Heffernan, Barry

Barry Heffernan received his PhD for innovative work on the Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor. Barry is one of the inventors of MABR control system, OxyMem's foundation IP. Barry worked 7 years for Biothane (Veolia), a pioneer of anaerobic wastewater treatment and a high growth business. As Biothane's Technical Manager, he led research, development, and implementation of the cutting-edge technologies like the anaerobic membrane reactor, municipal anaerobic sludge blanket reactor, calcium precipitation system, sulphur scrubber, and struvite precipitation processes. For the last 10 years, he has designed and optimised the performance of numerous anaerobic and aerobic wastewater treatment processes in various climates around the world. He has broad experience in process engineering, the design of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants, project management, renewable energy, and sustainable technology.

Titles from this speaker

Description: MABR... How Does It Work, Where Does It Fit, and Why Is It Compelling? Lessons from...

MABR... How Does It Work, Where Does It Fit, and Why Is It Compelling? Lessons from 4 Full-scale Systems

Abstract

The performance of four membrane-aerated biofilm reactors (MABR) located in different geographies and configured with pure biofilm and IFAS systems are evaluated. Oxygen transfer rates between 12 to 19 gO2/m2d were achieved with silicone (PDMS) membranes. Nitrification rates between 1.0 and 2.9 gN/m2.d were achieved. On all sites there was competition for oxygen between autotrophic nitrifiers and heterotrophic bacteria. The percentage of oxygen utilized for nitrification can be influenced by the location of the MABR modules within a treatment system. Installing the modules in the anoxic zone resulted in the highest nitrifications rated 5.8 gN/m2.d and the highest percentage of oxygen utilized for nitrification 90%. Installing the MABR modules in an anaerobic zone is not advisable – the produced nitrate consumes VFA and therefore limits bio-P removal. In addition, if the tank is deeply anaerobic with low redox potential, sulfur and iron compounds will be reduced and the produced hydrogen sulfide will inhibit nitrification and the reduced iron and sulfur compounds will be re-oxidized. MABR modules can potentially be installed in plug flow aerobic reactor close to the head of the aerobic zone. It is not advisable to install the MABR modules in a CSTR type aerobic tank or at the end of a plug flow reactor; there will be insufficient substrate to support a biofilm and red worms and leaches may prevent a healthy biofilm forming.

MABRs are a relatively new technology with little feedback on how the systems perform at full-sale. The key uncertainties that need to be answered to allow the technology to be widely adapted: • What oxygen transfer rates can be achieved? • What nitrification rates can be achieved and want factors influence the nitrification rate? • Where is the best location to install the MABR – anaerobic, anoxic or aerobic? The best location for the MABR is in the anoxic tank, oxygen transfer rates as high as 19 gO2/m2d and nitrification rates up to 5.8 gN/m2.d can be achieved with PDMS membranes.

SpeakerHeffernan, Barry

Presentation time

13:30:00

13:35:00

Session time

13:30:00

14:30:00

SessionProcess Intensification: Full-scale MABR

Session number504

TopicEnergy Production, Conservation, and Management, Municipal Wastewater Treatment Design, Nutrients

Author(s)

Barry Heffernan

Author(s)B. Heffernan1; J. Manzano1;A. Nemeth1; S. Pitt3; G. Massons2; C. Wang2;

Author affiliation(s)OxyMem Ltd, Moydrum Business Park, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, IR1DuPont Water Solutions, Wilmington, DE2Severn Trent Water,Coventry, UK3

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2021

DOI10.2175/193864718825158156

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count20