MBR-9: Comparison of operational processes of three full-scale MBRs

The efficiency of different membrane bioreactor plants can vary strongly depending on type, design capacity, wastewater quality, cleaning strategies and effluent requirements. The operational processes of three MBRs in the Netherlands - Varsseveld, Maasbommel and Heenvliet - will be compared in this study. The researcher will be provided information and access to these MBR's for research purposes. TUD will provide a combination of practical process data (e.g. load, flux, aeration rate) as well as laboratory data (BOD, COD etc) on the performance of the three full-scale and semi-full-scale MBR's. These data are worked out in a database to compare performance on full scale as well as on laboratory scale. This will provide information on effects of different MBR's (operational issues) and may give insight in scale up possibilities of lab-scale testing towards full-scale application. A research stay at Brno University of Technology also operating a full-scale plant, is envisaged to supplement the data sets.

Particularly the filterability of activated sludge is one of the limiting factors for the efficiency of MBR processes. A special focus of the study is therefore dedicated to the filterability of the liquid phase (water), the solid phase (sludge) and the mixed phase (activated sludge). This will be investigated in specific filtration resistant tests in combination with solids and particle size analysis. Furthermore the effects of extra-cellular polymeric substances (EPS), as part of the foulants, in liquid and solid phase on the filtration process within MBR operation will be determined. The fellow will learn how to use laboratory test procedures and equipment to conduct specific filtration resistance tests, particle fractionation and EPS analysis.

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