A presentation about membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology for on-site wastewater systems. Presented by Michael Moreau from J&R Sales and Service during the Buzzards Bay Coalition's 2011 Decision Makers Workshop series. Learn more at www.savebuzzardsbay.org/DecisionMakers
Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Technology for Decentralized Wastewater Systems
1. MBR Technology for On-site
Wastewater Systems
By
Michael Moreau
J&R Sales and Service
Coalition for Buzards Bay’s
2011 Decision Makers Workshop Series
March 24, 2011
3. Membranes: What They Are
Membrane are thin barriers or films of material that
allow certain substances to pass.
Synthetic membranes are usually 100 to 500 microns
thick.
Membranes that allow only some substrates to pass
through them are called semi permeable membranes.
Useful membranes can be made from polymers,
ceramics, metals, or porous materials impregnated with
liquid or gelatin-like substances.
4. Membrane Spectrum
Microfiltration
Ultra filtration
Nan filtration
Reverse Osmosis
PRESSURE
INCREASING TRANSMEMBRANE PRESSURE
DECREASING MEMBRANE OPERATIONAL LIFE
Filtration in the 0.1 micron range is the
most widely used membrane type in wastewater
treatment applications.
5. Type of Membranes
Pore Size:
Microfiltration
Ultra filtration
Nan filtration
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Configuration
Flat sheet
Hollow fiber
7. Flat Sheet Membrane
Very suitable for small
systems
Micro Filtration (0.08 – 0.3
microns)
Less chance of clogging
Rugged construction –
strong, durable
8. Immersed Membrane
Membrane submerged directly in process,
outside to inside flow under vacuum
Rejected
Matter
Permeate
Membrane
Permeable Matter
Permeate
9. Immersed Membrane MBR
High surface area – reduced energy consumption
Commercialized 1990’s
Permeate
Bioreactor
Recirculation
low vacuum pressure
(up to 7.5 psi)
10. Why MBR?
The Highest, Consistent Effluent Quality
BOD < 5 mg/L
TSS < 2 mg/L
Turbidity < 0.5 NTU
Fecal coli form < 200 CFU/100 mL (without
disinfection)
Significant nutrient removal capability
Complete virus removal
Reduction of pharmaceutical byproducts
11. Why MBR?
Simple to operate (compared to other processes trying
to achieve same effluent quality)
Robust biological process
Energy efficient
Ability to treat difficult wastewater
13. MBR for On-Site Applications
Pre-engineered modules ship install-ready
Simple to install
Designed specifically for both new and existing
onsite tank configurations
Minimum number of reliable mechanical devices
14. MBR for On-Site Applications
Completely automated
Extended operation without needs for membrane
cleaning and de-sludgeing
Safe to use
Cost effective
30. Conclusions
MBR is an attractive and feasible technology for on-site
treatment applications.
Consistent nutrient removal is possible with MBR
system…..Water reuse
MBR is more effective in treating wastewaters that are
challenging for conventional biological treatment systems.