Richa - Membrane Bioreactor (MBR)

MBR Limitations

• MBR requires fine screening (1 mm OR LESS) - more expensive than standard waste water screening.

• MBR requires high MLSS recirculation rates - AS permeate is removed through the membranes , the already high conc of SS at the membrane Surface of MBR increases and fouling rates are compounded . This requires recirculating MLSS within the bioreactor and thus results in large amount of Energy Consumption.

• Low Peak Flow Tolerance – with the high membrane fouling environment constraining the flux , the MBR has very low peak flow tolerance , hence it requires large Equalization Tank Volume

• The HIGH MLSS concentration of MBR reduces oxygen transfer efficiency within the Bioreactor , resulting in higher energy requirement in order to aerate the bioreactor

• MEMBRANE COMPONENT COSTS CONTRIBUTE A VERY HIGH CAPITAL AND OPERATING COSTS

• Nutshell The main Disadvantages of MBR is the high initial cost and regular cleaning of membrane filters at least once in 48 hours

• MBR plant requires only about half of the space required for conventional STP / ETP

• Kindly note MBR only requires half the space of conventional STP , in conventional STP Retention time used to be 20 hours to 24 hours

• MBR plant generates highly stabilized sludge of low volume

• High quality treated water is generated from MBR plant

• Sludge bulking, sludge rising, etc problems associated with clarifier unit are eliminated