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

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

2. Membrane BioReactors (MBR)

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

6. Types of Immersed Membranes
Hollow Fiber
Flat Sheet

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

12. Why MBR?
Mixed Liquor
MLSS 5,000 –
16,000 mg/l
Permeate
BOD < 5 mg/l
TSS < 1 mg/l
Turbidity < 0.2 NTU
Flow

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

15. Filter Operation
Direction of
filtration
Filtrate
Filtrate collector
Filter cake
Removed by
fine air bubble
Membranes
Air diffuser
Page 15

16. Cleaning Procedures
 Every six to twelve months
 Requires chemical(s) cleaning
 Clean–In– Place (CIP) or remove module(s)

17. BioBarrier™ MBR Markets
 Single-Home Residential
 Clustered Residential
 High-Strength Commercial

18. Basic Components
 SaniTEE® Screen
 Aeration Tank with Anoxic Zone
 Membrane Module with Aeration Grid
 Blower
 Permeate Pump
 Control
 Level Floats
 Supplemental Aeration for HSMBR

19. BioBarrier® 0.5

20. BioBarrier® Basic Components

21. BioBarrier® Basic Components

22. BioBarrier® 0.5

23. 3,000 gpd BioBarrier® System

24. Double-Stacked BioBarrier®

27. Single-Home BioBarrier®
Parameters
Flow, gpd
BOD, mg/L
COD, mg/L
TKN, mg/L
Total Nitrogen, mg/L
Q - NH3-N, mg/L
No. of days in service
Influent
455
Effluent
455
200
<5
480
16
61
1.4
61
5.5
4.2
0.5
375
375

29. 9,000 gpd BioBarrier®

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.