< Back to previous page

Project

Towards more cost efficient water reuse through MBRs (MembraneBio-flocculation-Reactors).

Biodegradation by activated sludge is the most cost efficient way of 
wastewater treatment. To make water suitable for reuse, filtration can 
be integrated with this biodegradation in so-called membrane 
bioreactors.
Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) offer several advantages 
including an effluent of high quality, higher degradation rates, lower 
sludge production and a smaller surface area per plant. Membrane fouling
remains the main problem. This membrane fouling increases the operating
cost of an MBR drastically and must be better understood in order to 
have a better process control.
Using an integrated approach, driven 
by the findings that bioflocculation has a major impact on membrane 
fouling, this project focuses on the cost efficiency of MBRs in an 
industrial water reuse context. The rationale of the project is 
reflected inthe statement that membrane bioreactors should actually be 
membrane bio-flocculation-reactors. With a comprehensive set of 
monitoring tools, new insights in bioflocculation are obtained. Finally,
these new insights will be indications for the optimal operational 
parameters to strongly reduce membrane fouling.

Date:8 Nov 2010 →  15 Jan 2013
Keywords:Water treatment, Membrane bioreactors, Membrane fouling, Bioflocculation
Disciplines:Sustainable and environmental engineering
Project type:PhD project