The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane designed for high-pressure sea water desalination. The Defence Materials Stores and Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE) in Kanpur created this technology specifically to meet the Indian Coast Guard’s operational requirements, addressing the challenge of membrane stability when exposed to chloride ions in saline water. The development process took eight months.
Initial technical trials of the membrane were conducted in the existing desalination plant aboard an Offshore Patrolling Vessel (OPV) of the Indian Coast Guard. These safety and performance tests were reported as fully satisfactory. The membrane is currently undergoing further testing, with the Indian Coast Guard expected to grant final operational clearance after 500 hours of continued use.
The membrane is intended for use in desalination plants on coastal vessels, with potential for adaptation to broader coastal desalination applications after modifications.
The Defence Materials Stores and Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE) is a laboratory under DRDO that focuses on developing materials and technologies for defence applications. DRDO is India’s agency responsible for research and development in defence technologies.