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A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities
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Published on: December 25, 2015

Enhanced membrane bioreactor process without chemical cleaning.

S Krause1, B Zimmermann, U Meyer-Blumenroth

  • 1Microdyn-Nadir GmbH, Wiesbaden, Germany. s.krause@microdyn-nadir.de

Water Science and Technology : a Journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research
|May 11, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Adding granules to membrane bioreactors (MBR) for wastewater treatment prevents membrane fouling through physical abrasion. This chemical-free method maintains permeability and high fluxes, improving cost-efficiency.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Water Treatment Technologies
  • Chemical Engineering

Background:

  • Membrane bioreactors (MBR) are increasingly used for wastewater treatment due to their small footprint and high effluent quality.
  • Membrane fouling is a significant challenge, reducing permeability and necessitating chemical cleaning procedures.
  • Current MBR processes often rely on chemical treatments to manage fouling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate a chemical-free method for removing fouling layers in MBRs.
  • To assess the efficacy of continuous physical abrasion using added particles (granules) for fouling control.
  • To evaluate the impact of this method on membrane permeability and operational efficiency.

Main Methods:

  • Introduction of granular particles into the activated sludge within the MBR system.
  • Continuous operation of the MBR with granules for over 8 months.
  • Monitoring membrane permeability, achieved fluxes, and effluent turbidity.
  • Comparison with a reference MBR system without granules.

Main Results:

  • Membranes operated with granules showed no decrease in permeability over 8 months.
  • Achieved stable fluxes up to 40 L/(m(2) h) without chemical cleaning.
  • Effluent turbidity remained consistent, indicating effective solid-liquid separation.
  • The reference MBR without granules experienced permeability loss and required chemical cleaning.

Conclusions:

  • Continuous physical abrasion with granules is an effective chemical-free strategy for MBR fouling control.
  • This method enables sustained high fluxes and eliminates the need for chemical cleaning agents.
  • The granule-based approach enhances the cost-efficiency and sustainability of MBR wastewater treatment.