Understanding the Impact Key Membrane Design and Operational Parameters Have on Full-Scale MBR Lifecycle Costs

A model capable of predicting capital, construction, operational and lifecycle costs has been developed over the last five years and an overview of the development is presented. The model has been found to be a useful tool in predicting these costs for up to six different membrane products. The impact of varying membrane design and operational parameters on lifecycle costs is explored using three similar membrane products. Included in the analysis are the impacts of temperature, flux, surface area, and membrane aeration rate over a wide range of plant flow capacities. Results show that product properties and operational parameters can have a larger than expected impact on the capital and lifecycle costs of a system.