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Desalination and Membrane Treatment

WRc provides market-leading advice on operation, optimisation and troubleshooting of desalination and membrane treatment systems.

Dr Abraham Negaresh is our expert in Desalination and Membrane Technology

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Feasibility Studies & Project Assessments

We offer in-depth feasibility studies to help you determine the viability of new desalination or membrane treatment projects. Our comprehensive assessments cover:

  • Technical feasibility: Evaluating membrane technology options (such as Microfiltration (MF), Ultrafiltration (UF), Nanofiltration (NF), and Reverse Osmosis(RO)) to determine the best fit for your water source and treatment needs.
  • Pre-treatment and post-treatment: Assessment of adequate pre-treatment as the key to efficient performance of the membranes systems. Advise on sufficient post- treatment, including remineralisation (to minimise risks of corrosion in the distribution networks) and discolouration.
  • Economic feasibility: Cost-benefit analysis, lifecycle costing, and financial modelling to ensure that your project is not only technically sound but also financially sustainable.
  • Environmental impact: Analysis of environmental considerations, such as brine disposal, energy use and regulatory compliance.

Process Optimisation & Troubleshooting

Already running a desalination plant or membrane system? Our team specialises in diagnosing and solving operational challenges. We help clients:

  • Identify the root causes of performance issues, e.g., fouling, scaling and reduced efficiency.
  • Implement performance-boosting strategies, such as optimised cleaning protocols, chemical dosing and energy recovery methods.
  • Increase plant efficiency and reduce operating costs through tailored recommendations and best practices​.

    Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

    Navigating water quality regulations and environmental policies can be complex. Our consultants provide guidance on:

    • Compliance strategies: Ensuring your facility adheres to local, national and international water quality standards, and environmental regulations.
    • Risk management: Identifying potential regulatory risks and helping you develop mitigation strategies, including horizon scanning for upcoming policy changes that could impact operations​.

    Technology Evaluation & Selection

    We guide clients through the complex process of selecting the most appropriate desalination or membrane technologies for their needs.

    Our consulting services help you:

    • Evaluate cutting-edge desalination technologies, including high-recovery reverse osmosis, membrane distillation and capacitive deionization systems.
    • Compare membrane performance, focusing on durability, fouling resistance and overall lifecycle costs.
    • Ensure technology investments align with long-term sustainability goals.

    Laboratory Testing & Verification

    Our process laboratory is capable of assisting you in the effective design and operation of your desalination or membrane treatment processes. We offer:

    Pre-treatment test and verification: Our state-of-the-art media testing laboratory is equipped to conduct thorough analyses of various media types, including granular activated carbon (GAC), anthracite, and ion exchange.

    Membrane performance testing: We are capable of testing the performance of various membranes and providing independent advice on membrane operation and cleaning.

    Independent and objective advice

    We offer unbiased recommendations tailored to your specific needs. We are not tied to any manufacturers or vendors, ensuring that the solutions we propose are in your best interest.

    Lab and pilot-scale capabilities

    Recommendations can be made based on data produced by bench and pilot-scale tests.

    Client-centred consultancy services

    Fit-for-purpose solutions communicated through concise and easily understood reports.

    Sustainability at the core of strategy

    We help clients adopt sustainable water treatment strategies, including energy-efficient designs and environmentally responsible practices, such as improved brine disposal and reduced chemical use.

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      If you would like more information about any of our products or services, or have a question please don't hesitate to get in touch. One of our friendly team will get back to you promptly.

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      Dr Abraham Negaresh

      Associate Director – Desalination and Reuse Lead

      Abraham (CPEng) is a motivated process engineer with over fifteen years of experience in water production, engineering consulting and applied research. He has worked on various British and Australian municipal and industrial water and wastewater treatment projects, and was the technical manager of the only desalination plant in the UK. His experience includes technical and maintenance management of a Desalination Plan, technical lead and manager of engineering projects, commissioning and operating various pilot plants and assisting with front-end engineering design of a water desalination facility. He has applied various innovative technologies such as membrane filtration, ion exchange and chemical precipitation for the treatment of water and wastewater, including recycling and reuse of industrial wastewater and RO Brine treatment.

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