Membrane Technology

Projects

Membrane fouling control for improving MBR performance

This project addressed technical barriers to the wider acceptance and use of membrane bioreactor processes in wastewater treatment and wastewater reuse applications. In particular, fouling of membrane bioreactors lowers their permeability, necessitating frequent cleaning and replacement. Recent research has provided better insight into the main causes of fouling and how the mechanisms that cause it relate to the composition of the wastewater or sludge being treated. The project addressed how to reduce fouling and improve efficacy of treatment while reducing costly energy consumption from membrane bioreactors.

A series of pilot plant tests were conducted using three state-of-the-art ZW-500® MBR pilot plants at City of Guelph Wastewater Treatment Plant. During these tests, the increases in transmembrane pressure due to the occurrence of membrane fouling were continuously monitored to calculate both reversible and irreversible fouling rates. A model was also developed and the results showed that the model can accurately predict the irreversible biofouling rates. The research also developed a two-stage membrane biofilm reactor (MBFR) system for simultaneous autotrophic nitrification and denitrification of wastewater effluents.

Results from research improved the ability to achieve high-quality effluent through application of integrated innovative membrane technologies for conventional and emerging contaminants.

Enhancing the Sustainability of Membrane Processes Used for Drinking Water

This project addressed barriers to the more widespread application and effectiveness of membrane technologies for drinking-water treatment in Canada and worldwide. Research will determine the true value of process performance when membrane processes are integrated into new or existing facilities and will support improved system operation and reliability. The project is also identifying raw water quality “boundaries” for which membrane processes can potentially become less sustainable than more conventional processes; and issue particularly of interest to small systems and systems with poor raw-water quality.