MBR process

Membrane bioreactors MBR plants

Similar, but different An optimum layout

As compared to the conventional activated sludge process, the MBR process has the same phases for aerobic, biological wastewater The position of membrane filtration is of central importance to the design of MBR plants. This is determined by specific plant precondi-
treatment, but of a different scale and design. tions and the process technology requirements relating to the membranes.

Membrane filtration can be integrated into the aeration tank, or used in a separate wet or dry, downstream cell.

Conventional wastewater treatment with disinfection Integrated

Mechanical Pre- Activated sludge tanks Secondary clarification Disinfection Activated sludge Membrane Positioning of the submerged
pre-treatment clarification tanks filtration membrane module in the aerobic
section of the activated sludge
tank
Wastewater Cleaned
wastewater
Waste-
Cleaned
water
wastewater

Membrane bioreactor process (MBR) External

Activated sludge Membrane Positioning of the submerged

Mechanical Activated sludge Membrane tanks filtration membrane module in an external
pre-treatment tanks filtration filtration tank
Cleaned
wastewater Cleaned
Wastewater Wastewater
wastewater

MBR plants use simultaneous aerobic sludge stabilisation, which means that pre-clarification is no longer required. Biomass separation
and extraction from the treated wastewater is accomplished by membrane filtration, which as a rule takes the form of ultra- or microfil- Dry
tration.
External positioning - sidestream
No additional suspended solids, micro-pollutants, COD and germ elimination systems for the further treatment of the wastewater are membrane bioreactor (sMBR)
needed, as in the MBR process these pollutants are retained during the membrane filtration of the activated sludge. Cleaned
Wastewater wastewater
One characteristic of MBR plants is the high concentration of biomass in the activated sludge tanks, whereby the large quantities of
biomass derived from high sludge ages can be handled in relatively small tank volumes. Under these conditions, biological nutrient
removal (phosphorus and nitrogen) can be ideally integrated into the activated sludge process.

Compactness and top quality

By comparison with conventional plants, MBR systems offer an uncomplicated plant structure and compact footprint, as well as the Activated sludge
additional advantage of a marked improvement in the quality of the treated water. tanks
MegamodulTM

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