Filterability in a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor

Studies on anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AMBR) show high variability about filterability. Therefore, in this study, a laboratory-scale submerged AMBR (SAMBR) was operated with the aim of identifying operational conditions and sludge characteristics that influence the membrane flux. Short-term exper...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Desalination 2010-01, Vol.250 (2), p.787-792
Main Authors: Spagni, A., Casu, S., Crispino, N.A., Farina, R., Mattioli, D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anaerobic processes
Applied sciences
Biological and medical sciences
Bioreactors
Biotechnology
Chemical engineering
Critical flux
Exact sciences and technology
Filterability
Flux
Fouling
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Membrane bioreactor
Membranes
Methods. Procedures. Technologies
Multiple regression analysis
Others
Pollution
Reactors
Sludge
Submerged
Various methods and equipments
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Summary:Studies on anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AMBR) show high variability about filterability. Therefore, in this study, a laboratory-scale submerged AMBR (SAMBR) was operated with the aim of identifying operational conditions and sludge characteristics that influence the membrane flux. Short-term experiments applying the flux-step method resulted in values of the critical flux (Jc) variable depending on the operational condition applied in the SAMBR. The application of different parameters for the identification of Jc gave comparable results. Although the plant was operated applying different operational conditions, a rapid membrane fouling was usually observed. The applicable fluxes were between 2 and 5 L/(m 2 h) depending on operational conditions. Therefore, the results confirm the much lower sludge filterability in anaerobic than aerobic MBRs. Multiple regression analysis showed that the supernatant composition plays the most important role in membrane fouling.
ISSN:0011-9164
1873-4464
DOI:10.1016/j.desal.2008.11.042