DYNAMIC MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY FOR MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Abstract

Dynamic membrane technology, with focus on anaerobic processes, was investigated for treatment of municipal wastewater. A PET mesh was used as the support layer on which the DM layer can be formed.

A post-treatment DM filter downstream of a UASB reactor and the conventional septic tank served the dual purpose of maintaining effluent quality in the event of biomass washouts, as well as enhancing the effluent quality in terms of COD and SS. The DM layer could be easily washed off the mesh surface by purely physical cleaning without the need for chemical cleaning required by conventional membranes.

DM technology was also applied in the form of AnDMBR, achieving high removals of SS and COD. With intermittent biogas scouring, an optimal balance between cycle duration and effluent quality could be attained. Alternatively, in the absence of biogas scouring, ferric chloride augmentation could improve filtration and contaminant removal performance.