A novel configuration for an anaerobic submerged membrane bioreactor (AnSMBR). Long-term treatment of municipal wastewater under psychrophilic conditions. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gouveia, J.; Plaza, F.; Garralon, G.; Fdz-Polanco, F.; Peña, M.
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 198(2015)
• Page Start: 510
• Page End: 519
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor -- Psychrophilic temperature -- Municipal wastewater -- Methane oversaturation; Biomass -- Periodicals; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Agricultural wastes -- Periodicals; Factory and trade waste -- Periodicals; Organic wastes -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; Déchets agricoles -- Périodiques; Déchets industriels -- Périodiques; Déchets organiques -- Périodiques; Déchets (Combustible) -- Périodiques; 662.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.09.039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Highlights: Viability of the new membrane configuration for treating municipal wastewater. The configuration of the AnSMBR allows better distribution of the accumulated solid. Solid concentration and biogas sparging; main parameters for long-term operation. Three years of continuous operation without physical and chemical cleaning. Abstract: A novel design for a pilot scale anaerobic submerged membrane bioreactor (AnSMBR) equipped with an ultrafiltration unit, treating municipal wastewater at 18 ± 2 °C, and inoculated with a mesophilic inoculum without acclimation, was implemented and evaluated over 3 years of stable operation. The AnSMBR operated with a volumetric loading rate between 1.6 to 2.0 kg COD/m 3 UASB d, 12.8 to 14.2 h hydraulic retention time, and reached a tCOD removal efficiency of around 90%. Biosolid production was between 0.05 and 0.083 g VS/g CODremoved . Dissolved methane oversaturation in the effluent was observed, reaching average values of 19.1 ± 0.84 mg CH4 /L. The permeate flow rate ranged from 10 to 14 L/m 2 h with trans-membrane pressure (TMP) values of 400–550 mbar, using cycles of 30 s backwash, 7.5 min filtration, and continuous biogas sparging (9–16 m/h). During the three years of continuous operation, the membrane was not physically or chemically cleaned.