Membrane Bio-Reactor (MBR) is built to order
These systems are engineered around your water conditions, flow rate and site, so we do not list generic units online. Request a quote and an engineer will call you to size a system for your application.
About Membrane Bio-Reactor (MBR)
Sizing a system? Send your flow rate and a feed-water analysis, and an AMPAC engineer will work out the configuration with you.
Ampac USA membrane bio-reactors (MBR) are a compact wastewater treatment technology for waste streams with high organic content.
In addition, the compact configuration of MBR's reduces the space required for a treatment system from large areas thousands of square meters/ square feet of land in conventional plants down to the size of a few container vans.
The compactness is achieved by eliminating the bulkiest stage of conventional water treatment, the settling tank, whose purpose is to segregate light solids/ colloids, heavy solids and liquids from each other. MBR's utilize ultrafiltration membranes in conjunction with air flotation to achieve this segregation, with a high volume of water passing through the membranes instead of being retained in a settling tank.
Ampac USA selects components for each system to support the reliability and performance clients expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) and how does it work?
An MBR combines an activated sludge biological treatment process with ultrafiltration membrane separation in a single system. Microorganisms in the bioreactor tank consume organic waste, and the UF membranes (pore size 0.04-0.4 micron) filter out all suspended solids and bacteria from the treated water. The result is high-quality effluent without the need for a secondary clarifier, which is required in conventional activated sludge plants.
What effluent quality does an MBR system produce?
MBR systems consistently produce effluent with BOD below 5 mg/L, TSS below 5 mg/L, turbidity below 0.5 NTU, and total coliform below 2.2 MPN/100mL. This quality meets or exceeds Title 22 unrestricted reuse standards in California and equivalent standards in most states. With UV disinfection post-MBR, the water is suitable for toilet flushing, irrigation, cooling tower makeup, and many industrial process water applications.
What is the footprint advantage of MBR over conventional wastewater treatment?
MBR systems require 30-50% less footprint than conventional activated sludge plants because they eliminate the secondary clarifier and tertiary filtration stages. Higher mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentrations of 8,000-15,000 mg/L in the bioreactor (versus 2,000-4,000 mg/L in conventional systems) mean smaller bioreactor tank volumes. This advantage is significant for hotels, resorts, and industrial facilities with limited space.
What industries and applications are best suited to MBR systems?
MBR systems excel in applications where space is constrained, high-quality effluent is required for reuse, or variable flow rates challenge conventional systems. Common applications include resort and hotel wastewater treatment, food and beverage processing wastewater, hospital and healthcare facility effluent, remote community wastewater management, and industrial facilities under strict discharge permit conditions. Landfill leachate treatment is another growing MBR application.
How often do MBR membranes need cleaning or replacement?
MBR membranes are cleaned in two ways: relaxation and backpulsing during normal operation (every 10-15 minutes), and chemical cleaning in-place (CIP) every 3-12 months depending on fouling rate. Membranes typically last 7-10 years before replacement is needed. Proper MLSS management, dissolved oxygen control, and avoiding hydraulic shock loads significantly extend membrane life and maintain system performance.
What is the energy consumption of an MBR system compared to conventional treatment?
MBR systems consume more energy than conventional activated sludge primarily due to membrane aeration (coarse bubble air scour to prevent fouling) and membrane permeation pumping. Typical energy consumption is 0.8-1.5 kWh per 1,000 gallons treated, compared to 0.5-0.8 kWh for conventional secondary treatment. The higher energy cost is offset by reduced chemical use, eliminated clarifier, and the reuse value of high-quality effluent.