Industry focus
MBR focus: the operators' perspective

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It isn't just membrane fouling that is seen as an important issue in Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) operation. Research undertaken in Australia and US highlights other areas of concern for users and operators…

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Attitudes towards MBR – a users' survey

Notwithstanding the advantages of MBRs, the technology is applied more selectively than traditional wastewater treatment processes. This may be attributed to a suite of factors including the conservative nature of the municipal wastewater industry, the mechanical complexity of the membrane process compared with gravity separation, the proprietary nature of MBR equipment and anecdotal evidence and accounts of operational problems related to the membranes and ancillary equipment.

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Conclusions

In general, MBR users are pleased with the effluent quality, the reduced chemical usage and the low maintenance required (around 1.7 working hours per MLD on average).

When decision makers select MBR technology, they are aware of its limitations and tend to accept the consequences related to membrane fouling (i.e. higher aeration cost, increased chemical cleaning).

And because of the current understanding of fouling in MBR processes, efficient fouling control can be asserted by the combined

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