The membrane bioreactor (MBR) system is an activated sludge technology whereby a submerged physical membrane barrier is utilized to provide the liquid-solids separation instead of gravity clarification. This eliminates problems with sludge settling and separation and also provides a very high degree of treatment, meeting strict effluent limits. MBR technology is widely accepted as both a wastewater treatment and a water-reuse and recycling technology and provides a number of significant advantages to aerobic wastewater treatment.

Conventional Activated Sludge Process

Conventional activated sludge systems commonly include an aeration tank and secondary clarifier. Aerobic biomass reduces the BOD and ammonia concentrations in the aeration tank. Biomass then flows to the secondary clarifier, where it is separated into clarified water and thickened biomass by gravity sedimentation. The clarified treated water overflows at the top of the secondary clarifier, and the thickened biomass is recycled to the aeration tank or managed at sludge dewatering facilities.

Wastewater Treatment Anaerobic

What is Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment?

Anaerobic treatment is a biological process ideally suited for the pretreatment of high-strength wastewaters that are typical of many industrial facilities. The anaerobic process utilizes naturally-occurring bacteria to break down biodegradable material in an industrial wastestream.

The anaerobic process is time-tested and does not require the purchase of special bacteria or nutrients. Because the bacteria are anaerobic they do not require oxygen like the organisms in an aerobic process. Reactors are enclosed or covered to prevent the introduction of air and the release of odors.

Applications

Anaerobic treatment is ideal for pretreatment, pretreatment prior to aerobic treatment, and pretreatment of segregated waster streams.

Used for standalone pretreatment, an anaerobic system can be used as the sole biological component of a treatment system for wastewater discharged to a POTW.

Used prior to aerobic treatment, an anaerobic system can be very effective and economical for removing high concentrations of BOD and COD prior to final treatment by an aerobic process.

Many industrial facilities have wastestreams that represent a fraction of the total flow, yet contribute a majority of the pollutant load. These high-BOD wastestreams can be segregated for treatment by an anaerobic process prior to combining with the total flow. ETS anaerobic systems are very effective in wastewater treatment at a variety of industrial facilities.

Advantages of ETS Anaerobic Systems

Low sludge yield – Anaerobic systems typically produce a small fraction of the sludge generated by aerobic systems. This means that there is less sludge to dewater and dispose of.Lower electrical requirements – Because an anaerobic system does not require oxygen, the high horsepower requirements of surface aerators or blowers are avoided.Higher organic loading – Anaerobic systems are capable of providing high treatment efficiencies at BOD concentrations ranging from 2,000 mg/L to 50,000 mg/L. These systems are also typically more effective than aerobic systems at COD removal.Energy production – A byproduct of anaerobic degradation of pollutants is the production of a methane-rich biogas which can be used to supplement or replace natural gas for fueling plant boilers, engine generators,and other energy systems.Good process stability – The anaerobic process is very stable under varying hydraulic and organic loadingsand other conditions that may cause upsets in other types of biological systems.Lower nutrient requirements – Anaerobic systems require a fraction of the nitrogen and phosphorus that an aerobic system does.Lower operating costs – Because anaerobic systems require less nutrients and electrical input and generate less sludge than aerobic systems, they have inherently lower operating costs.

Anaerobic wastewater treatment is a process whereby bacteria digests biosolids in the absence of oxygen. One major feature of anaerobic digestion is the production of biogas, which can be used in generators for electricity production or in boilers for heating purposes. This, plus the fact that aerobic wastewater treatment requires a method for the introduction of oxygen into the process, makes anaerobic wastewater treatment generally more cost effective.

We are able to service your needs for aerobic wastewater treatment plants and anaerobic wastewater treatment plants, anywhere in the world.

If you are interested in our package wastewater treatment system design services for anaerobic digestion or aerobic digestion of biosolids, or you require construction or installation of a wastewater treatment plant or component, go to our Design A Quote page and submit your information. One of our professional staff members will be happy to get back with you right away.