Desalination is a vital process that converts seawater into freshwater, making it suitable for drinking and industrial use. This is especially important in coastal and arid regions where freshwater sources are scarce.
Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) made a breakthrough in this field by developing an indigenous polymer-based membrane for seawater desalination. This effort aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative and aims to support the Indian Coast Guard by providing a reliable source of fresh water on ships.
DRDO’s Breakthrough in Desalination
The innovative desalination membrane was developed by the Defence Materials Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur. This high-performance membrane is:
- High-pressure resistant
- Nanoporous and multilayered
- Designed to withstand harsh marine environments
Unlike conventional systems, it resists degradation from chloride ions, a major component in saline water. It ensures a consistent and self-reliant freshwater supply aboard Indian Coast Guard vessels like Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).
Strategic Importance
This technological development has multiple benefits:
- Enhances India’s defence capability during long maritime missions
- Reduces dependence on imported desalination systems
- Supports indigenous innovation and contributes to maritime sustainability
- Advances India’s goal of self-reliance in the defence and marine sectors
Common Methods of Desalination
1. Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse osmosis is the most widely used desalination process. It uses a semi-permeable membrane and applies external pressure to filter out salts. RO is effective in reducing Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in seawater (typically around 35,000 ppm) to potable water levels (200–500 ppm).
2. Thermal Desalination
This method involves heating saline water until it evaporates, then condensing the steam to produce fresh water. It is especially useful in areas with access to waste heat, such as power plants.
How Reverse Osmosis Works
In natural osmosis, water moves from a low to high solute concentration. In reverse osmosis, pressure is applied in the opposite direction. Only water molecules pass through the membrane, leaving behind salts and impurities, making it ideal for seawater treatment.
Conclusion
The DRDO’s polymer membrane for desalination marks a significant stride toward sustainable maritime operations. It showcases technological innovation and strengthens India’s ability to handle freshwater scarcity through self-reliant defence infrastructure. This advancement not only boosts operational efficiency but also reinforces the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
