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Welcome to the website for the UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology, UNSW |
The UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology is located in
the
School of Chemical Engineering
at the University of New South Wales
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00119164/283
Eureka awards are Australia's most prestigious science awards, presented annually by the Australian Museum to reward excellence in the fields of scientific research & innovation, science leadership, school science and science journalism & communication. The winners of 2010 received their awards at a prestigious ceremony on August 17th attended by more than 800 of the country's top scientists, politicians and celebrities in the Randwick Pavilion at Sydney's Royal Randwick Racecourse.
Their reverse osmosis capable drip irrigation system lets plants draw water through salt filters in irrigation pipes at their roots, using tiny amounts of energy naturally created by evaporation at their leaves. Described as the most significant irrigation innovation based on theoretical science in at least a decade, this work may soon be providing a lifeline for farms across Australia. It means that in future droughts it may be possible for farmers to efficiently tap into groundwater that would otherwise have remained out of bounds.
The Centre has also acquired as part of ARC-LIEF grants access to LCD-OCD Liquid Chromatography – organic carbon and nitrogen detectors (LC-OCND) and other state of the art analysis for water and wastewater treatment. These facilities have enhanced our ability to carry out a growing number of membrane autopsies for industry as well as support research projects.
We have expanded the portfolio of research
activities in the area of membrane synthesis and fabrication for mitigation of membrane fouling as well as development of enhanced membranes for carbon
dioxide removal from natural gas. Our work in desalination now ranges from studies of biofouling, energy analysis,
and pretreatment in reverse osmosis to potential applications to drip irrigation. Our membrane bioreactor work continues to expand in the direction
of anaerobic systems as well as advanced foulant characterization. We expect that alternative membrane
technologies in desalination and water treatment and greenhouse gas capture will provide further opportunities for the Centre as energy issues expand in
importance.
Prof. Vicki Chen
Director
The Membrane Research Environment is a collaborative project aimed at providing a comprehensive resource for researchers in the area of separation membrane materials and in particular those related to desalination membrane processes. The Membrane library website is now accessible here.
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Mail: |
The UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology School of Chemical Engineering The University of New South Wales UNSW Sydney, 2052, Australia |
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Tel: |
+61-2 9385 4813 |
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Fax: | +61-2 9385 5966 |
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E-mail: | Click here |
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URL: | http://www.membrane.unsw.edu.au/ |