In Just 8 Months, DRDO Develops High-Pressure Polymeric Desalination Membrane For Coast Guard Ships

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed an indigenous nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane for high-pressure seawater desalination.

The technology has been developed by the Defence Materials Stores and Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE), a Kanpur-based laboratory of DRDO.

It is intended for use in desalination plants onboard Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships and was created based on specific operational requirements.

The membrane addresses the challenge of stability when exposed to chloride ions in saline water.

The development was completed in a record time of eight months.

DMSRDE, in collaboration with the ICG, carried out initial technical trials using the existing desalination plant on an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) of the Coast Guard.

"The initial safety and performance trials of the polymeric membranes were found to be fully satisfactory," the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

Final operational clearance for the system will be provided by the ICG following 500 hours of operational testing.

At present, the membrane is undergoing testing and trials onboard the OPV.

The technology may also be adapted for desalination in coastal areas after certain modifications.

According to the ministry, this development is part of DRDO’s ongoing efforts under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

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