Membrane Technology: A New Era

Report Highlights

• The total 2000 U.S. membrane market is estimated at $1.6 billion dollars.
• Growing at average annual rate (AAGR) of about 11%, this market is expected to reach nearly $2.4 billion in 2005.
• The markets for reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration, dominated by RO, is expected to reach $400 million in 2005, reflecting an AAGR of 7.9%.
• Important primarily to the biotech industry, ultra and microfiltration are expected to rise at an AAGR of 8.7% to $1.45 billion in 2005.
• Improved materials are opening up new opportunities for gas separation membranes, which while rise at an AAGR of 6.9% to $177 million in 2005.
• Between them, ion exchange, pervaporation, dialysis and novel techniques are expected to increase at an AAGR of 7.6% through the forecast period.

INTRODUCTION

STUDY GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

This BCC technical/marketing report evaluates the current membrane market by technology type and application and forecasts membrane markets, growth and trends over the next five years.

REASONS FOR DOING STUDY

This study is intended for those who require an in-depth analysis of the membrane industry that traces significant developments and forecasts important trends, quantifies the various market sectors and report_highlightss companies active in those areas. Because of the diverse and fragmented nature of the industry, it is difficult to find studies that gather such extensive data from such far-flung resources and place it into one comprehensive document. This report contains a unique collection of membrane-related information, analyses, forecasts and conclusions that are very hard or impossible to find elsewhere.

CONTRIBUTION OF THE STUDY AND FOR WHOM

This comprehensive technical/marketing report should interest suppliers to membrane applications markets and parties who want to discover and exploit current or projected market niches. Senior marketing personnel, venture capitalists, executive planners, research directors and government officials also should find the report of value. For novice readers interested in understanding how regulations, market pressures and technology interact in the membrane industry, this report should be a key resource.

SCOPE AND FORMAT

This state-of-the-industry/marketing report examines the use of membrane technology for separations as well as some nonseparating applications including reverse osmosis, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, gas separation, pervaporation, ion exchange membranes, medical membranes and a pair of novel membrane concepts: membrane contactors and liquid membranes.

Primarily, this report is a study of the U.S. market, but due to the international presence of some industry participants, global activities are included where appropriate. Values are given in U.S. dollars. Forecasts are in constant U.S. dollars and growth rates are compounded. Sale of "membranes" refers to the sale of membranes and modules without pressure vessels, housings, pumps, piping, controls and other system components.

Due to the vastness of the subject, there are some membranes that will not be discussed. Semipermeable, nonseparating membranes used in waterproof and protective clothing will not be covered. Though an enormous market, the nearly $1 billion disposable diaper also will not be addressed.

METHODOLOGY

A comprehensive literature, patent and Internet search was undertaken and key industry players were queried. News and current developments in the field are evaluated in BCC's monthly newsletters, Membrane and Separation Technology News and High Tech Separations News.

INFORMATION SOURCES

In addition to data from BCC's related monthly newsletters, other information in this report was gleaned from SEC filings, annual reports, patent literature, , scientific and industry journals, government reports, census information, conference literature, patent documents, on-line resources and industry participants.