Cetamine® Film Forming Technology: Water & Energy Savings in Boiler Systems

Picture of Andre de Bache
Andre de Bache

Senior Product Manager

Steam which is generated by heating water in boiler systems is one of the most important sources in almost all industries and market sectors. A variety of steam generator types, diameters and pressure ranges are operated, depending on the plant specific requirements for steam quantity and pressure.

The right treatment concept to protect boilers against scaling and corrosion is essential for save operation of such systems. But nowadays this is by far not enough.

Modern boiler treatment concepts are driven by requirements for economic operation, reduced water & fuel consumption and less carbon dioxide emission.

How does the application of Cetamine lead to reduced water & fuel consumption?

Compared to traditional treatment programs where up to 3 different products are necessary, the application of Kurita’s Cetamine Technology usually requires 1 product only to treat the whole plant. This is a significant simplification for the operators with less costs for dosing equipment, handling and storage of products. At the same time the carbon footprint is reduced by applying less chemicals.

The key component of Cetamie is a unique Film Forming Substances (FFS). The FFS adsorbs to all system surfaces and forms a protective film against corrosion by stopping water and other corrosive agents from contacting the metal surface.

The existing scale is removed from system surfaces during normal operation, and the formation of new sales is prevented so that the heat transfer is increased and the performance of the boiler is improved.

The main advantage and difference to a conventional boiler treatment approach is that Cetamine has only a negligible impact on the conductivity of the boiler water.

The cycle of concentration (COC) can usually be increased, which reduces the blow-down water amount by 50% or more. Less blow-down leads to less fresh make-up water that needs to be prepared and added to the system. This already provides huge savings of water and the related costs for water preparation.

But even higher savings are achieved due to savings in energy related to less water that needs to be heated. For example, a boiler system operating at 20 bars and generating 100 t/h of steam can save more than 250 k€ per year by changing to Cetamine and reducing the blow-down rate by 50%. At the same time the carbon dioxide emission will be reduced by ca. 700 tons per year and 8500 m3 of water are saved yearly.

How to verify the obtained savings in water and energy?

Kurita has developed the S.sensing Value+ concept, a smart and innovative way to monitor and evaluate the consumption of water and energy through make-up water and blow-down reduction, boiler efficiency and emissions. The generated data then will be available online in My Kurita Portal illustrating the generated savings with Cetamine Technology.

Next generation boiler water treatment in food & beverage industry

The Cetamine Technology portfolio offers solutions for the treatment of boilers in all industries. The newest development is the patent pending Cetamine FB product line for safe application in the food & beverage industry where the generated steam has either direct or indirect contact to the food production process.

More than 5,000 boilers worldwide are treated with Cetamine due to its excellent protection against corrosion and the water & energy savings it generates continuously.

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Tetsuya Teramoto

Tetsuya Teramoto

Managing Director, Kurita R&D Asia Pte. Ltd.

Mr. Tetsuya Teramoto has served as Managing Director of Kurita R&D Asia Pte. Ltd. since 2024. Since joining Kurita Water Industries in 2006, he has accumulated nearly 20 years of experience in technology strategy, research and development, and business innovation, including investments in startup companies.

Throughout his career, Mr. Teramoto has led development projects across Japan, China, and the United States. Since 2023, he has been based in Singapore, where he has focused on accelerating technology development aligned with ASEAN market needs, strengthening partnerships with startups, universities, and other ecosystem stakeholders, and driving the creation of emerging solutions that contribute to the Kurita Group’s growth.

Mr. Teramoto holds a Master’s degree in Biosystem Studies from the University of Tsukuba, Japan. Leveraging his expertise in both research and development and business strategy, he is committed to driving innovation that transforms technology into business value and sustainable growth opportunities.

Zackariya

Mohamad Zackariya

Managing Director, Kurita (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.

Mr. Mohamad Zackariya has served as Managing Director of Kurita (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. since April 2023, capping a distinguished career of more than 25 years with the company. A Singaporean national, he joined Kurita Singapore in 1998 as a Design Engineer in the Plant Division and progressed through a series of leadership roles, including Manager, General Manager, Director, and ultimately Managing Director. His extensive experience has played a key role in strengthening the company’s technical capabilities, customer partnerships, and business growth across the region.

Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from Singapore Institute of Management, Mr. Zackariya combines deep technical expertise with strong business leadership. He is committed to advancing Kurita’s mission of creating shared value through innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable water solutions that support customers and industries throughout Southeast Asia.

Masato Hirai

Masato Hirai

Chief Administration Officer, ASEAN Regional

Mr. Masato Hirai serves as ASEAN Regional Chief Administration Officer at Kurita, a role he has held since 2023. With more than 25 years of experience in corporate administration, financial planning, and business operations, he brings extensive expertise in supporting organizational growth, strengthening governance, and driving operational excellence across international business environments.

Mr. Hirai joined Kurita Group in 2021 and has held leadership positions in Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Throughout his career, he has been responsible for financial planning and analysis, business administration, and the management of cross-functional corporate operations. He has also supported overseas subsidiaries across Asia, Europe, and North America, contributing to the development of effective business practices and strong stakeholder relationships. Prior to joining Kurita, he held management and planning roles at several multinational manufacturing and chemical companies.

Known for his strategic vision and collaborative approach to leadership, Mr. Hirai is committed to strengthening organizational performance and creating long-term sustainable growth. Currently based in Indonesia, he leverages extensive international experience to support Kurita’s regional development and business transformation initiatives. He graduated from Hitotsubashi University, Japan, with a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in 1999.

Toshiaki Nakai

Toshiaki Nakai

General Director, Kurita-GK Vietnam Co. Ltd.

Mr. Toshiaki Nakai serves as General Director of Kurita-GK Vietnam Co. Ltd., a position he has held since April 2026. With more than 20 years of experience at Kurita, he has developed extensive expertise in water treatment solutions, business development, and customer partnership management across a wide range of industrial sectors, including general manufacturing, oil refining, and steel production.

Since joining Kurita Water Industries Ltd. in 2004 as a Sales Engineer, Mr. Nakai has supported customers in optimizing water use, enhancing operational efficiency, and advancing sustainability initiatives. He later expanded his leadership responsibilities in Indonesia, serving as General Manager of PT. Kurita Indonesia from 2022 to 2025 and Senior General Manager from 2025 to 2026, where he contributed to the company’s growth and strengthened its market presence.

Mr. Nakai holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture from Kobe University, Japan, graduating in 2004.

Toshinori Maema

Toshinori Maema

President Director, P.T. Kurita Indonesia

Mr. Toshinori Maema has served as President Director of PT. Kurita Indonesia since 2025, bringing over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, technical, and business leadership within the water treatment industry. Having worked across Asia, Europe, and North America, he offers a global perspective on customer engagement, organizational development, and sustainable business growth.

Since joining the Kurita Group in 2004, Mr. Maema has held leadership positions at various Kurita companies in China, Europe, Japan, and Avista Technologies in the United States, where he served as President & CEO from 2023 to 2025 to focus on global initiatives to expand the Kurita reverse osmosis chemicals business. With more than half of his career spent outside Japan, he has developed extensive experience in leading multicultural teams and driving business growth across diverse markets.

Mr. Maema holds a degree in Biochemistry from Aoyama Gakuin University and completed the Leadership on Change program at IESE Business School. Fluent in Japanese, English, and Chinese, with elementary proficiency in German, he is passionate about fostering collaboration across cultures. Outside of work, he enjoys a wide range of sports, including golf, baseball, soccer, and basketball.