Aerobic Membrane Bioreactor

IHE Delft is working with IIT Delhi to assess different operational regimes for aerobic membrane bioreactors (MBR) to deal with the drain water from the Barapullah Drain in New Delhi.

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.

Aerobic membrane bioreactor

 

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

Involved partners