Dick Sudak
President, Separation Processes
Helped nurse RO from research concept to commercial reality, via OSW and ROGA.
Dick had a mixed background – including the navy and engineering missiles and nuclear power – when he arrived at ROGA in 1966 as Engineering Manager. He was immediately involved in the first demonstration RO desalination plant, and with OSW contracts, developing large-diameter elements. He also saw ROGA sell the first commercial RO units.
From 1976 to 1980, Dick was founding president of Membrane Systems, who developed asymmetric cellulose acetate and thin film composite membranes under his leadership. Dick founded Separation Processes in 1980, a water recovery consultancy covering ultra- and microfiltration, as well as RO. He retired in August 2003.
Dick received AMTA's Engineering Excellence Award in 2000 'in recognition of engineering excellence and contributions to the membrane industry', and in 2006 was inducted into their Hall of Fame 'in recognition of his vast contribution to desalination, membrane technology and water supply improvements.'
Landmark plants:
- ROGA demonstration RO plant (USA, 38m3/d, 1966) – first ever functioning RO desal plant;
- Texas Instruments (Texas, USA, 379m3/d, RO) – first commercial RO plant sold