Continuous measurement and control of fouling active compounds in membrane bioreactor systems

For a more effective fouling reduction in membrane bioreactors (MBR) the approach of continuous measurement and control of protein and polysaccharide concentrations is followed. So called extra-cellular polymer substances (EPS) can be partially measured by a newly developed protein sensor based on sequential injection analysis. The sensor is validated by real MBR pilot data, stating the feasibility of the technique for continuous monitoring. Parallel to EPS, other fouling active compounds such as organic bio-polymer were determined in two parallel MBR pilot lines by size exclusion chromatography, proving desired comparable conditions in both lines for later parallel testing. The daily variation of EPS in MBR operation are moderate, where protein changes tend to react more pronounced to operational changes than polysaccharides. This was also the case for the organic bio-polymer fraction, especially in manipulated bench experiments at abruptly changing redox conditions.