Performance and economic evaluation of a pilot scale embedded ends-free membrane bioreactor (EEF-MBR)

In this work, an embedded ends-free membrane bioreactor (EEF-MBR) has been developed to overcome the fouling problem. The EEF-MBR unit has a novel configuration where a bed of granular activated carbon is placed in the bioreactor tank and fluidized by the aeration system. The performance of pilot-scale EEF-MBR was assessed based on flux and selectivity over 140 h. The permeate flux fluctuated between 2 and 10 L.m(-2).h(-1) under operating pressure of 0.07-0.2 bar when EEF-MBR was used to treat wastewater containing high organic matter. The COD removal efficiency was more than 99% after 1 h of operating time. Results from the pilot-scale performance were then used to design a large-scale EEF-MBR with 1200 m(3).day(-1) capacity. Economic analysis showed that this new MBR configuration was cost-effective when the permeate flux was set at 10 L.m(-2).h(-1). The estimated additional cost for the large-scale wastewater treatment was about 0.25 US$.m(-3) with a payback period of 3 years.

Automated summary

An embedded ends-free membrane bioreactor (EEF-MBR) was developed to address the fouling issue. The pilot-scale EEF-MBR showed a permeate flux ranging from 2 to 10 L.m(-2).h(-1) under operating pressure of 0.07-0.2 bar for the treatment of high organic matter wastewater. The COD removal efficiency exceeded 99% after 1 hour of operation. Economic analysis demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of the large-scale EEF-MBR configuration with an additional cost of approximately 0.25 US$.m(-3) and a payback period of 3 years.