There is a great number of membrane types and manufacturers, and a variety of membrane bioreactors’ configurations. Depending on the application and clients’ preferences, ECOfluid has designed and built plants utilizing flat sheet and hollow fiber membrane modules in an assortment of configurations including integrated, and external tubular membranes.

The more commonly used integrated membrane bioreactor system combines membrane filtration with conventional activated sludge process by immersing the membrane modules directly within the bioreactor. Effluent is drawn through the membrane by a vacuum pump, and air is used to maintain aerobic conditions and to scour the membrane surfaces.

Enabled by longer sludge retention times (SRT) and higher mixed liquor suspended solid (MLSS) concentrations, the MBR process benefits include less waste sludge production and space saving.