The logic behind MBR's operation includes the following steps
Biological Treatment: Wastewater is processed in a biological reactor tank where microorganisms play a crucial role. During this process, microorganisms oxidize organic pollutants and treat the water. The biological treatment process typically occurs within specially designed membrane bioreactors.
Membrane Filtration: The treated water is pumped to membrane filters. These membranes, usually made of polymeric materials, have microscopic pores. These pores prevent solid particles, microorganisms, and organic substances from passing through. The membranes used are often highly efficient ultrafiltration (UF) or nanofiltration (NF) membranes.
Application of Transmembrane Pressure: A specific transmembrane pressure is applied to allow clean water to pass through the membranes. This pressure helps water, capable of passing through the membrane pores, to pass through. The pressure is tightly controlled to prevent leakage.
Collection of Clean Water: The purified water is collected on the other side of the membranes and is typically used as treated water suitable for reuse, discharge, or other processes.
Technical Advantages of MBR
High Treatment Efficiency and Water Quality: MBR technology provides high treatment efficiency, resulting in excellent water quality.
Effective Removal of Solid Particles and Microorganisms: MBR systems effectively remove solid particles and microorganisms from wastewater.
Suitable for Water Recovery and Reuse: MBR is well-suited for water recovery and reuse, making it ideal for various applications.
Reduced Footprint: MBR systems process wastewater with a smaller footprint than conventional treatment methods.
Long Membrane Lifespan: Advanced membrane technology ensures membranes have a long lifespan, reducing maintenance costs.
Easy Operation and Maintenance: Automation systems make MBR systems easy to operate and maintain.
In conclusion, MBR technology combines biological treatment processes with membrane filtration to enhance the efficiency of wastewater treatment, produce high-quality clean water, and promote water reuse. This makes MBR a preferred wastewater treatment solution for industrial and municipal applications.
Biological Treatment
The first step of MBR is the biological treatment process. Wastewater is pumped into a special bioreactor tank. This tank contains a medium where biological microorganisms (typically bacteria) thrive. These microorganisms use organic pollutants in the wastewater as a food source and break them down biologically. This process occurs under aerobic conditions, providing the necessary oxygen for the microorganisms.
Membrane Filtration
Treated water is extracted from the bioreactor tank and directed towards membrane filters. These membranes are typically made of polymeric materials and have microscopic pores. These pores allow water to pass through, blocking solid particles, microorganisms, and organic matter. The pore sizes are usually 0.1 micrometers or smaller, ensuring highly effective filtration.
Application of Transmembrane Pressure
A transmembrane pressure allows clean water to pass through the membranes. This pressure enables water, capable of surpassing the pores of the membranes, to pass through. Transmembrane pressure is carefully controlled to prevent leakage and encourage water flow.
Collection of Clean Water
The purified water is collected from the other side of the membranes and is often treated for reuse, discharge, or other processes as suitable.
MBR effectively removes organic pollutants and solid particles. Additionally, the biological treatment process prevents the growth of harmful microorganisms while purifying wastewater. MBR systems equipped with membrane filters produce high-quality, clean water and encourage water reuse.