Boost for solid/liquid separation sector

The survey, by Frost and Sullivan, predicts that the sector, which is currently worth US$1.63 billion (£1.12 billion), will grow to US$2.13 billion (£1.46 billion) by 2007, with legislation driving the boost, allowing the market to overcome problems of oversupply and price competition. The importance which is being increasingly attached to environmental protection and awareness across western Europe is largely being driven by EU legislation, with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive being the main driver in the water industry. The Directive is in the process of being incorporated into national law in all member states, but problems within the solid/liquid separation sector will not disappear overnight, warn Frost and Sullivan.

Strategies that are likely to give companies an edge over their rivals include innovation, lower cost products, bespoke equipment, higher quality, and forging strategic partnerships, with service issues also expected to increase in significance.

Market structure is expected to remain unchanged over the foreseeable future, with pressure filters forecast to remain as the largest sector despite some price pressure in the cartridge/strainer segment. Centrifuges are expected to continue flourishing in second place, assisted by the growing number of applications switching to this technology.

The overall leader in the European solid/liquid separation market is Pall, followed by Alfa Laval Separation and Baker Process.

The report is available from Frost and Sullivan for €5,000 (£3,072).