Compared to the traditional activated sludge process, the membrane bio reactor (MBR) has several advantages such as the production of high quality effluent, generation of low excess sludge, smaller footprint requirements, and ease of automatic control of processes.

Process Flow in a Membrane Bioreactor

• Influent: Raw wastewater enters the MBR system.
• Biological Treatment: In the aeration tank, microorganisms degrade organic pollutants. Aeration helps maintain dissolved oxygen levels for aerobic biological activity.
• Membrane Filtration: Mixed liquor from the aeration tank passes through the membrane modules. The membranes retain biomass (sludge) and suspended solids while allowing treated water (permeate) to pass through.
• Effluent: High-quality treated water is collected from the permeate side of the membranes, suitable for discharge or reuse.
• Sludge Management: Concentrated sludge (retentate) is periodically removed from the system for further treatment or disposal.