Recent Papers on Membrane Filtration

Content Table

Membrane bioreactors for winery wastewater treatment: case-studies at full scale

Water Science & Technology—WST Vol 60 No 5 pp 1201–1207 © IWA Publishing 2009 doi:10.2166/wst.2009.560

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G. Guglielmi, G. Andreottola, P. Foladori and G. Ziglio

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano, 77, 38100, Trento, Italy E-mail: giuseppe.guglielmi@ing.unitn.it

Abstract

The membrane bioreactor technology (MBR) is nowadays a suitable alternative for winery wastewater treatment, thanks to low footprint, complete suspended solids removal, high efficiency in COD abatement and quick start-up. In this paper, data from two full-scale MBRs equipped with flat-sheet membranes (plant A and plant B) are presented and discussed. COD characterisation by respirometry pointed out the high biodegradability degree of both wastewater, with a strong prevalence of the readily biodegradable fraction. An extended version of Activated Sludge Model No. 3 was used to fit the experimental OUR profiles and to assess the maximum growth rate of heterotrophic biomass on sludge samples collected at both sites; the stoichiometric yield coefficients were also calculated. Sludge filterability and dewaterability were investigated with batch tests; laboratory results confirmed the field observations. Finally, some considerations are listed, aimed at defining possible key-issues for optimal process design and operation.

Biofilm/membrane filtration for reclamation and reuse of rural wastewaters

Water Science & Technology—WST Vol 59 No 11 pp 2145–2152 © IWA Publishing 2009 doi:10.2166/wst.2009.232

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Kil-Soo Hyun and Seok-Ju Lee

Department of Urban Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 386 Gajang-dong, Sangju, Kyungsangbuk-do 742-711, South Korea E-mail: kshyun@knu.ac.kr

Abstract

To cost-effectively meet water quality and quantity requirements for rural areas, the objective of this research was to evaluate the performances of a three-stage process of anaerobic-oxic-anoxic biofilm filtration (AOBF) and membrane filtration (MF) processes and to assess the potential for reclamation and reuse of blended wastewater contained domestic wastewater, black water, and landfill leachate. The AOBF process at < LV 30 m/day showed good removal results of >90% for conventional pollutants (>75% for COD) and >70% for nutrient. Influent step-feeding with 0.8Q into filter bed 1 and 0.2Q into filter bed 2 achieved denitrification efficiency of 5–10% higher than without step feed. Efficiencies of plate membrane removal were greater than 90% for COD and more than approximate 75% for nutrients and heavy metals, respectively. The AOBF/MF system showed excellent removal results of >90–95% for soluble nutrients as well as nonsoluble fractions such as TSS, particulate COD. The effluent of AOBF/MF system met the reuse standard for industrial and agricultural water, while effluent of AOBF met the standard for the effluent quality of wastewater treatment plants. These results indicate that the AOBF/MF system was suitable for rural integrated wastewater treatment by achieving cost-effectively an effluent quality able to be used for industrial, agricultural and water bodies recharge purposes.

Membrane bio-reactors for decentralized wastewater treatment and reuse

Water Science & Technology—WST Vol 58 No 2 pp 285–294 © IWA Publishing 2008 doi:10.2166/wst.2008.356

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S. Meuler, S. Paris and T. Hackner

Hans Huber AG, Industriepark Erasbach A1, 92334, Berching, Germany E-mail: mes@huber.de; ps@huber.de; ht@huber.de

Abstract

Decentralized wastewater treatment is the key to sustainable water management because it facilitates effluent (and nutrient) reuse for irrigation or as service water in households. Membrane bioreactors (MBR) can produce effluents of bathing water quality. Septic tanks can be retrofitted to MBR units. Package MBR plants for wastewater or grey water treatment are also available. Systems for decentralized treatment and reuse of domestic wastewater or grey water are also feasible for hotels, condominiums and apartment or office complexes. This paper presents the effluent qualities of different decentralized MBR applications. The high effluent quality allows infiltration even in sensitive areas or reuse for irrigation, toilet flushing and cleaning proposes in households. Due to the reusability of treated water and the possibility to design the systems for carbon reduction only, these systems can ideally and easily serve to close water and nutrient loops.

Comparative investigation on the impact of polymeric substances on membrane fouling during sub-critical and critical flux operation of a municipal membrane bioreactor

Water Science & Technology—WST Vol 58 No 9 pp 1849–1855 © IWA Publishing 2008 doi:10.2166/wst.2008.546

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S. Lyko, T. Wintgens and T. Melin

Department of Chemical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Turmstrasse 46, 52056, Aachen, Germany E-mail: sven.lyko@avt.rwth-aachen.de

Abstract

Soluble organic macromolecules are ubiquitous in activated sludge supernatant. For the operation of membrane bioreactors (MBR) this group of substances is considered as the dominant factor causing severe membrane fouling due to the concentration polarisation phenomenon. The well established critical flux concept for the characterisation of membrane bioreactor's operation limits is based on filtration data only. As there is an cause-and-effect relation between the partial retention of organic compounds and the limited flux according the critical flux concept the aim of this study was to draw a comparison between different permeate fluxes on the retention of organic macromolecules. Thus, a municipal pilot-scale MBR with three capillary hollow fibre membrane modules was operated in sub critical, critical and supercritical flux mode, respectively and the retention of macromolecules was quantified by size exclusion chromatography. Three permeate extraction pumps allow a simultaneous operation with different operational conditions for each membrane module and proved the crucial impact of permeate flux on the fouling rate. The interchange of these conditions gave evidence of an optimised start-up procedure for MBRs characterised by higher permeate fluxes. An increased flux causes both a higher retention of soluble macromolecules and subsequent a higher fouling rate.

Recent Advances in Membrane Bioreactors

Water Practice & Technology © IWA Publishing 2008  |  doi:10.2166/wpt.2008.084

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Yoshimasa Watanabe1 and Katsuki Kimura2

1Center for Environmental Nano & Bio Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, JAPAN
2Department of Socio-Environmental Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, JAPAN

Abstract

This paper describes the current situation and technological progress on the MBR .The first part deals with the future trends of world water use and need of water recycling. Based on the White Paper published by the AMEDIUS project, MBR has a great potential as a key technology for the water recycling.

The second part deals with the recent research results of the authors on the membrane fouling. The following conclusions were derived from the pilot plant study:

1). The PE membrane fouled more rapidly than did the PVDF membrane,

2). Composition of the physically irreversible foulants differed considerably depending on the membrane polymer material,

The third part deals with a newly developed MBR for the nitrogen removal. In the MBR, simultaneous nitrification/denitrification in a single bioreactor is possible by inserting baffles

An integrated wastewater reuse concept combining natural reclamation techniques, membrane filtration and metal oxide adsorption

Water Science & Technology—WST Vol 57 No 6 pp 909–914 © IWA Publishing 2008 doi:10.2166/wst.2008.186

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A. Sperlich, X. Zheng, M. Jekel and M. Ernst

Department of Water Quality Control, Technical University of Berlin, Sekr. KF 4, Str. des 17. Juni 135, D-10623, Berlin, Germany
Centre for Water in Urban Areas, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Abstract

In a Sino-German research project, a sustainable water reclamation concept was developed for different applications of municipal water reuse at the Olympic Green 2008 in Beijing, China. Results from pilot-scale experiments in Beijing and Berlin show that selective nutrient removal by adsorption onto granular ferric hydroxide (GFH) after a membrane bioreactor (MBR) can maintain a total phosphorus concentration of <0.03 mg L-1 P, thus preventing eutrophication of artificial lakes. Operation time of GFH adsorption columns can be extended by regeneration using sodium hydroxide solution. A subsequent ultrafiltration (UF) membrane after bank filtration creates an additional barrier for pathogens and allows for further urban reuse applications such as toilet flushing. Short term bank / bio-filtration prior to UF is shown to effectively remove biopolymers and reduce membrane fouling.

Dimensioning of membrane bioreactors for municipal wastewater treatment

Water Science & Technology—WST Vol 57 No 6 pp 829–835 © IWA Publishing 2008 doi:10.2166/wst.2008.117

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Detlef Wedi and Adriano Joss

Engineering office ATM, Friedrich-Seele Str. 1b, 38122 , Braunschweig, Germany
Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Ueberlandstr. 133, 8600 , Duebendorf, Switzerland

Abstract

A basic procedure is proposed for dimensioning membrane bioreactors that is generally applicable. It evaluates the required membrane surface with particular consideration of loading combinations and hydraulic loading characteristics; it also takes into account ranges of minimum temperatures and corresponding fluxes as given by suppliers. The procedures, while likely to require further improvement, should make MBR design more transparent and aid the comparison of design variants

Exploring the potential of membrane bioreactors to enhance metals removal from wastewater: pilot experiences

Water Science & Technology—WST Vol 57 No 4 pp 505–511 © IWA Publishing 2008 doi:10.2166/wst.2008.115

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F. Fatone, A. L. Eusebi, P. Battistoni and P. Pavan

Department of Science and Technology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, Cà Vignal, 37134, Verona , Italy fatone@sci.univr.it
Institute of Hydraulics and Transportation Infrastructures, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Venice “Cà Foscari”, Calle Larga Santa Marta, Dorsoduro, Venice , Italy

Abstract

The potential of membrane bioreactors to enhance the removal of selected metals from low loaded sewages has been explored. A 1400 litre pilot plant, equipped with an industrial submerged module of hollow fibre membranes, has been used in three different configurations: membrane bioreactor, operating in sequencing batch modality, for the treatment of real mixed municipal/industrial wastewater; membrane-assisted biosorption reactor, for the treatment of real leachate from municipal landfills; continuously fed membrane bioreactor, for the treatment of water charged with cadmium and nickel ions. The results show that: (a) in treating wastewaters with low levels of heavy metals (< one milligram per litre concentration), operating high sludge ages is not an effective strategy to significantly enhance the metals removal; (b) Hg and Cd are effectively removed already in conventional systems with gravitational final clarifiers, while Cu, Cr, Ni can rely on a additional performance in membrane bioreactors; (c) the further membrane effect is remarkable for Cu and Cr, while it is less significant for Ni. Basically, similar membrane effects recur in three different experimental applications that let us estimate the potential of membrane system to retain selected metal complexes. The future development of the research will investigate the relations between the membrane effect and the manipulable filtration parameters (i.e., permeate flux, solids content, filtration cycle)

Optimal sludge retention time for a bench scale MBR treating municipal sewage

Water Science & Technology—WST Vol 57 No 3 pp 319–322 © IWA Publishing 2008 doi:10.2166/wst.2008.118

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A. Pollice, G. Laera, D. Saturno, C. Giordano and R. Sandulli

IRSA CNR, Viale F. De Blasio 5, 70123, Bari, Italy E-mail: alfieri.pollice@ba.irsa.cnr.it; giuseppe.laera@ba.irsa.cnr.it; daniela.saturno@ba.irsa.cnr.it; cristina.giordano@ba.irsa.cnr.it
Università degli Studi di Bari, Facoltà di Scienze MM.FF.NN., Via Amendola, 70100, Bari, Italy E-mail: r.sandulli@biologia.uniba.it

Abstract

Membrane bioreactors allow for higher sludge concentrations and improved degradation efficiencies with respect to conventional activated sludge. However, in the current practice these systems are often operated under sub-optimal conditions, since so far no precise indications have yet been issued on the optimal operating conditions of MBR for municipal wastewater treatment. This paper reports some results of four years of operation of a bench scale membrane bioreactor where steady state conditions were investigated under different sludge retention times. The whole experimental campaign was oriented towards the investigation of optimal process conditions in terms of COD removal and nitrification, biomass activity and growth, and sludge characteristics. The membrane bioreactor treated real municipal sewage, and four different sludge ages were tested (20, 40, 60, and 80 days) and compared with previous data on complete sludge retention. The results showed that the the biology of the system, as assessed by the oxygen uptake rate, is less affected than the sludge physical parameters. In particular, although the growth yield was observed to dramatically drop for SRT higher than 80 days, the biological activity was maintained under all the tested conditions. These considerations suggest that high SRT are convenient in terms of limited excess sludge production without losses of the treatment capacity. Physical characteristics such as the viscosity and the filterability appear to be negatively affected by prolonged sludge retention times, but their values remain within the ranges normally reported for conventional activated sludge.

Membrane filtration for particles removal after ozonation-biofiltration

Water Science & Technology Vol 56 No 10 pp 101–108 © IWA Publishing 2007 doi:10.2166/wst.2007.780

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S. Osterhus, K. Azrague, T. Leiknes and H. Odegaard

Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology, S.P.Andersensvei 5, N-7491 , Trondheim, Norway (E-mail: kamal.azrague@ntnu.no)

Abstract

With the process combination Ozonation-Biofiltration-Membranefiltration (the OBM-process) an average removal of 63% for UV-absorbance (UV254), 79% for color, and 28% for DOC was obtained treating NOM containing surface water. In this paper, focus has been made on the removal of particles after the ozonation and biofiltration treatment steps, using a submerged hollow fiber ultrafiltration membrane reactor. For this purpose the membrane performed adequately. The ultrafiltration step did not have a significant impact on the removal of color, UV254, and DOC. However, the SS and the heterotrophic plate count (HPC) was almost completely removed, and the turbidity was reduced by 65% by the membrane filtration, even at very high fluxes. Fouling occurred during operation, and operational factors of both the ozonation/biofiltration and the membrane reactor were important for controlling this. The experiments at pH 6.5 gave a higher permanent fouling than at pH 8.5, which was caused by the different oxidation pathways and consequently by the change in size and hydrophobicity of the by-products. On the other hand, the reversible fouling was less important at low pH. The mechanical cleaning was efficient, however, it seemed that the air scouring participated to the formation of submicron particles which favored the fouling.

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