Development of reverse osmosis membrane seawater desalination in Japan

Abstract

The seawater desalination facilities by reverse osmosis membranes in the world are reviewed. The largest seawater desalination facility using reverse osmosis started its operation at Chatan water purification plant in Okinawa prefectural water works. The high-efficiency seawater desalination technology which improves the recovery ratio of fresh water up to 60% developed by a manufacturing company of reverse osmosis membranes in Japan is explained. Finally the state of the art of desalination technology development using reverse osmosis membranes is discussed.