Pioneering Move in Water Filtration with USD 35 Million Investment

Ak-Kim has launched a High-Performance Hollow Fiber-Based Ultrafiltration Module facility, advancing further in the sector. Ak-Kim's target is to sell 60% of its production to Turkic Republics, Gulf countries, neighboring countries, Europe, America, India and China. This step, which has enabled Ak-Kim to begin producing technologically advanced and high-value-added equipment for the first time, is grounded in the company's growth strategy. In line with its growth strategy, Ak-Kim established Akferal as an equal partnership with Feralco, Europe's second-largest water chemicals and coagulant producer. With the acquisition of Dostel's water treatment division, aluminum sulfate products were also added to the company's portfolio. At the end of last year, the High-Performance Hollow Fiber-Based Ultrafiltration Module was launched with a USD 35 million investment. The module is produced at Ak-Kim's facility in Yalova in a specially designed 2,800 square-meter area with annual production capacity of approximately 20,000 units.

"We are positioning Akkök as a Holding producing high-tech products"

Akkök Holding Chief Executive Officer Ahmet Dördüncü summarizes the step taken with the Ultrafiltration Module produced by Ak-Kim within the holding and its significance for the Holding as follows: "We have produced a product that only world giants like Dow, GE, BASF and Toray are capable of making. In all the fields we work in, but especially in the chemical sector, we conduct innovative and efficiency-focused work. We believe that the projects we develop will be somewhat helpful in addressing Turkey's current account deficit problem. Our three companies are focused on advanced technology-requiring, higher unit-price products rather than what we call commodity chemicals. We are positioning Akkök as a Holding producing high-tech products. This enables our companies to be positioned one step ahead of other sector players."

"First and only in Turkey and neighboring countries"

With Ak-Kim's entry into high-value-added ultrafiltration module production, it has reached an unprecedented position in its operational region. Ultrafiltration module production is carried out only by Ak-Kim in Turkey and neighboring countries. Ak-Kim General Manager Onur Kipri evaluates the economic dimension of the project with the following statement: "Having Turkey's and neighboring countries' first and only ultrafiltration production facility gives us additional strength. Our target is to sell 60% of our production abroad. Turkic Republics, Gulf countries, neighboring countries, and even Europe, America, India and China are on our radar. In Turkey's chemical sector, a current account deficit of USD 25-28 billion emerges annually. As Ak-Kim, we believe that the projects we develop will be somewhat helpful in addressing the current account deficit problem."

An innovative product with high market demand

During five years of R&D work, comprehensive research was conducted for a design exceeding similar ultrafiltration modules in the market. Ak-Kim, which received support from TÜBİTAK in this field, subjected samples produced both domestically and abroad to testing at specialist laboratories and obtained approvals. The product's performance tests were conducted at Ak-Kim's own treatment facility in Yalova with a capacity of 15,000 cubic meters per day. Following these processes, an ultrafiltration module was produced that would easily find demand in the international market. With trademark registrations in Turkey completed, international patent applications have also been filed. The module, developed entirely by Ak-Kim, contains modified PVDF and consists of specially formulated hollow fibers. The module features numerous innovative characteristics such as high efficiency, high chemical resistance, high contaminant holding capacity, strong and flexible fiber structure, and suitability for different water sources. It offers long service life, stable water quality, low investment, operational and maintenance costs, and easy installation options. Additionally, its small footprint is another feature providing convenience to our customers. Ak-Kim Water Solutions Director Dr. Alp Sarıoğlu summarizes the technical features of the High-Performance Hollow Fiber-Based Ultrafiltration Module as follows: "In the Ak-Kim Ultrafiltration Module, the raw water distribution channel and separators developed by the Ak-Kim water solutions team are located in the center of the filter. This specially designed internal distribution system ensures proper distribution of water within the filter. This way, the entire filter surface area is utilized. Thanks to the high-quality hollow fiber made from modified PVDF (m-PVDF) material, it has high chemical and mechanical resistance. In the special design of the hollow fiber we developed, there are nano-sized pores on the active filtration surface. Thanks to this design, our ultrafiltration module has high contaminant holding capacity."

Water scarcity in the world and Turkey

In the World Economic Forum's 2016 Global Risks Report, "water crisis" ranks third among global risks in 2016, after climate change and weapons of mass destruction. Today, more than one billion people face difficulty in accessing drinking/clean water. Water quality is also an important problem for industrial enterprises. The decrease in water resources and increase in water pollution will raise energy consumption. Because industrializing countries also need more clean water for energy production. By 2030, water demand for energy and industry in Asia is estimated to increase by 70%. Furthermore, based on current global trends, by 2030 demand is projected to exceed 40% for sustainable water supply. In short, the likelihood of water scarcity becoming a crisis in many parts of the world, including the Middle East, within the next 20-25 years is quite high. It is assumed that the amount of water Turkey will need within the next 25 years will be three times current water consumption. According to the World Resources Institute's report, Turkey ranks 27th among 40 countries that will experience water scarcity in 2040. Turkey also has serious environmental commitments regarding the EU. The EU Integrated Environmental Adaptation Strategy (IEAS) follows an approach requiring all parties, including public institutions, private sector and civil society organizations, to take responsibility in creating a livable environment. Municipalities' compliance with the IEAS program and acceleration of investments by organized industrial zones and large industrial enterprises are expected. A total of USD 42 billion in investment is needed between 2007-2023. Of this investment, USD 25 billion is allocated to network investment and USD 17 billion to water/wastewater treatment facilities. Unfortunately, today 85% of water used in organized industrial zones is discharged without treatment. Moreover, 75% of this water is discharged to the sea. At global, regional and national levels, for these reasons, efficient water use and wastewater recovery are becoming increasingly important. The Ultrafiltration Module developed by Ak-Kim engineers is an important project in developing the sector at this point and a project that takes the company one step beyond other players in the field.