How the technology works Our technology is an electrically driven process. The technology consists of two oppositely charged electrodes combined with anionic and cationic selective membranes. Water flows between an electric field of about 1.5 volts.

• Step 1 -- Purification
  When saline water flows into the cell, the ions move through the selective membranes to the oppositely charged electrodes. Desalinated water leaves the cell.
  
  
• Step 2 -- Regeneration
  When the surface of both electrodes is saturated with ions, the electrodes are regenerated by reversing the electrode polarity. The ions are pushed from the electrodes and are trapped between the membranes.
  
  
• Step 3 -- Waste
  The concentrated brine that forms between both membranes is removed from the cell. The polarity of the electrodes is reset to normal and the cell is ready for use again.
  
  

Voltea technology vs. other technologies The Voltea technology compares favourably to other technologies. The information in the chart is based on brackish groundwater water tests.

	Voltea Technology	Reverse Osmosis	EDR
Energy consumption	Low energy consumption	High energy consumption	Low energy consumption
Water recovery rate	90%	40 - 50%	70 - 80%
Stability of process	Not sensitive to scaling and fouling	Susceptible to scaling and fouling	Susceptible to scaling and fouling
Chemical usage	No bio-fouling. Minimal chemicals needed	Chemicals are needed to maintain the system	Chemicals are needed to maintain the system
Pre-treatment	Little pre-treatment required	Extensive pre-treatment required	Extensive pre-treatment required
Costs	Low energy costs Low maintenance costs Low operating expenses	High energy costs High maintenance costs	Low energy costs High maintenance costs
Other factors		High pressure needed