Research of performance characteristics of membrane modules for wastewater treatment

Introduction. The study focuses on the operation of a standalone membrane bioreactor applicable as an alternative to submerged membrane modules widely used as part of small capacity wastewater treatment facilities. Materials and methods. An ultra-filtration membrane was used to perform the research in a laboratory environment. The liquid, exposed to research, represented synthetic wastewater, whose composition was similar to the one of urban wastewaters, and it had varied concentrations of suspended solids (MLSS). The membrane element, produced by Raifil (Republic of Korea), that has capillary ultra-filtration membranes, was used in the experiments. The membrane pore size is 1 micron. The total membrane filter area is one square meter. This membrane module has standard characteristics (pore size, material), typical for ultra-filtration membranes; therefore, we can assume that any further results will not demonstrate any substantial discrepancies, if ultra-filtration membranes made by other manufacturers are used to conduct experiments. Results. The author describes a methodology for the optimization of pressure and MLSS values used in the process of membrane treatment. The author obtained the pressure values at which the amount of suspended solids in the filtered material shows a sharp rise, which means a slip of suspended solids into the filtrate, or a slip of contaminants. The author also identified the operating parameters that ensure maximal capacity. Conclusions. These findings help to outline a roadmap for further research into the optimization of membrane bioreactors (both standalone and submerged units) used in wastewater treatment.