Working principles
Aerobic membrane bioreactors combine the advantages of conventional activated sludge (CAS) wastewater treatment systems with micro/ultra-membrane filtration.
This is a proven technology in a Western context. When implemented in India, new challenges need to be faced, including the operation under non-standardized and non-reliable receiving wastewaters, and excessive high temperatures. This technology also needs high appropriate maintenance. Therefore a pilot-scale movable MBR will be constructed and provided with low energy, submersible membranes for the evaluation of different operational regimes.
Main goals
MBRs combine aerobic bio-treatment with membrane separation, thus:
- Clarified, mostly disinfected effluent: Low turbidity, bacteria, Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and organic content
- Small footprint plant. Shorter Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT)
- Bulking problems become less relevant. Longer Solids Retention Time (SRT) with less sludge production
- Hydraulic and solids retention time are uncoupled
- Intensive bio-treatment provided