Overview of MBR Processes

Membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology is well positioned to play a critical role in wastewater and reuse applications, both domestically and internationally. Technological advances over the past 10 years have brought MBR costs down dramatically and no other wastewater treatment process is as efficient and effective. From retrofits to decentralized plants, MBRs are a versatile treatment platform that can help change perception and turn wastewater into a viable resource. When looking into advanced water reuse applications, MBRs represent the best overall investment a plant owner can make. Technological developments and advancements have made MBRs both the best available technology (BAT) and investment for wastewater treatment and reuse. With a footprint 2-4 times smaller than conventional treatment processes and unmatched effluent quality, it is has become difficult to argue against MBR. With 50% less unit operations, MBRs are less expensive to operate than conventional plants when tighter discharge limits are required. Reuse applications, particularly potable reuse, require the highest level of treatment at an affordable cost in order to be viable. MBRs will play a critical role in advancing the reuse market as it is the most effective and cheapest technology to achieve today’s reuse quality standards. As reuse grows beyond the typical purple-pipe landscape irrigation application, higher and higher levels of treatment are needed. Only MBR is able to efficiently and effectively provide high removal rates of BOD, nutrients, and solids, all necessary for today’s reuse needs. In the case of potable reuse where reverse osmosis is employed, MBR also provides the ideal pre-treatment option.

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