Retrofitting Existing MBR Systems with Next Generation MBR Technology

Membrane bioreactors (MBR) with submerged membrane modules have set the standard for the next generation of biological wastewater treatment plants as they offer two main advantages; a significantly improved effluent quality and a substantially smaller footprint. Besides the huge application for municipal wastewater treatment, there is a growing and diverse industrial applications segment where MBR technology is being implemented.Over the last couple of years, the MBR industry has produced a remarkable diversity of filtration modules. Many potential MBR operators are, however, concerned that the heart of the MBR process is based on proprietary products that are not compatible with each other. Furthermore, not only are the filtration modules incompatible, but also the electromechanical equipment surrounding the modules can take many forms and modes of operation.It might be expected that interchangeable MBR filtration modules will increase the willingness of decision makers to invest in MBR technology and will contribute to a growth of the municipal market in particular. A membrane module that is interchangeable with most leading submerged membrane products is now available. This paper describes the practical experiences of MBR interchangeability and shows its benefits for MBR operators based on case studies of several MBR systems where the original modules have be removed and the existing systems retrofit with new modules.