Joint effort to explore membrane applications
Minnetonka, MN
Osmonics and Cargill Inc. are teaming up to investigate the use of membrane systems in solvent-based environments. The project is being funded by a five-year, $3.75 million grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Advanced Technology Program, and is expected to benefit multiple industries, including the food, pharmaceutical and petrochemical processing sectors. Cargill is providing a full-time program manager and is acting as administrator of the grant.
Osmonics is focusing on membrane products and systems technology, and will collaborate with Cargill on applying membrane-to-processing applications. A University of Kentucky research group, the University of Minnesota Center for Interfacial Engineering, and experienced industrial and academic consultants are also assisting with the project. Their goal is to develop membrane solutions for commercial industrial solvent applications. Officials from Osmonics and Cargill believe their introduction could help U.S. companies save millions of dollars in annual energy costs, while reducing the expenses associated with controlling airborne and wastewater emissions. — TGW