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MBR-18: Mathematical modelling and process control of MBRs

Nicolas Rios

UGent

10/2006 - 09/2009

The objective of this project is to build an integrated MBR model focusing on the interaction between biology and membranes, and apply this model to MBR process optimisation and control. The trainee can learn to work with MBR sub-models that simulate the MBR performance, such as

  1. a modified activated sludge model (ASM) including SMP for the description of degradation processes,
  2. a population balance model to describe the particle size evolution,
  3. a hydrodynamic model to determine the trend of particle deposition on the membrane, and finally,
  4. an integrated membrane pore blocking and cake filtration model to simulate the flux or the transmembrane pressure.

p18_shearstress The integrated MBR model can be applied to lab-scale and full-scale MBRs to optimise the MBR performance and minimise energy consumption. Finally, it can be used in MBR process control. The running lab-scale MBR in BioMATH and flexible access to pilot-scale and full-scale MBRs can give the trainee an excellent working platform.