| | Submerged Membrane Bio Reactor Submerged Membrane Bio Reactor process is a suspended growth biological reactor integrated with a flat plate microfiltration membrane system. Essentially, the microfiltration system replaces the solids separation function of secondary clarifiers and sand filters in a conventional activated sludge system.
The SMBR microfiltration membranes are immersed in an aeration tank, in direct contact with mixed liquor. Through the use of a permeate pump, a vacuum is applied to a header connected to the membranes. The vacuum draws the treated water through the flat plate microfiltration membranes. Permeate is then directed to disinfections or discharge facilities. Intermittent airflow is introduced to the bottom of the membrane module, producing turbulence that scours the external surface of the hollow fibers. This scouring action transfers rejected solids away from the membrane surface.
The SMBR technology effectively overcomes the problems associated with poor settling of sludge in conventional activated sludge processes. The SMBR technology permits bioreactor operation with considerably higher mixed liquor solids concentrations than conventional activated sludge systems that are limited by sludge settling. The SMBR process is typically operated at a mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration in the range of 8,000 to 10,000 mg/L. Elevated biomass concentrations allow for highly effective removal of both soluble and particulate biodegradable material in the waste stream. The SMBR process combines the unit operations of aeration, secondary clarification and filtration into a single process, producing a high quality effluent, simplifying operation and greatly reducing space requirements. | |