Membrane Biofilm Reactor

Target SDGs

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Public Sector Agencies

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

The MBR has been implemented by Weise Water GmbH, Fluence, Martin Membrane Systems, Triqua International bv and Ovivo.

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include AnoxKaldnes Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor and Sequential Batch Reactor.

Manufacturing/Building Method

MBRs are constructed by the manufacturer. For larger wastewater treatment plants, MBRs are build to bespoke specifications based on site specifications.

Intellectural Property Type

Open-source

User Provision Model

Users can obtain MBR directly from local manufacturers.

Distributions to Date Status

Due to the open source nature of the product, an exact distribution to date is unknown.

Design Specifications

The membranes in MBR are designed to have pores between 0.035 - 0.4 microns, depending on the desired level of filtration. The membrane type (including hollow fiber, spiral-wound, plat-and-frame, pleated filter cartridge, and tubular) is chosen by designers for application-specific designs. This scale of membranes eliminates the need for sedimentation, allowing the biological processes to operate at higher concentrations.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

The complexity of the MBR system design requires that operators are technically trained. Training can be provided by the manufacturers.

Replacement Components

Replacement components are available directly from manufacturers.

Lifecycle

10 years

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Manufacturers specify performance targets related to eliminating the need for secondary filtration, reducing the plant footprint, prolonging sludge age (and therefore lowering sludge production), producing high quality effluent, and allowing for high loading rates.

Vetted Performance Status

Testing by the Lulea University of Technology to determine MBRs are viable for onsite wastewater treatment systems due to MBRs efficient COD (90 %) and Nitrogen (99 %) removal. Additional treatment is required for phosphorus removal to meet water quality regulations.

Safety

To reduce health risks, sludge should be dried and incinerated. The ashes can be stored in a landfill to prevent human contact.

Complementary Technical Systems

Cleaning systems must be used to maintain the membranes in MBR. Often the cleaning is performed using chemical mixtures to defoul the membranes.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

The use of MBRs can aid wastewater treatment sites comply with country water quality discharge standards.

Evaluation methods

Each MBR is visually evaluated weekly to determine the extent to which fouling has clogged the membrane; when filtration has decreased, the membrane must be cleaned before operation continues.

Other Information

SSWM Factsheet - Membrane Bioreactor