Driving Industrial Efficiency and Sustainability with Kurita Dropwise Condensation Technology

Picture of Angel Palacios
Angel Palacios

Product Manager CSV

Today, reducing carbon footprints and improving energy efficiency are two of the most critical investment priorities for industries worldwide. On one hand, legislative policies and growing consumer demand are accelerating the shift towards more sustainable production models. Following the Paris Agreement, there is a global commitment to halve carbon emissions by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels), with the long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality through net-zero solutions.

On the other hand, energy prices – one of the most significant cost drivers for many industrial sectors – are highly sensitive to geopolitical dynamics and are currently experiencing extreme volatility. This not only erodes profit margins across industries but also introduces uncertainty when making investment decisions related to energy efficiency.

In this context, Kurita Dropwise Condensation Technology stands out as a powerful solution in the energy efficiency space. It offers versality, low capital expenditure (CAPEX), and a short payback period. Developed by Kurita Water Industries in 2017, this award-winning technology is already helping over 400 customers worldwide reduce both energy costs and carbon emissions. As a result, it is frequently featured in customer sustainability reports.

How does Kurita Dropwise Condensation Technology work?

Under natural conditions, condensation typically occurs as filmwise condensation, where a thin water layer forms on heat exchange surfaces. This layer acts as a thermal barrier, significantly reducing heat transfer efficiency. Research and Kurita’s own experience show tat a mere 0.2 mm water film can reduce the condensation heat transfer coefficient to just 20% of its optimal value – dramatically impacting overall heat transfer coefficient and system heat exchanging power.

Kurita Dropwise Condensation Technology, part of the Kurita CSV portfolio, involves continuous steam treatment using advanced formulations from the Kurita Dropwise Condensation range. This treatment imparts hydrophobic properties to metallic surfaces, shifting the condensation mechanism from filmwise to dropwise condensation. In this mode, water droplets form and roll off the surface, keeping it dry and maintaining optimal heat transfer conditions.

Compared to filmwise condensation, dropwise condensation can increase the heat transfer coefficient by up to 30%, enhancing both production capacity and energy efficiency. Additionally, the technology helps keep surfaces clean, smooth, and evenly heated – further improving system performance.   

Tangible Benefits for Industry

Kurita Dropwise Condensation Technology delivers measurable value:

  • Energy savings that translate directly into cost reductions.
  • Lower carbon emissions, supporting sustainability goals.
  • Increased productivity, especially in systems constrained by heat transfer limitations.

It is also compatible with most traditional boiler treatment programmes and has no adverse effects on condensate water quality.

Proven Applications Across Industries
  • Paper Industry: Applied to drying cylinders, it helps reduce specific steam consumption by 3-10% and can boost production by up to 15% when heat transfer is a bottleneck.
  • Tyre Industry: In vulcanisation processes, it reduces curing steam usage by an average of 6%. Kurita is currently collaborating with several major tyre manufacturers.
  • Petrochemical Industry: Used in distillation column reboilers and steam condensers for centrifugal compressors, it has increased productivity by up to 16%.
  • Other Applications: Textile dryers, plywood presses, ammonia recovery reboilers, power plant condensers, and food and beverage evaporators.
Conclusion

Kurita Dropwise Condensation Technology is a compelling solution for any industrial condensation system where enhanced heat transfer can improve production efficiency. Its proven performance, ease of integration, and sustainability benefits make it a valuable asset across a wide range of industries.

Kurita Dropwise Condensation Technology

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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.