[IndispensableDestiny]

Membrane filtration has been around for a long time, including heating the feed with solar energy. The only thing new here is the graphene. The article says nothing about graphene being better in any way than existing technology.

If membrane filtration offered lower energy costs than reverse osmosis, then it would used in large desalination plants. So far it has not; RO rules.

[Colinsky]

If membrane filtration offered lower energy costs than reverse osmosis, then it would used in large desalination plants. So far it has not; RO rules.

They talk about a one-square-inch piece of graphene, but it's not clear if they actually have pieces of graphene that big. If and when we get to square-foot-sized pieces of graphene, maybe they'll be used in desal plants.

[RegulatorCountry]

They’re just now able to manufacture the graphene coated membrane filters large enough for commercial scale operation, that was how I read it.

My question is, how often does it need to be cleaned and how? I can see tremendous application for this, in the marine and RV industries alone. Potable water practically on the spot regardless of facilities, unless you’re in an absolute desert.

[Secret Agent Man]

Actually they did mention one thing better than other filters, and that is othr filter get clogged with oil and chemcals and reduce flow to the point they stop worki g and either need replacing or cleaning, and graphene filters still alow good water flow regardless of how much oil and chemicals they are blocking.

[Jeff Chandler]

I’ve read that graphene filters which can be swapped in to existing RO technology plants are incredibly cost effective, and the South Koreans are working on 3D printing of the graphene filters which will make them even cheaper.

This convergence of these technologies will revolutionize water filtration.

[Ozark Tom]

Scaling up from a postage stamp to a usable size???

[TXnMA]

"The article says nothing about graphene being better in any way than existing technology."

~~~~~~~~~

"Without the film, the filtration rate dropped by half in 72 hours. A membrane with the graphene film, by contrast, keeps working even as it’s coated with oil, detergents, or other contaminants."

At least, try reading the excerpt, next time...