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Performance and membrane fouling in a pilot scale SBR process coupled with membrane
1Department of Civil Engineering, KAIST, 373-1 Guseong-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejon 305-701, Korea.
Summary
This study shows a submerged membrane coupled with sequencing batch reactor (SM-SBR) effectively removes over 95% of COD and 85% of total nitrogen. Membrane fouling impacts performance by increasing hydraulic retention time.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Treatment Technologies
- Membrane Bioreactors
Background:
- Wastewater treatment requires efficient removal of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
- Submerged membrane systems offer potential for enhanced effluent quality.
- Sequencing batch reactors provide flexible treatment conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of a pilot-scale submerged membrane coupled with a sequencing batch reactor (SM-SBR).
- To investigate the treatment of organics, nitrogen, and phosphate.
- To identify factors affecting membrane performance and fouling.
Main Methods:
- Operation of a pilot-scale SM-SBR with a 3-hour cycle, alternating anoxic and aerobic conditions.
- Monitoring of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and nutrient removal.
- Analysis of membrane flux, hydraulic retention time (HRT), and fouling mechanisms using stirred cell tests.
Main Results:
- Consistent COD removal exceeding 95% was achieved.
- Total nitrogen removal efficiency reached up to 85%.
- Complete nitrification occurred despite short aeration times; membrane fouling impacted TN removal by increasing HRT.
Conclusions:
- The SM-SBR system demonstrates high efficiency in removing COD and TN.
- Membrane fouling, particularly by soluble fractions and dissolved solids, significantly affects system performance and nitrogen removal.
- Understanding fouling mechanisms is crucial for optimizing SM-SBR operation.