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Introducing the Technology Developed in the “Land of Water” Japan. Kubota’s Water Treatment Technology Addresses the World’s Water Problems

Water Treatment System

Since its first attempt to domestically manufacture water pipes after World War II, Kubota has contributed to the development of the waterworks system. The water issues the world faces today are the spread of severe shortages in various regions and pollution. With the technique and know-how it has developed, Kubota has delivered safe and good-tasting water and has been actively engaged in the treatment and recycling of sewage and industrial wastewater. Kubota’s water treatment technology delivers outstanding performance around the world, introducing the technology developed in Japan.

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For the Future of Food and Humanity

Agricultural Machinery

Leading World’s Water Infrastructure

Pipe System

Core Technology

  • Membrane Bioreactor

    Kubota Submerged Membrane Unit®

    With the conventional activated sludge process, after the microbes decomposed the contaminants, the biological sludge needed to be settled in order to separate the treated water. However, with the membrane bioreactor, the biological sludge is separated from the treated water through membrane filtration. By completely removing all solids through this process, clear treated water can be obtained. In addition, several facilities including the settling basin necessary for conventional activated sludge is no longer necessary, reducing the size of the wastewater treatment facility. Furthermore, there is no need to thoroughly administer the sludge concentration in order to maintain the settleability of the biological sludge or examine the microbes with a microscope, simplifying maintenance.

  • Flat Sheet Type Membrane Cartridge

    Kubota Submerged Membrane Unit®

    The flat sheet membrane cartridge welded on each side of the membrane panel plays a significant role in the membrane bioreactor. The membrane sheet is made of microporous membrane with an average pore size of 0.2 microns, blocking not only all solids but also E. coli bacteria. Therefore, the treated water can be reused for irrigation, toilet flushing, etc. Furthermore, because the membrane cartridges can be individually removed from the membrane unit, even if the membrane sheet were to be damaged, only a minimal number of membrane cartridges that are affected need to be replaced, and clear processed water can be obtained immediately. It provides enhanced maintenance compared to other types of membranes, which require the replacement of the entire membrane module.

1950-1960s

The Deterioration of the Living Environment Due to Rapid Economic Growth

After recovering from the war, Japan entered a period of rapid economic growth. The economic as well as industrial structures changed, and the heavy and chemical industries especially thrived. Along with this, water and waste management became a pressing issue in order to maintain a healthy living environment in urban areas, where population concentrated. Thus, the government began to strengthen its efforts in managing the environmental infrastructure.

Sewage Treatment Plant, Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant, Refuse Incinerator

Giving Back to the Water Industry. Kubota’s Water Treatment Business Begins

Kubota, which promoted the domestic production of water pipes at the time of its founding, advanced water treatment research and its business application to solve water issues and give back to the waterworks industry that had long supported the company.

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1960-1970s

The Repercussions of Rapid Growth and Measures Against Pollution

Concerns for environmental impact due to rapid economic growth developed into serious pollution issues. In 1967, the government issued the Basic Act for Environmental Pollution Control and, in 1970, radically laid out pollution-related ordinances at the National Diet’s 64th session, which was called the ‘pollution session.’ The industry, in turn, began to respond to strengthening regulations.

Sludge Collector, Septic Tank

Expansion of the Environmental Infrastructure-Related Business Brought About Kubota’s Original Technology

Aiming to expand its public environment and infrastructure-related business, Kubota acquired new technologies as it developed its own water treatment equipment and machines, distinguishing itself in the water treatment industry as well.

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1970-1980s

Aiming to Expand the Coverage of Sewage System

Although urbanization and infrastructure development expeditiously progressed under rapid economic growth, at the end of the 1975 fiscal year, the sewage coverage in Japan was 23%, falling significantly behind US and European countries with over 70% of coverage. The government issued the 4th Five-year Sewer System Development Program, launching large-scale construction projects to improve coverage to 40%.

Sludge Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, Drainage Treatment, Purified Water Treatment

Kubota Entered the Field of Sewage Sludge Treatment to Enhance People’s Living Environment

Changing course and expanding its wastewater treatment business, Kubota focused on developing equipment and machines necessary in each process of treating wastewater with the goal of enhancing people’s living environment.

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1990s-

Water Issues Taken to the Next Stage. The Changing Environment Surrounding Water

From the 1990s, global environmental issues such as climate change became apparent, and humanity set out to find solutions to these problems. In Japan, the coverage of water supply and wastewater treatment services increased year by year, and the construction of new facilities, as well as the expansion of existing ones, had settled, entering into a time focused on facility updates and operation management.

Kubota Submerged Membrane Unit®, MBR, Rotary Surface Melting Furnace, KSIS

Diverse Needs Required by the Changing Times Cultivated Kubota’s Water Treatment Technology

Kubota established itself as the world’s top class comprehensive waterworks equipment manufacturer, offering products ranging from water supply to wastewater treatment equipment. From domestic water issues to global climate change, Kubota strives to provide solutions through the technology it has developed, responding to the various needs of each one.

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Evolution of Other Technologies