bou Fantas power and desalination facility. The process uses a hydrophobic membrane to separate vapour from a saline feed water at temperatures below 80ºC and low pressure.

 

Early results, The Worldfolio reported, have indicated a need to improve the membrane's characteristics for long-term deployment, the researchers have reported. They have highlighted also a need for greater exploitation of sources of low-grade heat such as those found in association with chemical processes.

 

The research is led by CENG professor of chemical engineering, Dr Farid Benyahia. The project was supported by Qatar University and funded by ConocoPhillips.

 

It is part of an agreement signed in October 2011 between Qatar University and the Global Water Sustainability Centre, aimed at helping the university to build capacity in research in membrane distillation.

 

[출처 = Desalination & Water Reuse / 2016년 4월 5일]