Five Major Mistakes in the Use of MBR Flat Sheet Membranes

Misconception 1 about Using MBR Flat Sheet Membranes

Using MBR flat sheet membranes ensures the quality of the effluent water; essentially, MBR flat sheet membranes combine activated sludge treatment and membrane filtration. It utilizes membrane filtration to replace traditional secondary sedimentation tanks on the basis of traditional activated sludge methods, thereby improving interception efficiency and having advantages like high sludge concentration. However, this does not mean that MBR flat sheet membranes can ensure the quality of the effluent water once and for all. For wastewater with poor biodegradability, the treatment effect of MBR flat sheet membranes is relatively limited.

Misconception 2 about Using MBR Flat Sheet Membranes

Higher flux planning for MBR flat sheet membranes is better. Membrane flux is primarily determined by the membrane’s data and structure. Specific membrane treatment devices have upper limits for porosity and flux. The essence of filtration is actually a physical process. While reducing pore size, membrane data must not only focus on flux but also ensure the long-term stable operation of MBR flat sheet bmembranes. Therefore, in the planning and usage processes, planning should be based on the actual parameters provided by the membrane manufacturer.

Misconception 3 about Using MBR Flat Sheet Membranes

MBR flat sheet membranes do not require sludge discharge. Due to the good filtration effect of MBR flat sheet membranes, the activated sludge in the MBR flat sheet membrane process can reach relatively high concentrations, so the impact of sludge concentration on effluent can be ignored. However, this advantage only improves the biochemical operating environment and does not affect the effluent, which is not a reason to avoid sludge discharge. Whether sludge discharge is needed should still be judged based on the activated sludge.

Misconception 4 about Using MBR Flat Sheet Membranes

Minimize sludge concentration as much as possible to avoid flat membrane clogging. A common problem with MBR flat sheet membranes is membrane clogging, with the culprit often being sludge, especially when sludge concentration is high. In such cases, some people think of reducing sludge concentration to prevent membrane clogging. However, this approach leads to another misconception: not only high concentrations cause membrane clogging, but low concentrations can also easily lead to clogging. Therefore, the correct approach is to maintain the sludge concentration within an appropriate range. Additionally, we can perform moderate aeration because it can help scrub the membrane surface. Of course, we should also maintain the aeration at an appropriate level.

Misconception 5 about Using MBR Flat Sheet Membranes

Flat membranes should be responsible for discharge. The principle of MBR flat sheet membranes is filtration, which is essentially a physical process. The removal of pollutants primarily relies on SS (suspended solids). The significance of MBR flat sheet membranes is to enhance biochemical functions, but they cannot filter soluble organic matter. Therefore, they cannot be used as COD indicators. The removal of organic matter still requires the operation and planning of the entire process chain.