Salinity Solutions

Salinity Solutions is a UK-based engineering technology company spun out from the University of Birmingham in 2021. The company was co-founded by Tim Naughton, who serves as the Chief Technical Officer. The venture originated from over a decade of research initiated by Professor Philip Davies at Aston University and later at the University of Birmingham. Naughton became involved with the technology as part of his mechanical engineering degree project, co-developing it with Professor Davies.

The company has developed a patented batch reverse osmosis technology, trademarked as HyBatch™, designed to significantly reduce the energy consumption and environmental impact of water treatment. This system can halve the energy used compared to conventional reverse osmosis (RO) methods, increase water recovery rates up to 98%, reduce waste by 80%, and operate with fewer chemicals. Its compact and portable design makes it applicable across various industries. The business model involves both direct sales of its bespoke water treatment units and licensing its patented technology. The company collaborates with specialist delivery partners to design, manufacture, and operate systems for its clients.

Salinity Solutions serves a diverse client base across multiple sectors, including mineral extraction, municipal wastewater treatment, vertical farming, food production, and industrial manufacturing. Key partnerships and trials have been established with companies like Cornish Lithium, GrowUp Farms, Suez, Toshiba, and an electroplating facility in Germany. A significant milestone was a £1 million investment from SQM Lithium Ventures, the corporate venture arm of a leading Chilean lithium producer, aimed at deploying the technology in the Salar de Atacama to enhance lithium recovery and minimize water usage. This was part of a larger £1.96 million funding round. The company generates revenue through unit sales and licensing agreements, targeting the global water market, which is projected to reach $500 billion by 2028.

Keywords: batch reverse osmosis, water treatment, wastewater reuse, energy efficient desalination, brine concentration, mineral extraction, HyBatch, zero liquid discharge, water purification, reverse osmosis, membrane technology, industrial wastewater, water scarcity, cleantech, sustainable water management, lithium mining, high water recovery, environmental technology, circular economy, process water