Kla Qa Optimize Aeration MBR Plants

Q&A
How To Optimize
Aeration At MBR Plants
Membrane bioreactor (MBR) plants are

found all around the world, serving as
a go-to method for treating wastewater
through a combination of processes.
But as this technology gains popularity,
operations must contend with the
inherent aeration problems it presents.
To sort through what these problems

look like and discuss ways of solving
them, Water Online spoke with KLa
Systems. We covered the ins and outs of
MBR, the operational challenges that this
approach presents, and the best ways to
overcome them.
What is an MBR plant? What

differentiates this technology from
other forms of wastewater treatment?
An MBR is essentially a version of the Why is aeration a fundamental part of The Slot Injector aerator is similar to a
activated sludge (AS) system. While the MBR wastewater treatment? conventional jet aerator but uses a unique
AS process utilizes a gravity clarifier Like all aerobic processes the MBR geometrical nozzle configuration and
for solids separation, an MBR uses a requires an aeration system to mix and can dissolve equivalent gas volumes with
membrane for this function. This provides provide oxygen to the microorganisms. significantly less motive liquid pumping.
a number of advantages relating to plant The aeration challenge in MBR plants This results in smaller and/or fewer pump
footprint, process control, and water is twofold. First, you need to meet a stations. It also differentiates itself by
quality. high oxygen demand in a very tight what we call “dual flow control” with the
plant footprint and, secondly, the capability to use dissolved oxygen (DO)
What type of industrial treatment aeration system needs to be able to feedback to variable frequency drive
operation is ideal for utilizing MBR? mix and transfer oxygen in a microbial (VFD) controlled pumps and blowers for
The main driver for the MBR process is concentration that is three to five times improved process control and optimum
the potential for water reuse. Aerobic greater than a typical AS process. energy management.
MBR plants are typically used in low
flow, high organic concentration factory How does the KLa Slot Injector™ What are the operational challenges
effluents, either as stand-alone plants or aeration system work? What makes typically associated with aeration at
following an anaerobic reactor which may it different from other aeration MBR plants?
also incorporate membrane separation. technologies on the market? They are often related to foam
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Q&A
formation due to the presence of high transfer neutral. Once we solved the to take the basin out of service. Inner and
concentrations of extracellular polymeric antifoam issue, the need for a polymer outer injectors are also removable for
substances (EPS). Typically, when running addition goes away, and customers who addressing clogging issues that cannot
at high mixed liquor suspended solids have followed our recommendations have be resolved with the backflush operation.
(MLSS) concentrations, EPS can cause quickly returned their plants to optimal
excessive foaming, and the addition of conditions. What types of pretreatment
chemical agents for fighting foam and/or requirements are there for utilizing
polymers for improving solids separation Why is KLa’s Slot Injector aeration the Slot Injector aeration system at
can present challenges. Under these system ideal for MBR plants? How do MBR plants?
conditions, the addition of antifoam or the benefits of the technology and Fortunately, the requirement for very fine
defoamer can reduce oxygen transfer needs of these operations sync up? screening (i.e. 1 mm openings) to protect
rates by more than 50 percent, and over a Slot Injector aeration technology is ideal the membrane separation system exceeds
period of time with low dissolved oxygen for MBR processes as it offers high oxygen what is required for the Slot Injector
levels, the biomass changes and becomes transfer rates in the concentrated biomass system, so they are well suited together.
more difficult to separate through the environment of the MBR. Other important The injectors would require modern fine
membranes. features include flexible operation using screening (i.e., 3 to 6 mm openings) in a
DO feedback to VFD-controlled pumps conventional AS plant.
If a customer overdoses with polymer to and blowers for improved process control
enhance solids separation, the biomass and optimum aeration efficiency, superior How many MBR plants utilize this
can become extremely viscous making mixing at high MLSS concentrations, aeration system? What can you share
it even more difficult to transfer oxygen. the injectors and piping system being about the success they have found?
This has been a challenge for us from fabricated of highly corrosion-resistant We have 33 MBR aeration systems
time to time, but fortunately we have polypropylene, fiberglass reinforced operating in the U.S. and U.K., and the Slot
tested enough of the commercially plastic and stainless steel, and the fact that Injector technology has been found to be
available antifoams so we have a database the injectors can be cleaned out using our a very reliable mixing and oxygen transfer
identifying those agents that are oxygen airlift backflush system without the need system for MBR applications.
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Q&A

Membrane bioreactor (MBR) plants are

To sort through what these problems

What is an MBR plant? What

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Water Online • www.wateronline.com 2

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