DuPont’s OxyMem Wins Breakthrough Technology Company of the Year at Global Water Summit

Press Release | September 17, 2020
Press Release
DuPont’s OxyMem Wins Breakthrough Technology Company of the Year at Global Water Summit
 
 
 

Athlone, Ireland, September 17th, 2020:  OxyMem, a recent acquisition by DuPont, was today named the “Breakthrough Technology Company of the Year” by the Global Water Awards for its innovative  Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) technology for the treatment and purification of municipal and industrial wastewater.

Named one of the most impressive commercial breakthroughs into the global water technology market in 2019, OxyMem’s drop-in MABR modules intensify the biological process on existing wastewater treatment plants, increasing treatment capacity with minimal energy consumption.

Rather than expanding existing wastewater treatment plants, Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactors (MABR) offer a cost-effective way to retrofit and upgrade activated sludge plants to meet tightening effluent standards and to cater for population growth.

“With the global urgency around water scarcity, the ability to purify and recycle wastewater—in a sustainable way—is incredibly important,” said HP Nanda, Global Vice President and General Manager, DuPont Water Solutions. “I am so very proud that the industry is recognizing OxyMem’s leadership and innovation in this space.”

This “plug and play” upgrade to the existing process eases the pressure on the plant and enhances effluent quality and treatment capacity without the need for civil works, downtime or constant operator intervention.

Once in place, MABR delivers oxygen to the established biofilm via millions of gas permeable membrane fibres; a mechanism capable of using up to 75 percent less energy than traditional bubble aeration. OxyMem’s MABR also improves sludge settlement and generates less waste biosolids, reducing the cost and effort of removal from site.

“This recognition marks the successful journey from a 2013 spinoff out of University College Dublin to a commercially viable solution to deal with lower nutrient discharges requirements and increased treatment capacity demands without additional land use,” said John McConomy, Commercial Director of DuPont’s OxyMem product line.  “As part of DuPont, we have a golden opportunity to upscale our activities and meet the massive demand for MABR.”

In December of 2019, DuPont exercised its option to acquire full ownership of OxyMem Limited, of which it had previously owned 31 percent. OxyMem was founded in 2013, based on a technology spin-out from the University College Dublin, Ireland. DuPont is a leader in water purification and separation technology including ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and ion exchange resins.

The “Breakthrough Award” was announced virtually on September 17.  For background on OxyMem and other “Breakthrough” finalists, see:  https://globalwaterawards.com/2020-breakthrough-technology-company-of-the-year/

 

About DuPont Safety & Construction

DuPont Safety & Construction is a global leader in delivering innovation for life’s essential needs in water, shelter and safety; enabling its customers to win through unique capabilities, global scale and iconic brands including DuPont™ Corian®, Kevlar®, Nomex®, Tyvek®, GreatStuff™, Styrofoam and FilmTec™. More on DuPont Water Solutions can be found at https://www.dupont.com/water.

 

About DuPont

DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, health and wellness, food and worker safety. More information can be found at www.dupont.com.

 
 
 

Media Contact:

Dan Turner

Corporate Media Relations

+1 302-996-8372

daniel.a.turner@dupont.com