GE Announces Water Industry Innovation Challenge Winners

GE announced the five winners of its latest innovation challenge to develop a new design for a central tube connector for its spiral wound reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. GE was looking for a unique and original means of connection that eliminated components, reduced cost and improved efficiency, while also expediting the manufacturing process.

Specifically, the “GE Innovation Challenge: Innovative Central Tube Connections” asked for 3-D design ideas to simplify the spiral wound RO membrane assemblies in pressure-driven, spiral wound water filtration systems, by identifying a novel means of connecting the component tubing.

The winners of the competition are:

• Tom Henninger, Ph.D., P.E., College of Engineering, University of Kentucky;
• Tom Goddu, Blazing Pencils LLC;
• Sandy Richardson, Design Edge;
• Paul Santarsiero, Siero Design; and
• Jan Bullemo, TNO.

Source: GE