Organic flat sheet
Plate-based biomass separation option.
YiFu Trading
MBR Wastewater Treatment and Membrane Selection
A clear view of the biological process, membrane separation role and practical information needed for an MBR or replacement review.
Application context
The treatment problem
An MBR retains suspended biomass while permeate is withdrawn through the membrane. This enables biological treatment and solids separation in a combined process, but the biology still determines conversion of biodegradable organics and nutrients.
Fouling control depends on pretreatment, sludge health, aeration, flux, relaxation, cleaning and operator response.
Important: Buying a membrane module does not define a complete MBR process. Biological and hydraulic design are required.
Treatment objective
What a well-defined MBR must address
- Biological treatment objective
- Peak hydraulic loading
- Stable membrane operation
- Maintainable cleaning and replacement strategy
Possible treatment train
Build the process around the contaminants
Screening & equalization
Biological reactor
Membrane tank / zone
Permeate collection
Disinfection / reuse
Sludge handling
Conceptual sequence only. Bench or pilot work, mass balance and specialist process design may be required.
Membrane role
Where different membrane technologies may fit
Each membrane has a distinct separation role. Dissolved contaminants and biological conversion may require other treatment processes.
Hollow fiber
Compact high-area module option.
Ceramic MBR
Rigid inorganic option for selected duties.
RO downstream
Only when dissolved-solids reduction is required after MBR.
Selection considerations
Information that changes the design
- Influent biodegradability and toxicity
- BOD/COD and nutrient loading
- Design MLSS and sludge age
- Average, peak and instantaneous flow
- Temperature and viscosity
- Membrane tank and aeration design
- Operating flux and relaxation cycle
- Chemical-cleaning capability
Relevant products
Products to review
MBR Membrane
Compare configuration and maintenance factors.
Review product →Hollow Fiber MBR
Review fiber-bundle module considerations.
Review product →Ceramic Flat Sheet Membrane
Review inorganic flat sheet option where appropriate.
Review product →FAQ
MBR treatment FAQ
Does the membrane remove COD?
It retains suspended solids and particulate COD. Dissolved biodegradable COD is treated biologically; refractory dissolved COD may require other processes.
Why does MBR flux change with temperature?
Lower temperature increases water viscosity and can affect biological and filtration conditions.
What causes rapid fouling?
Possible factors include poor screening, unhealthy sludge, excessive flux, inadequate aeration, oils, polymers or cleaning issues.
Discuss your MBR wastewater application
Share water data, flow, treatment objective or an existing membrane model. YiFu will coordinate the next technical questions.