DRDO Develops Membrane for Sea Water Desalination

In a remarkable stride toward technological self-reliance and maritime innovation, the (DRDO) has successfully developed an indigenous nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane designed specifically for high-pressure sea water desalination. This cutting-edge technology has been developed by Defence Materials Stores and Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE), a premier Kanpur-based laboratory of DRDO, in close coordination with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

Addressing a Crucial Naval Challenge

The Indian Coast Guard, in its operational duties across saline , faces a persistent challenge of membrane stability when exposed to chloride ions in seawater. The new DRDO-developed membrane effectively addresses this critical concern, offering enhanced durability, resistance, and efficiency in desalination processes — even under high-pressure conditions typical of maritime operations.

Record-Breaking Development Time

One of the standout achievements of this project is its rapid development timeline. The membrane was conceptualized, designed, and prototyped within just eight months, a record time for such a specialized and technologically complex innovation. This rapid progress underscores DRDO’s agility and commitment to delivering mission-critical solutions tailored to the needs of India’s armed forces and defense services.

Successful Trials in Indian Coast Guard Ships

To validate the effectiveness of the membrane, DMSRDE and the Indian Coast Guard jointly conducted initial technical trials in the desalination plant of an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV). These trials assessed both safety and performance under actual operating conditions. The results were fully satisfactory, confirming the robustness and operational viability of the polymeric membrane.

Awaiting Final Operational Clearance

The membrane is currently undergoing extended testing onboard the OPV, with 500 hours of continuous operational testing planned as the final hurdle before full operational clearance is granted by the Indian Coast Guard. Once approved, the membrane will be officially integrated into the desalination systems of ICG vessels, marking a significant enhancement in onboard water purification capability.

Broader Potential for Coastal Applications

Beyond its use in ICG ships, this technology holds tremendous promise for civilian and coastal applications. With slight modifications, the membrane could serve as a powerful tool for desalinating seawater in coastal regions, potentially addressing freshwater scarcity in India’s littoral and island communities. This wide-ranging applicability underscores the innovation’s versatility and potential for scaling.

Supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat

The development of this indigenous polymeric membrane is not just a technological breakthrough — it’s a meaningful step in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative. By replacing imported components with home-grown solutions tailored to Indian conditions, DRDO continues to fortify the country’s strategic autonomy in critical defense technologies.

Conclusion

With the successful development and testing of the nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane, DRDO and DMSRDE have once again demonstrated their prowess in cutting-edge innovation aligned with national interests. This breakthrough not only strengthens the operational capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard but also opens new avenues for sustainable freshwater access across India’s coastal belt. As the membrane moves toward final clearance and widespread deployment, it stands as a beacon of India’s scientific excellence and unwavering march toward self-reliance in defense and beyond.