Innovative ways of energy-performance optimization of membrane bioreactors

A WWTP with MBR technology is no longer a step into the unknown or a theoretical solution. The number of implementations and the growing interest of water infrastructure operators and technology suppliers show that the membrane bioreactor can be classified as a stable technology for wastewater treatment. The excellent quality of the treated wastewater is then a good basis for its reuse, which may become a necessity in the future. Massive deployment of the technology is hindered and one of the biggest drawbacks for investors and operators is the operating costs of MBR. Among the highest operating costs is electricity. Of the total electricity consumption of an urban MBR WWTP, more than half is consumed by the blower below the membrane module, whose operation is essential to ensure the flow of the activation mixture around the membrane plates. A significant benefit for further scaling up of MBR technology and also an objective of this project is the energy optimisation of ensuring the flow of activated sludge around the membranes. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)