Water Cycle Newsletter-March 2015

The Water Cycle

March 2015

Minnesota's Deep Roots in Membrane Technology

Minnesotans know our state has both a fresh water legacy and innovation culture, but how many are aware that we were on the forefront of water purification technology? Since the late 1960s Minnesota was a key area in the advancement of modern membrane technology. In 1972, Midwest Research gained federal grants aimed at new ways to desalt seawater, and in 1978 the inventing researchers from its North Star division founded Filmtec Inc. This company commercialized the single biggest advance in reverse osmosis technology (RO) to this day. Meanwhile, Osmonics was founded in 1969 in the garage of a recent college grad, and moved three times locally to expand its ability in basic manufacturing and simultaneously develop new uses and markets for RO membrane technology. Osmonics also pioneered and nanofiltration and ultrafiltration, closely related water treatment technology. Very few people today recall that in 1978, completely by coincidence, the two pioneering companies’ loading docks were within a stone’s throw -- they faced each other across a railroad track in new industrial parks in Minnetonka. The healthy growth rates of these two companies were due to their technical innovations, which include both improved products and developing new applications. Each became so attractive they are now the core pieces of Dow Water and Process Solutions (1985) and GE Water and Process Technology (2003). These giants not only kept their manufacturing in Minnesota, but expanded it to the point that, most probably, more RO membrane is produced here than anywhere else in the world.

But more should be said about the membrane-Minnesota connection. Most of the employees of these pioneering companies were homegrown, with many of the scientists, engineers, applications specialists and sales personnel coming fresh out of the U of MN or state college system. Many key innovators also came from the local labor pool, which included people both experienced in similar areas, and willing to be taught (and invent) outside their training. A large group of these workers stayed on in Filmtec/Dow and Osmonics/GE, or moved on to other Minnesota businesses, including everything from air filtration to aeration to kidney dialysis. Today, the city of Minnetonka alone is home to one of the big five membrane manufacturers, to a research company developing membrane surface treatments, and to a full spectrum consultancy, all working to expand the use of membrane technology throughout the world. 

Both local and global growth continues. As you read this, more Minnesota companies are adding membrane technology to their repertoire and expanding their water treatment businesses, and outside concerns are locating new start-ups in Minnesota, due in no small part due to this experienced labor pool and culture of innovation. Minnesota was not only important to the birth of the most dynamic water treatment technology, but continues to add that field at a healthy rate today.

Author David Paulson is a partner of Membrane Partners LCC and Water Think Tank, LLC.  He was a featured speaker at the March 3 Roundtable on Membrane Technologies and Applications.


Water Mission to China

Mark your calendar for June 7-13. The U.S.-China Cleantech Center (UCCTC) is offering a water mission led by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce and senior officials from the U.S. and Chinese government. Join the mission to take advantage of high demand in China for water-related U.S. technologies and to meet potential partners and customers. For more information, contact Jeff Horowitz. 


Upcoming Events

German Water Tech Delegation May 18-22

A delegation of German water tech firms will visit Minnesota the week of May 18-22; the main event will be a seminar on advanced technologies and best practices from Germany on May 19.  More to come.  

Global Water Challenges and Minnesota Business: Values, Risks, Opportunities  

The University of St. Thomas Center for Ethical Business Cultures offers this event with high-level speakers from Ecolab and General Mills. Keynote speaker Dr. Peter Gleick, President, Pacific Institute, is a leading global expert on water.  The event takes place from 4:30-6 p.m., Wed., April 29, with a networking reception from 6:15-7 p.m. His remarks will be followed by a Minnesota business panel. Select this link to learn more and register or call CEBC at 651-962-4120. There is no charge for this event. 

WATEC Israel

Israel is a world leader in water reuse, water desalination and water conservation.  Explore the Israel market and meet potential Israeli partners at WATEC Israel in Tel Aviv, Tues., Oct. 13-Thurs., Oct 15, 2015.  For information about a possible delegation, contact Harlan Jacobs of the local chapter of the American Israel Chamber.

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Next Listening Session May 13

On Wed., May 13 (morning) the University of Minnesota will host the next Water Technology Listening Session, this one focused on water treatment solutions for Minnesota’s mining operations. The event will feature technical presentations on technologies and specific mine water treatment challenges, and plenty of opportunity to interact with private industry and UMN researchers. There’s no charge to participate, full details coming soon, so hold the date! For questions, contact Dr. Daniel Jones (dsjones@umn.edu), Dr. Paige Novak (novak010@umn.edu) or Dr. Mike Sadowsky (sadowsky@umn.edu) or visit the MnDRIVE webpage. 

Defense Alliance Webinar

Join the Defense Alliance and The Water Council on Wed., March 25 for a free, one-hour informational webinar on the Department of Defense (DoD) and its ongoing needs for innovations in water-related technologies. DoD is the world’s largest single investor in clean technologies, both in R&D and procurement.

Peter Cartwright

Peter Cartwright, presenting March 18 at Water Arabia, Dhahran Saudi Arabia. He was one of five Minnesota delegates at the event.