MBR Flat Sheet Membrane: Leading the Way in Wastewater Treatment

Structure and Principle of MBR Flat Sheet Membrane Element

An MBR flat sheet membrane element consists of multiple stacked membrane sheets and a supporting frame that holds the membrane elements in place. Whether applied in microfiltration (MF) or high-pressure reverse osmosis (RO) processes, the MBR flat sheet membrane is particularly suitable for treating high-concentration water. The membrane module is designed according to the filtration pressure, with water circulating between adjacent flat sheets. The flat sheet provides mechanical support and facilitates the timely discharge of filtrate.Different membrane modules can be arranged in parallel or series, with the membrane area of a single unit reaching up to 120 square meters. The treated water collected in the grooves of the membrane is discharged under high pressure (RO, NF) or vacuum (UF, MF). The gap between the flat sheets typically ranges from 0.5 to 3 mm.

An aeration device is installed below the MBR flat sheet membrane element to perform air scouring. While the membrane's compactness is moderate, its primary advantage is the ease of disassembly, making it possible to conduct thorough manual cleaning when needed. Additionally, replacing individual membrane sheets is convenient. However, the extended and intricate flow path within the membrane results in considerable head loss. Due to the relatively small surface area of a single membrane element, more membrane elements and connection devices are required, which may reduce system reliability.

Common Applications of MBR Flat Sheet Membrane

MBR (Membrane Bioreactor) flat sheet membrane technology is widely applied in the wastewater treatment sector. Here are some common applications:

• Municipal Wastewater Treatment: MBR flat sheet membrane technology is extensively used in municipal wastewater treatment plants to process domestic sewage. The membrane effectively separates suspended solids, microorganisms, and dissolved organic matter, ensuring high-quality effluent.

  
  

• Industrial Wastewater Treatment: The MBR flat sheet membrane is also widely used for treating industrial wastewater containing high concentrations of complex contaminants, including those from the chemical, pharmaceutical, textile, and paper industries. The membrane efficiently filters out solid particles, oils, microorganisms, and organic substances to meet discharge standards.

  
  

• Water Reuse: Due to its ability to produce high-quality treated water, MBR flat sheet membrane technology is ideal for water reuse projects in water-scarce regions. The treated water can be used for irrigation, cooling systems, landscape water features, and other non-potable applications.

  
  

• Seawater Desalination Pretreatment: MBR flat sheet membrane technology can serve as a pretreatment step in seawater desalination processes. The membrane effectively removes suspended solids, colloids, and organic matter from seawater, reducing the load on downstream reverse osmosis membranes and enhancing the efficiency and stability of desalination.

  
  

In conclusion, MBR flat sheet membrane technology stands out for its efficiency, stability, and small footprint. It is widely applied in various wastewater treatment scenarios, providing viable solutions for environmental protection and water resource management.