Technology
Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Technology
Superior effluent quality in a compact footprint for industrial and municipal applications.
🤖 AI Overview
Membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology combines biological treatment with membrane filtration, producing effluent quality 10x better than conventional activated sludge. MBR systems achieve TSS < 5 mg/L, BOD < 5 mg/L, and turbidity < 0.2 NTU — enabling direct water reuse. BioTerraVa designs and integrates MBR systems from 50 m³/d to 50,000 m³/d.
The Challenge
Why Upgrade to MBR?
Conventional activated sludge systems struggle with tightening effluent limits, footprint constraints, and variable loads. MBR addresses all three challenges simultaneously.
- Effluent quality insufficient for reuse or strict discharge limits
- Footprint constraints preventing expansion
- Sludge bulking and settling problems
- High tertiary treatment costs for phosphorus removal
- Odour and noise from large clarifiers and aeration basins
The Solution
BioTerraVa MBR Solutions
BioTerraVa integrates hollow-fiber or flat-sheet MBR modules into optimized biological reactors designed for your specific wastewater characteristics. Our designs include automated membrane cleaning, energy-efficient aeration, and remote monitoring.
- Hollow-fiber or flat-sheet membrane selection based on application
- Automated backwash and chemically enhanced cleaning (CEB)
- Energy-optimized aeration with fine-bubble diffusers
- SCADA integration for remote monitoring and control
- Modular design for phased capacity expansion
Technical Specifications
How It Works
Hollow-Fiber MBR
High packing density, lower capital cost. Ideal for municipal and large industrial applications.
Flat-Sheet MBR
Easier cleaning, lower fouling. Preferred for industrial wastewater with high solids.
Side-Stream MBR
External membrane modules with high cross-flow velocity. Best for high-strength industrial effluent.
Performance
MBR Performance Metrics
<5
mg/L TSS
<5
mg/L BOD
40%
Footprint reduction
30%
Sludge reduction
MBR technology is the standard for facilities requiring water reuse, strict discharge compliance, or expansion within limited space. BioTerraVa's senior P.Eng. experience ensures proper sizing, integration, and commissioning.
Related Resources
Industries Served
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
MBR vs. Conventional Activated Sludge: Total Cost of Ownership Analysis
While MBR capital cost is 20-30% higher than conventional activated sludge, operating savings typically recover the difference within 3-5 years. MBR reduces: (1) sludge hauling by 30%, (2) tertiary chemical costs by 40-60%, (3) footprint requirements by 40%, and (4) operator labour by 20%. For new facilities, the reduced civil works often offset the higher equipment cost entirely.
How much does an MBR system cost for industrial use?
Industrial MBR systems cost $1,500-$5,000 per m³/d depending on scale, wastewater strength, and membrane type. Small systems (<100 m³/d) are at the high end; large systems (>5,000 m³/d) approach the lower end. Total 10-year cost of ownership is typically 15-25% lower than conventional systems due to reduced chemicals, sludge, and labour.
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