The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made significant headway in seawater desalination technology by successfully developing a high-performance nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane. This innovative and indigenous technology will serve as a cornerstone in the nation’s maritime security, especially for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) vessels, allowing them to sustain longer missions where access to potable water is severely limited.
The advanced polymeric membrane has been developed by the Kanpur-based laboratory of DRDO, namely the Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE). It is the same lab that had previously developed the lightest Bullet Proof Jacket in the country for protection against 7.62 x 54 R API (Level 6 of BIS 17051) ammunition.
The development of the much awaited high-pressure polymeric membrane also aligns with the government’s initiatives likes the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” that focuses on bringing defense manufacturing home, thus reducing the overreliance on foreign powers. The “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative has already given the country successful development projects like Silicon Carbide and GaN HEMT MMIC Technology amongst others.
DRDO Shows Excellent Collaborative Spirit
The development of the high-pressure polymeric membrane is also a response to the ICG’s specific operational requirements. Thus, DRDO, in collaboration with the DMSRDE and ICG, the indigenous desalination technology within a record timeframe of only eight months, underscoring India’s growing prowess in domestic defense research and technology.
Countering Chloride-induced Degradation
The recent technology will also serve to counter the chloride-induced degradation faced by most Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) in the Coast Guard. These vessels incorporate traditional desalination systems and thus suffer from reduced stability and lifespan when operating in saline water, especially in a chloride-rich environment. To address these issues, DRDO, in collaboration with the DMSRDE, engineered a nanoporous multilayered structure relying on advanced polymer blends that showcase superior resistance to the chemical corrosion from the seawater.
Initial Trials Have Been Successful: DRDO
The ICG held trials to test the efficiency of the newly developed high-pressure polymeric membrane by testing it at the existing desalination plant of an Offshore Patrolling Vessel (OPV). The trial was solely focused on performance metrics like water recovery rate, membrane permeability, operational durability, and safety under sustained high-pressure cycles.
DRDO and the ICG both found the trail results to be satisfactory, thus validating the membrane’s effectiveness in real-time maritime operational environments. The technology is currently undergoing extended testing for 500 hours, as per the standard benchmarking protocol, to ensure its effectiveness and operational readiness before its final integration and deployment across the ICG fleet.
The final confirmation will come only after the ICG clears the technology for use. However, once approved, the advanced desalination membrane will become the norm for ICG’s next-generation maritime platforms, further bolstering their mission endurance and self-sufficiency.
How Significant is The Newly Developed Polymeric Membrane for The Indian Coast Guard?
The technology is not only good for paper, but it is set to strengthen the logistical autonomy of India’s maritime forces. However, it also has a much larger role to play in coastal desalination units, considering how the vessels operate frequently in disaster-prone areas where access to potable water remains a challenge
Moreover, the indigenous development of this technology also signifies the growing capabilities of the nation, as per the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” policy, to become self-reliant in defense manufacturing. Furthermore, it highlights DRDO’s continued commitment to mission-critical R&D aligned with national security objectives and sustainable resource utilization. The successful induction of this technology will grant India a strategic independence from foreign suppliers in the relevant field.
Another point to note is that the membrane’s modular design allows for customization. Thus, it is also viable for civilian use, targeting regions that are saturated in salinity or have limited access to groundwater or freshwater. The potential integration into dual-use technologies further underlines the synergy between defense research and public infrastructure development, nodding to the “Whole-Nation” strategy of the government.
