and an earthquake-resistant pipeline system, work began in 2002 on R&D on Movement of Suspended
Solid in Pipeline (Epoch). R&D on Pipeline Diagnosis Technology (New Epoch) has been ongoing since
2005.
The development and diffusion of membrane water purification plants are a representation of the
success originating from these research and development projects. Since the introduction of 7 plants
(600m3/d) around the country in 1993, the number of those plants has grown year by year and as of now
(March 2006), the number has reached 550 plants with an accumulated plant capacity of 622,650m3/d.