The Global Market for Membrane Microfiltration
Report Highlights
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The global market for microfiltration membrane products used in liquid separations is estimated at $1.2 billion in 2010. It will rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% during the next 5 years to reach $1.8 billion in 2015.
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Biotech/bioprocessing/pharmaceutical applications will experience the most rapid growth. This market is worth $622 million in 2010 and is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% to reach $1 billion in 2015.
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The value of the 2010 market for microfiltration elements in producing potable water is estimated to reach $232 million by year’s end. By 2015, market size is expected to rise to $296 million, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5%.
INTRODUCTION
STUDY GOAL AND OBJECTIVES
This BCC market opportunity report provides an in-depth analysis of the technical and market drivers relating to the market for microfiltration (MF) membrane products: modules, capsules, cartridges, and cassettes. The study evaluates the current worth of MF products by application, and forecasts growth and trends in the various sectors over the next 5 years. The conclusions are illustrated with important statistical information on markets, applications, industry structure, and dynamics along with technological developments.
REASONS FOR THE STUDY
The report is intended for those who require a thorough analysis of the MF membrane industry that traces significant developments and forecasts important trends, quantifies the various market sectors, and profiles companies active in those areas. Because of the fragmented nature of the industry, it is difficult to find studies that gather extensive data from diverse resources and analyze it in the context of a comprehensive document. This report contains a unique collection of membrane-related information and conclusions that is difficult to find elsewhere.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
This comprehensive report aims to provide those interested in investment, acquisition, or expansion into the market with specific, detailed information crucial to making educated decisions. The document is an information source on the industry, a reference manual on an advanced technology, and a resource that provides information to decision-makers who need to stay abreast of the state of the art.
The study is designed to be as comprehensive as possible, and to be useable by a broad audience of business, technical, and regulatory practitioners on a global scale. Senior marketing personnel, venture capitalists, executive planners, research directors, government officials, and suppliers to the membrane industry who want to discover and exploit current or projected market niches should find this report of value. Novice readers who wish to understand how regulations, market pressures, and technology interact in the MF membrane arena also will find this study worthwhile.
SCOPE OF REPORT
This report examines the market for MF membrane products as reflected by the major applications of the technology: food and beverage processing, biopharmaceuticals manufacture, potable water production, wastewater treatment, industrial processes, and semiconductor fabrication. Five-year projections are provided for market activity and value. Industry structure, membrane applications and trends, pricing considerations, R&D, government regulations, company profiles, and competitive technologies are included in the study.
The report is a study of the global market as applied to liquid separations. Analysis will not include membranes in the MF pore size range for air and/or gas separations, or for non-separating applications such as technical textiles or diagnostic kits. Medical devices based on MF membranes will not be addressed either. Values are given in U.S. dollars; forecasts are made in constant U.S. dollars, and growth rates are compounded. Sales of “membranes” refer to the sale of membranes packaged as modules, capsules, cartridges, cassettes, or other devices in which the membranes are “housed.” Pressure vessels, housings, pumps, piping, controls, or other system components are not included in the market values.
METHODOLOGY
Both primary and secondary research methodologies were used in compiling this market research report. Research began with a re-analysis of the available technical and business literature. Conversations with industry experts and company representatives and a review of their published works provide the backbone for an evaluation of the MF membrane industry. Other sources of information included product literature from system suppliers, patent information, and companies’ annual reports and financial filings.
Growth rates for MF are not the same for all world regions and are not increasing from the same base. Common to all regions, however, is the fact that sales of the technology are growing faster than the gross domestic products (GDPs) of countries installing the systems and more rapidly than the industries that use them. Forecasts in this report are based on announced projects and anticipated capacity additions over the next 5 years.
Costs are based on published data and interviews with industry participants. MF “membranes” refers to sheet, hollow fiber, or tubular membrane material enclosed in housings, where relevant, and packaged into modules, capsules, cartridges, cassettes, or plate and frame configurations. Calculations are based on the retail price of products rather than the discounted costs available to large volume users and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Sales of replacement membranes are included in market sizes and forecasts. Projections for each market are made in terms of constant dollars. Historical values are for the year given.
INFORMATION SOURCES
The information sources for this study include online research, patent literature, technical journals, and interviews with principals in the industry. Additional information was obtained from the U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Department of State; Aquastat, the United Nation’s global water information system; and publications from the American Water Works Association, the Water Environment Federation, the European Commission, the Water Resources Institute, and various academic institutions.
ANALYST CREDENTIALS
During the past 14 years, Susan Hanft has authored more than 25 BCC market opportunity reports in the fields of membrane technology, water/wastewater treatment, and alternative energy.
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DISCLAIMER
The information developed in this report is intended to be as reliable as possible at the time of publication and of a professional nature. This information does not constitute managerial, legal, or accounting advice, nor should it serve as a corporate policy guide, laboratory manual, or an endorsement of any product, as much of the information is speculative in nature. The author assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage that might result from reliance on the reported information or from its use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Report Highlights
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The global market for microfiltration (MF) membranes used in liquid separations is estimated at $792 million in 2005 and rising at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 9.4% during the next five years, much more rapidly than predicted world GDP growth (3% to 4%), but not as rapidly as the world market for some other membrane types, such as reverse osmosis (RO) (10.3%).
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Large potential MF markets are in wastewater treatment, and sales of MBRs using MF modules are a rapidly growing membrane application. Growth in the segment stems from interest in treating wastewater to produce high quality water for discharge or recycling and, in industry, for reclaiming process water.
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MF is gaining market share for the cold filtration of beer and microbial stabilization of wine. The growing unpopularity of diatomaceous earth for filtering beer has created strong interest in membrane technology.