DRDO Unveils High-Pressure Membrane for Desalination
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an advanced indigenous polymeric membrane designed for high-pressure sea water desalination. Created by the Defence Materials Stores and Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE) in Kanpur, this multilayered nanoporous membrane addresses corrosion issues caused by chloride ions in saline environments, particularly for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) vessels.
Developed in just eight months, the membrane has already undergone successful technical trials aboard an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV). Initial safety and performance results were fully satisfactory, with final clearance pending after 500 hours of operational testing.
Once approved, the membrane is expected to significantly boost desalination capabilities on ICG ships and could be adapted for broader use in coastal desalination applications. This innovation marks another milestone in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.