Introduction to MBR Technology
Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) systems are an advanced wastewater treatment technology that integrates biological treatment with membrane separation. They are widely used in municipal wastewater treatment, industrial wastewater management, and water resource recovery. Compared to the traditional activated sludge process, MBR technology offers higher pollutant removal efficiency and produces higher-quality treated water.
The core component of MBR technology is the membrane module, which is primarily used for solid-liquid separation. It ensures stable effluent quality and effectively removes suspended solids (SS), organic pollutants (COD, BOD), and pathogens. This allows the treated water to meet high recovery standards and even be further processed into RO (reverse osmosis) purified water or reclaimed water.
The operation of an MBR system consists of two main stages: biological degradation and membrane filtration.
1. Biological Treatment Stage:Oxygen is supplied through an aeration system (such as blowers and diffusers) to promote microbial degradation of organic matter.The activated sludge in the reaction tank continuously breaks down pollutants, enhancing treatment efficiency.
2. Membrane Filtration Stage:Membrane separation technology removes suspended solids and microorganisms.Due to the high filtration capability of the membrane, traditional sedimentation tanks are replaced, reducing land area requirements and improving treatment efficiency.
Advantages of Modern MBR Technology
To ensure stable system operation and optimal economic efficiency, companies should consider the following critical indicators when selecting MBR equipment:
- Membrane Type: Hollow fiber membranes are suitable for large-scale treatment systems and offer high filtration efficiency. Flat-sheet membranes have high fouling resistance, making them ideal for high-concentration wastewater treatment.
- Membrane Flux and Pressure Drop: The membrane flux must meet the expected water treatment capacity. Low-pressure operation should be preferred to reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs.
- Aeration and Circulation Design: A well-designed aeration system prevents membrane fouling and extends membrane lifespan. Choosing suitable blowers and diffusers ensures even oxygen distribution, enhancing biological degradation efficiency.
- Cleaning and Maintenance Costs: MBR membranes require periodic cleaning. Selecting membranes with high fouling resistance and long cleaning intervals helps reduce maintenance frequency and operating costs.
- Compatibility with Other Treatment Units: For high-concentration organic wastewater treatment, MBR systems can be combined with DAF (Dissolved Air Flotation) systems to reduce influent pollutant loads and improve overall treatment efficiency. If further water purification is needed, MBR systems can be integrated with RO purification or EDI (Electrodeionization) ultrapure water systems to achieve higher water quality standards.