Aromatec Is Pioneering Forward Osmosis Technology With a Twist

In the realm of technology, it is, at times, assumed that there can only be one correct way of doing things. Follow the gold standard, as is often said. On occasion, however, reality proves otherwise, and forward osmosis technology, or FO for short, is one such example.

Forward Osmosis

Initially regarded as an effective alternative to traditional desalination methods, FO technology captured significant interest in the water recovery and treatment sectors over the past decade. But interest gradually faded after developers found it challenging to extract clean water in a cost-effective and energy-efficient manner while using the technology.

But a startup by the name of Aromatec persevered, and eventually gave FO technology newfound purpose by reimagining how it can be utilised.

Aromatec's story begins sometime in 2010, in a laboratory shared by Wang Rong and Shi Lei. The pair had successfully invented a thin-film composite hollow fibre membrane, which was inspired by FO conventions. These membranes mimic cell walls, allowing only water to pass through at a spontaneous rate. When combined with a compatible draw solution, they can be used to concentrate liquid solutions.

More Than Meets the Eye

For the uninitiated, these membranes could appear deceptively simple. Such was the case with Singapore’s senior minister Teo Chee Hean, who, during a site visit, colloquially referred to the membranes as mee sua, which means vermicelli in the Cantonese language.

The membranes are usually deployed in modules, and each and every membrane has to be meticulously produced and managed. Otherwise, any defect in a single membrane can affect the encompassing module’s performance.

Detecting and remedying such defects can be a rigorous process in the context of commercial FO applications. Unlike small-scale prototypes, such applications need to meet universal industry standards. Each module may measure only about eight inches in diameter, but must house up to 12,000 membranes when used in such applications. This significantly increases the risk of encountering technical glitches. Bringing the technology to market therefore requires strict cost and quality control measures.

Building a successful [hollow fibre membrane] system is only half the battle, as we pursue new developments every day to enhance the quality and consistency of our technology.

— Shi Lei

A New Driving Force

By departing from the original goal of extracting potable water, Aromatec's technology has the potential to be deployed in a wider range of applications.

Besides their current focus on high-value liquid product concentration in the food and beverage industry, the startup is exploring use cases in fragrances, pharmaceuticals, and even traditional Chinese medicine.

The co-founders are also evaluating if the membranes can be used for waste and sludge dewatering purposes, as well as integrations into hydroponic and aquafarming systems, where fertilizers can act as natural draw solutions to reclaim water from municipal wastewater for irrigation. The opportunities seem limitless.

Broadly speaking, FO technology such as Aromatec's membranes will continue to gain traction amid stronger calls for decarbonisation. By relying less on mechanical processes that are customary in traditional reverse osmosis processes, or heat in the case of thermal evaporation techniques, FO processes can achieve similar, if not superior, results at a fraction of the usual energy requirements.

Adopters of our novel technology can expect up to a fivefold reduction in energy usage when compared with available alternatives, as our membranes can be used without the need for pressure or heat.

— Shi Lei

When manufacturing products like instant coffee, switching from thermal evaporation to FO processing can also help retain flavours, aroma and nutritive properties more effectively.

Next Steps

As a recent graduate of the Deeptech Accelerator programme, Shi Lei acknowledges the valuable connections forged through the curriculum. A global conglomerate has started to utilise Aromatec's technology after completing a successful proof of concept. Insights gained from the programme are also being applied to strengthen their business development efforts and go-to-market strategy.

Aromatec is now preparing for a pre-Series A funding round, which will commence in the final quarter of 2021.

To convince hesitant clients or investors of Aromatec's value proposition, Shi Lei employs a self-contained demonstration kit housed in a portable suitcase-like module. This kit allows him to perform proof of concepts onsite, showcasing the readiness of Aromatec's technology.

When it comes to Aromatec, one thing is certain: their technology is poised to answer questions, not raise them.