
MBR Membrane Technology in Wastewater Treatment: Applications & Advantages Over Traditional Methods
Why MBR Technology? Key Benefits
MBR (Membrane Bio-Reactor) combines biological treatment with ultrafiltration membranes to achieve >95% SS removal and effluent turbidity <1 NTU. Compared to conventional activated sludge processes:
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60% smaller footprint (no secondary clarifiers)
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30-50% less sludge production
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Stable compliance with stringent discharge standards (e.g., TN <15 mg/L).
MBR Applications in Critical Scenarios
1. Space-Constrained Urban Plants
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Case Study: Beijing Huai Fang WWTP (60,000 m³/day) uses underground MBR to meet Class IV water standards while converting surface space into a public park.
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Juntai Solution: Modular MBR units reduce construction area by 65% vs. traditional layouts.
2. High-Strength Industrial Wastewater
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Technical Edge: MBR maintains MLSS up to 18,000 mg/L (5x higher than activated sludge), ideal for chemical/pharmaceutical wastewater (COD >2,000 mg/L).
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Juntai Advantage: Anti-fouling PVDF membranes with 0.1μm pores resist oils and surfactants.
3. Water Reuse Projects
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Performance: MBR effluent meets ISO 14000 reuse standards for irrigation/cooling, increasing recycling rates by 40%.
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Integrated System: Pair with Juntai’s Tube Settlers for SS <5 mg/L.
MBR vs. Activated Sludge: Technical Comparison
Parameter | Activated Sludge | MBR |
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Footprint | 1,000 m² (reference) | 400 m² |
Effluent SS | 20-30 mg/L | <1 mg/L |
Sludge Yield | 0.8 kg/kg COD | 0.4 kg/kg COD |
Shock Load Tolerance | Moderate | High (MLSS auto-regulation) |
Key Takeaway: MBR eliminates clarifiers, reduces operational costs, and ensures consistent effluent quality.
MBR vs. AAO: How to Choose?
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AAO Best For:
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Municipal wastewater (BOD <300 mg/L)
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Nutrient removal (TN <20 mg/L, TP <1 mg/L)
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Budget-friendly projects with ample space.
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MBR Preferred When:
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Treating high COD (>1,000 mg/L) industrial streams
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Space is limited (e.g., underground plants)
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Direct water reuse is required.
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Case Example: A Liaoning petrochemical plant achieved COD <120 mg/L using Juntai’s AO-MBR hybrid system for 2,000 mg/L influent COD.
Why Juntai MBR Systems?
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Energy Efficiency: Integrated Disc Diffusers (O₂ transfer ≥30%) lower energy use by 25%.
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Durability: HDPE membrane modules withstand pH 2-12 and 45°C temperatures.
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Smart Operation: IoT sensors enable real-time TMP monitoring and predictive cleaning.
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