What is a Membrane Bioreactor (MBR)?
The Membrane Bioreactor process uses additional filtration to produce a higher-quality effluent and is a variation of the activated sludge process. Common in medium- to large-scale plants, the MBR features an ultrafine membrane filter installed at the discharge end of a standard aeration basin.
Pumps installed on the membrane filters create a slight vacuum and pull the effluent through the membrane. The ultrafine holes in the membrane do not allow the biological microbes to pass through the membrane, keeping the microbes in the aeration basin. The membrane becomes clogged or fouled in this process and requires more frequent cleaning.
Types of membrane bioreactors
There are two types of membrane bioreactor configurations:internal/submerged and external/side-stream.
- In the internal MBR, the membranes are located within the biological reactor; this is the most popular configuration, as it uses a lower amount of energy and has great efficiency.
- In the external MBR, membranes are external to the biological reactor. These are typically employed in applications that are smaller scale but higher strength.
Aeration technologies for Membrane Bioreactors
Atlas Copco offers seven different blower and aeration technologies for wastewater and industrial applications. We fit the absolute best technology to you – no favoritism involved. Having a complete range means that the technology we select for you will be the most efficient product for your application over the cost of its lifetime, when you factor the cost of purchase, electricity usage, and service (downtime) costs. What’s more? We have the calculators to show you the complete payback analysis before you even part with one dollar.
Atlas Copco innovates in all aspects of compressed air and gas production. Our promise to you is we do more. What does that mean? Simply, we go further and deeper in every aspect of our offering to you and that promise extends way beyond just products. With a presence across the entire United States, and over 350 technicians on the road every day, Atlas Copco specializes in finding ways to make your wastewater and industrial processes more efficient.
