On July 22, 2024, a significant moment unfolded for the technology sector in Huzhou's Changxing County, with the grand launch at Zhejiang OriOSMO Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. of the provincial "Jian Bing" "Ling Yan" R&D initiative: "R&D and Application of Water Treatment Separation Membrane Materials—Development and Application of High-Permeability-Selectivity Nanofiltration Membrane Materials Based on Pore Size Regulation and Surface Property Enhancement." This ambitious project is spearheaded by OriOSMO in collaboration with elite researchers from several top-tier institutions, including Zhejiang University, Ningbo University, the Zhejiang University Shaoxing Research Institute, and the Zhejiang Energy Group R&D Institute.
The project kick-off meeting brought together key contributors, including project leaders from each participating institution, OriOSMO Chairman Liu Wei, Deputy Director Gao Weiliang and Section Chief Chen Zhiying from the Changxing County Science and Technology Bureau, and Professor Zhang Lin from Zhejiang University.
At the kick-off meeting, Mr. Liu Wei, Chairman of OriOSMO, delivered the opening address. He emphasized the critical importance of highly efficient and environmentally friendly water treatment technologies against the backdrop of global water scarcity. Honored to undertake this significant provincial-level project, OriOSMO fully recognizes the considerable responsibility it entails. The company will leverage its technical strengths and collaborate closely with all participating institutions to dedicate efforts to the R&D and application of high-performance nanofiltration membrane materials. A key objective is to break the foreign technological monopoly and fill the domestic gap in this field.
Chairman Liu further stressed that the team will go all out, refining the implementation plan to ensure the technology meets all required standards and facilitates large-scale production. Ultimately, these efforts are aimed at contributing to the global water treatment industry.
Subsequently, Mr. Gao Weiliang, Deputy Director of the Changxing County Science and Technology Bureau, spoke highly of OriOSMO's achievements in technological innovation. He affirmed that the bureau would provide comprehensive policy support and resource allocation to facilitate the project's smooth progression.
During the project presentation session, Mr. Yue Xinye, General Manager of OriOSMO, provided a comprehensive overview of the project's background, research objectives, technical roadmap, and expected outcomes. This was followed by an in-depth analysis of the project's key focus areas by Dr. Yao Zhikan from Zhejiang University and General Manager Yue, who also shared the team's latest research findings.
The project team is tackling critical industry challenges head-on, including the inherent trade-off between selectivity and permeability in nanofiltration, membrane fouling and blockage, performance optimization bottlenecks, and the mismatch between membrane processes and diverse application needs. A comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy has been adopted, focusing on the precise control of membrane structure, long-term performance stability, optimized and controllable manufacturing processes, and the precise alignment of technology with specific applications.
The overarching aim is to innovatively develop a high-permeability-selectivity nanofiltration membrane material featuring a narrow pore size distribution and optimized surface properties. Centered on this core material, the team will design and establish highly efficient wastewater/effluent treatment processes. This initiative is positioned to contribute significantly to Zhejiang Province's ecological civilization goals and its dual carbon targets, while also providing robust technological support for ensuring the security and sustainable utilization of China's water resources.
To ensure the project's scientific rigor and feasibility, a special panel of distinguished experts was convened to review and provide guidance on the implementation plan. The panel comprised:
Professor Wu Liguang from the School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University;
Professor Sha Lizheng from the School of Environment and Resources, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology;
Professor Zhao Zhiping from the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology;
Professor Meng Hong from the College of Chemical Engineering, jointly affiliated with Xinjiang University and Beijing University of Chemical Technology;
Professor Zhu Xiaoying from the College of Environment and Resources, Zhejiang University.
The experts spoke highly of the project proposal and offered valuable recommendations, providing crucial direction for its subsequent execution.
Following the expert panel's review and guidance, General Manager Yue Xinye, on behalf of the project team, expressed his sincere gratitude. He committed to incorporating the experts' recommendations to refine the implementation plan, enhance collaboration and communication, and ensure the project is completed on schedule while meeting all quality standards.
The successful conclusion of this kick-off meeting marks the official commencement of the project's implementation phase. It signals that, through the concerted efforts of OriOSMO and all participating institutions, China's water treatment technology is poised for new breakthroughs and transformative advancements.
