MBR TECHNOLOGY AND MM PRODUCT
Membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology combines the biological degradation process with a membrane filtration. By using micro or ultrafiltration membrane, MBR systems allow the virtually complete retention of bacterial flocs. As a result, the MBR has many advantages over conventional wastewater treatment processes. These include small footprint, less reactor requirement, high volumetric loading, and high treatment performance. For these reasons, the MBR process has now become an attractive option for the treatment and reuse of industrial and municipal wastewaters, as evidenced by their constantly rising numbers and capacity. The global market doubled over a 5-year period from 2000 to reach a market value of US$217 million in 2005 [1] and that obtained US$363 in 2006 [2]. According to report by US-based Business Communications Co Inc (BCC), this market is growing faster for advanced wastewater treatment equipment, like MBR, at an average annual growth rate of about 8-10%. In term of capacity, data from famous MBR manufacturer Zenon (US) shows that in 2002, the cumulative installed capacity reached 500,000 m3/d, which increased 50% to 750,000 m3/d after one year (2003). In the next year (2004), the cummulative capacity was almost doubled with a value of 1,400,000 m3/d.
Although MBR technology is widely viewed as being state of the art, by the same token is also sometimes seen as prohibitively costly compared with the more established conventional technologies. Therefore, unless a high output quality is required, organisations generally do not perceive a need to invest large sums of money in an MBR. On the other hand, the MBR filtration performance inevitably decreases with filtration time. This is due to the fouling on surface and inside pore of membrane. This major drawback has been one of the most challenging issues facing further MBR development.
Tran-Dong A‘s product, Multipurpose Membrand MM, is developed from the conventional MBR technology and treatment core is manufactured in Vietnam with local raw materials and advanced technique. This combination results in a good treatment performance product with excellent characteristics in anti-fouling, capital and operational costs, and environmentally friendly manufacture. MM is suitable for both new and to-be-upgraded systems without increase of footprint. As well as the conventional MBR system, MM technology can be applied for both aerobic and anaerobic treatments with options of side-stream and submerged configurations.
References
[1] S. Judd, C. Judd, The MBR Book: Principles and applications of membrane bioreactors in water and wastewater treatment, in: Elsevier (Ed.), Elsevier Ltd., Oxford, UK, 2011.
[2] S. Atkinson, Research studies predict strong growth for MBR markets, Membrane Technology, 2006 (2006) 8-10.