Membrane Bioreactor Wastewater Treatment Package

An integrated wastewater treatment system that combines the activated sludge biological process with a submerged membrane to produce clear, stable, and reusable effluent.

Description of the MBR process

The MBR process is formed by combining biological treatment of activated sludge with a submerged membrane system. In this method, the sedimentation, clarification, and filtration units are largely integrated into one reactor, and the separation of suspended solids is carried out by the membrane instead of gravitational settling.

Membranes are usually submerged in the aeration unit and are in direct contact with the wastewater and mixed liquor. By creating suction, the treated effluent exits from inside the membranes, and the bottom aeration of the unit not only supplies oxygen but also keeps the external surface of the membranes clean.

Membrane module immersed in the MBR process

Overall treatment flow in MBR

Sewage inflowTransfer of raw wastewater to the biological reactor

Biological reactionDecomposition of organic matter by activated sludge

Membrane separationRemoval of suspended solids, microbes, and fine particles

Discharge of clear wastewaterPurified water suitable for reuse

Low space occupation

By eliminating or downsizing the conventional settling, disinfection, and filtration units, the space required for the MBR process is significantly reduced.

High output quality

Hollow fiber membranes enable the filtration of very fine particles, microbes, viruses, and bacteria.

Modular and extensible

Adding membrane modules makes system capacity expansion simpler and more suitable for phased projects.

Excess sludge reduction

Due to the long retention time of the sludge, the production of excess sludge in this process can be reduced by up to about 70%.

Membrane fouling control

Cleaner air from the module floor and automatic backwashing help reduce clogging and maintain stable performance.

Convertible from the existing system

Existing activated sludge treatment plants with membrane submersion in aeration units can be upgraded to MBR.

Applications of the MBR process

Upgrading the capacity of operational wastewater treatment plants
Treatment of high-concentration wastewater such as from restaurants, food industries, and pharmaceuticals
Treatment of wastewaters with high ammonium such as leachates
Sanitary wastewater treatment in projects with space constraints
Reuse and recycling of treated wastewater

Comparison of the activated sludge process and the MBR process