The Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR) process consists of a suspended growth biological reactor integrated with an ultrafiltration membrane system using hollow fiber membranes. The ultrafiltration system replaces the solids separation functions of secondary clarifiers and sand filters found in conventional activated sludge systems.
Ultrafiltration membranes are immersed in an aeration tank in direct contact with the mixed liquor. A permeate pump creates a vacuum that draws treated water through the hollow fiber membranes. The permeate is then directed to disinfection or discharge facilities.
Intermittent airflow is introduced at the bottom of the membrane module to create turbulence. This scouring action cleans the external membrane surfaces by removing accumulated solids.
Ionics Membrane Bio Reactor technology overcomes the limitations of conventional activated sludge processes, particularly poor sludge settling. MBR enables much higher mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) levels, typically between 8,000 and 10,000 mg/L, far above the limits of traditional systems.
Higher biomass concentrations allow highly effective removal of both soluble and particulate biodegradable material. The Ionics MBR system integrates aeration, secondary clarification, and filtration into a single unit, producing high-quality effluent, simplifying operations, and significantly reducing space requirements.