Submerged membrane adsorption hybrid system (SMAHS): process control and optimization of operating parameters

This study is to investigate the effect of operating parameters of submerged membrane adsorption hybrid system (SMAHS) such as preadsorption and powdered activated carbon requirement, aeration, filtration flux; There is an optimum value for each of the operating parameters and they are specific to the wastewater used. The duration and frequency of backwashing are vital parameters for successful long-term operation of a membrane system. The backwash duration and frequency required to remove the reversible component of the foulant layer increased with time during the operation of membrane and is not fixed. A new methodology introduced in this study to decide the appropriate duration and frequency of backwash based transmembrane pressure during the membrane operation. This method led to significant saving on the amount of backwash water and energy requirement.