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http://dx.doi.org/10.12989/mwt.2012.3.3.141

Effects of membrane orientation on permeate flux performance in a submerged membrane bioreactor  

Lee, Tsun Ho (Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina)
Young, Stephanie (Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina)
Publication Information
Membrane and Water Treatment / v.3, no.3, 2012 , pp. 141-149 More about this Journal
Abstract
The aeration provided in a Submerged Membrane Bioreactor (SMBR) improves membrane filtration by creating turbulence on the membrane surface and reducing membrane resistance. However, conventional hollow fiber membrane modules are generally packed in a vertical orientation which limits membrane scouring efficiency, especially when aeration is provided in the axial direction. In the present research, 3 innovative hollow-fiber membrane modules, each with a different membrane orientation, were developed to improve membrane scouring efficiency and enhance permeate flux. Pilot testing was performed to investigate the permeate flux versus time relationship over a 7-day period under different intermittent modes. The results indicated that the best module experienced an overall permeate flux decline of 3.3% after 7 days; the other two modules declined by 13.3% and 18.3%. The lower percentage of permeate flux decline indicated that permeate productivity could be sustained for a longer period of time. As a result, the operational costs associated with membrane cleaning and membrane replacement could be reduced over the lifespan of the module.
Keywords
hollow fiber membrane; membrane orientation; permeate flux; membrane fouling; submerged membrane bioreactor; membrane replacement; operation; and maintenance; commercialization; membrane technology;
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