Enhancing the membrane bioreactor efficiency: The impact of rotating membrane modules and aeration strategies on the transmembrane pressure

Abstract

The study analyses the performance of a pilot plant using a rotating hollow fibre (HF) membrane bioreactor system. The experiments evaluated the effect of operational parameters such as rotational speed, aeration strategies, and maintenance cleaning (MC) procedures on the efficiency of the system, in particular transmembrane pressure (TMP) and filtrate quality. The results indicate that the rotating membrane module reduces TMP increase and can operate for 48 days with satisfactory performance, even without aeration. This has the potential to significantly improve efficiency, resulting in significant energy savings. In addition, two MC methods, clean in air and clean in place, were tested and found to be efficient for weekly MC. It was observed that operating without aeration during colder seasons may not be effective. Therefore, adaptive strategies are needed to address seasonal temperature variations. HIGHLIGHTS Different membrane rotational speeds, aeration strategies, and maintenance cleaning methods were evaluated.; Membrane rotation played a significant role in maintaining the optimal transmembrane pressure, outperforming aeration.; The pilot plant operated continuously for 48 days without pre-screening and aeration.; There is significant potential for energy savings by reducing or eliminating aeration.;

Keywords

• membrane bioreactor
• membrane maintenance cleaning
• rotating hollow fibre membrane
• transmembrane pressure