Page 19 - Simplified Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals\MBR

Membrane Bioreactors (MBR’s)

Key Operator responsibilities include monitoring the following indicators:

Permeate Flux Decline – Indicates the rate of permeation (or flow through the

membranes) is decreasing signally the need for a backwash or a thorough

cleaning.

Transmembrane Pressure (TMP) Increase – Indicates increased pumping power

is needed to pull the wastewater through the membranes, which is also indicating

the need for a backwash, or thorough cleaning.

Operating under sustained high TMP or frequent cleanings will result in shorted

membrane life and increase operating costs in backwashing, thorough cleaning

events and the cost of cleaning products.