Filtration Energy Solutions (FES) is a San Diego-based process and chemical engineering practice with more than 32 years of hands-on experience in reverse osmosis and crossflow membrane filtration. Founded by a chemical engineer whose career spans technical application engineering, corporate sales leadership, and membrane research, FES combines deep laboratory expertise with scalable system design to solve complex filtration challenges - from first feasibility study through full-scale plant commissioning. With a vendor-neutral approach and an MBA-grounded business perspective, it delivers end-to-end membrane solutions for clients ranging from Fortune 100 manufacturers to emerging technology startups across food and beverage, life sciences, water treatment, mining, chemicals, and oil and gas markets.
A process manufacturing client needed to recover a high-value component from its process stream without compromising purity, yield, or efficiency. FES conducted a membrane feasibility study with multiple crossflow filtration trials, selected a membrane delivering high flux and selective rejection, and validated performance in a 4-inch spiral-wound pilot study simulating real-world process conditions. FES then designed a custom skid-mounted membrane system matched to the client's flow rate, temperature, and CIP requirements and guided vendor selection for fabrication and auxiliary equipment. The commissioned system has operated reliably for more than 13 years, saving the client millions in product recovery and water conservation.
500 MGD UF/RO Plant Startup at 14,000 ft Elevation
Water Supply
FES provided commissioning and startup support for a 500-million-gallon-per-day ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis membrane plant operating at 14,000-foot elevation for a global water utility. Working under extreme environmental and operational constraints, FES guided system commissioning, optimized membrane performance, and ensured both UF and RO trains ran reliably and within specification.
FES designed and built a custom cross-flow membrane test unit for an advanced separation R&D team, enabling precise measurement of flux and rejection under representative process conditions. The system performed without issues, allowing the client to evaluate membrane candidates and advance development with confidence.
Starting from a membrane concept and a compressed timeline, FES conducted feasibility testing, selected compatible materials, and fabricated a scalable, test-ready prototype filter. The deliverable required no rework and was ready for immediate experimentation, compressing the client's product development schedule.
A manufacturer launching a new membrane rolling operation needed a UF element meeting FDA standards but could not achieve certification with its initial design. FES engineered and built a custom filter that passed FDA certification on the first submission, enabling the production line to move forward on schedule.
We knew exactly what we wanted to achieve and we chose Kandas to lead the project because she's delivered for us before. Once again, she exceeded expectations. From concept to commissioning, every detail was handled with precision. We couldn't be happier with the results.
We needed a pilot system that could replicate real process conditions and validate flux and rejection. FES delivered a well-designed, cross-flow membrane test unit that performed flawlessly. It helped us quickly assess membrane performance and move forward with confidence.
They handled a complex membrane startup with precision. FES supported the startup of our 500 MGD UF/RO membrane plant at 14,000 ft elevation - an extreme and high-stakes environment. Their team guided commissioning, optimized performance, and ensured both UF and RO systems ran smoothly.
They turned our concept into a working filtration system. We came to FES with a membrane idea. They ran feasibility testing, selected all the compatible materials, and delivered a scalable, test-ready prototype. Their expertise in material selection made it easy to go from concept to final product.
We partnered with FES to recover our solvent and needed a membrane compatible with our process water. They identified the right membrane, designed the full-scale plant, and commissioned it seamlessly. The system has now run exactly as designed for over 13 years - saving us millions. FES solved a critical challenge that made the entire project possible.
We had just started our membrane rolling operation but couldn't get our UF element to meet FDA standards. Their team designed and built a custom filter that solved the issue. It passed certification on the first try. Their engineering and regulatory expertise made the difference.
We came to them with a membrane and a tight timeline. They quickly delivered a custom filter that met our specs and was ready for immediate testing. Solid build, no rework needed. Their engineering expertise saved us weeks and got our experiments moving fast.
