Wastewater treatment with the internal MEMBIOR

An internal aerobic membrane bioreactor was developed with submerged flat membrane plates: the internal MEMBIOR. This system has several advantages compared to a conventional wastewater such as: compactness, reduced sludge production and very high effluent quality. Both laboratory and pilot scale installations are available for respectively feasibility and on-site pilot tests. The data obtained from these pilot tests allow an optimal design and dimensioning of the MEMBIOR technology, resulting in proper investments cost with guarantees and performance. Research on the internal MEMBIOR technology is based upon biological and membrane performance, aeration linked aspects and sludge morphology. A brewery bio-effluent was obtained using an internal MEMBIOR superior to a conventional wastewater treatment plant, absolutely free of suspended solids. A significant shift in sludge morphology over time was observed. Lower oxygen transfer coefficients were found when the sludge concentration increased, giving rise to the need for an additional aeration. Membrane performance was enhanced using an additional module aeration system.

SEGHERSbetter Technology for WATER n.v. has acquired considerable experience on both labscale (feasibility) and pilot test (on-site) for the dimensioning and design of an internal MEMBIOR. Case specific techno-economical studies can be made to evaluate the possibility of applying an internal MEMBIOR, resulting in a proper investment cost with guarantees. A brewery bio-effluent was obtained with an internal MEMBIOR that was superior to a bioeffluent of a conventional wastewater treatment plant since it is absolutely free of suspended solids. Also using the MEMBIOR technology enhances biological performance. Lower oxygen transfer coefficients of about 0.4–0.5 were found when the sludge concentration increased to 10–15 g/l. This resulted in the need of an additional aeration or in a different aeration mode. Membrane performance was enhanced using an additional module aeration system that could diminish membrane fouling.