About the Presentation 

This presentation focuses on the innovative application of flat-sheet ceramic membrane technology as an advanced pre-treatment solution for Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) desalination. The session begins with an introduction to the core technology of flatsheet ceramic membranes, highlighting their high durability, chemical resistance, and established track records in Singapore’s water treatment sector, spanning drinking water production, water reclamation. Furthermore, newly developed application technologies specifically engineered for SWRO pre-treatment will be unveiled, demonstrating their ability to overcome the limitations of conventional polymeric membranes. Finally, the presentation will showcase a large-scale demonstration plant in Singapore that utilises flat-sheet ceramic membranes for SWRO pre-treatment by retrofitting into an existing Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) system. This case study will provide valuable insights into real-world operational data, including enhanced footprint efficiency, robust performance during algae blooms, and significant energy savings, offering a sustainable and resilient outlook for global seawater desalination.

About the speaker:

Dr. Noguchi holds a Ph.D. from The University of Tokyo and is a leading specialist in ceramics, with a focus on photocatalysts and ceramic membranes. He also specializes in advanced water treatment processes, including ozonation, AOP, and membrane filtration. With over 30 years of experience at Meiden — including 11 years based in Singapore — he invented and established the manufacturing process for large-scale flat-sheet ceramic membranes, as well as membrane skids, aerators, and application technologies. Currently, he manages multiple R&D projects globally and drives collaborative initiatives with NUS and PUB.