MBR Membranes

Technology

Nature is full of examples of smart, efficient processes, and we have been inspired by a number of them when designing our membrane modules. This has been very successful, resulting in low energy costs, minimal cleaning and high water quality. We gradually develop our membrane bioreactor module systems to improve them even further, always with the same guiding principle: natural efficiency.

Alfa Laval’s unique LowResist design gives our membrane module an extremely low pressure drop. It is thanks to the ultra-low transmembrane pressure (TMP) that Alfa Laval membranes require much less cleaning and maintenance that other MBRs on the market. The low TMP means there is no pore fouling, just easily removed surface fouling.

It is also the reason Alfa Laval MBR filters can run on gravity with just 1 m of water above the module, making it possible to maximize capacity in a tank without having to use pumps.

In our new model we have improved the LowResist technology to reduce the transmembrane pressure even further. The new membranes have open sides, allowing the water to flow freely into the permeate boxes. This leads to a more even pressure distribution over the membrane, which improves capacity and reduces cleaning needs. 

Our latest model features the S Aerator aeration system. This new, improved system minimizes air consumption during the wastewater filtration process.

Alfa Laval’s new S Aerator uses a single-line design, combined with a flush line.

The design makes it easy to turn the air on and off during operation and allows you to run your membrane modules with alternating aeration. This means that in systems with more than one membrane module, air scouring is applied in an alternating manner, not continuously. This is possible without fouling becoming a problem thanks to the extremely low TMP. The big benefit is savings in energy, investment and maintenance costs.

MBR membranes are easily installed and replaced thanks to Alfa Laval’s unique QuickSwap™ technology. Alfa Laval’s unique QuickSwap™ technology means each pack can be removed individually, minimizing the lifting height required above the membrane module. This means that Alfa Laval’s modules are especially suitable for indoor or subterranean installations where extra lifting height means more capital cost.

Membranes are easily replaced thanks to the QuickSwap™ technology. With all of the membranes in a module mounted in packs, an entire pack can be replaced in one operation, instead of having to replace each membrane element individually.

To replace a pack, just lower the tank level, take out the old pack and put in a new one. There is no need to take the entire module out of the tank or spend time ensuring each membrane element is in place after replacing the membranes.

The new Alfa Laval MBR membrane modules only require two free sides during operation and can therefore be installed side by side in rows, thereby increasing the installed membrane density dramatically.

The range of different module sizes in combination with the low water depth required for gravity operation makes it possible to optimize usage of existing tanks and maximize the installed membrane area. With Alfa Laval’s solution you get the most membrane area per tank volume.

The high resistance to fouling and absence of pore fouling in an Alfa Laval MBR membrane makes it possible to operate the bioreactor with up to 50% higher concentrations of suspended solids than other manufacturers’ filters.

Combining these factors means you get maximum capacity per tank volume with Alfa Laval MBR membranes.

Designed for wastewater filtration applications

The membranes are a key part of a membrane bioreactor systems in both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment.

We develop and manufacture all membranes used in our MBR modules ourselves to ensure the highest quality and best durability. The membranes are made of chlorine resistant PVDF and have been specifically optimized for use in wastewater applications.

Membrane technology provides an absolute barrier to bacteria, microplastics and several other pollutants, and the treated water is guaranteed to meet the requirements for water reuse or environmentally responsible discharge.

Alfa Laval MBR membranes are easy to operate and can be fully automated. All important aspects, such as air scouring, cycle lengths and CIP can be initiated, controlled and monitored remotely. The only required manual work during the wastewater treatment with our modules is making sure the cleaning chemical tanks are filled.

The resulting personnel requirements are thus very low, normally around 1/4 full-time operator equivalent per plant.

Benefits

The new version of our membrane bioreactor filtration modules features a number of improvements that increase capacity, cut energy consumption and reduce maintenance costs even further.

One of the biggest advantages with a membrane bioreactor is the outstanding water quality of the effluent. With regulatory demands becoming stricter and stricter, you can rest assured that you have a future-proof solution when you invest in MBR membrane modules from Alfa Laval.

The membrane is an absolute, physical barrier that removes all bacteria and a number of other pathogens, as well as all microplastics, making it suitable for a number of beneficial re-use applications, for example irrigation.

A membrane bioreactor is also a great solution for removing compounds of emerging concern, micropollutants and pharmaceuticals from municipal and hospital wastewater.

Alfa Laval membranes are California Title 22-accredited and have been proven totally effective in removing microplastic pollutants in recent studies of a wastewater treatment plant in Denmark. Therefore, you can be sure to meet your future operational needs and those of your local environment.

Energy is the main cost in operating a membrane bioreactor, making energy efficiency a primary concern. Alfa Laval MBR membranes offer market-leading performance at the lowest possible energy cost.

The unique LowResist™ design makes it possible to operate them using gravity as the only driving force, eliminating costs for pumping power.

Alfa Laval’s new S Aerator™ lets you optimize air scouring, and in turn the energy consumption for the air blower, without risking increased blockages in the aerator or increased membrane fouling.

The ultra-low trans-membrane pressure (TMP) that is the foundation of the LowResist membrane module technology minimizes fouling and in turn cleaning needs. The low TMP eliminates pore fouling which means the only cleaning an Alfa Laval MBR filter ever needs is relaxation/air scouring every 10 minutes and CIP 4-6 times per year. 

 In other words:

• No backflushing
• Low requirements for chemical backwash and no soakings in most cases
• No need to ever remove the filter module from the tank during its lifetime
• Minimal CIP
• Minimal use of chemicals
• Huge time savings
• Less wear and tear on membranes and pumps

Every detail of an Alfa Laval MBR membrane system, has been designed and manufactured specifically for use in wastewater applications. There are no moving parts or valves in the sludge, and pump usage has been minimized. Nothing has been left to chance to secure maximum reliability and the lowest possible maintenance requirements.

There is no maintenance that will ever require you to remove the filter module from the bioreactor tank or to empty it. In case you need to replace a membrane, our unique QuickSwap system lets you do this in record time in the membrane tank. 

No advanced training for your personnel is required if you are revamping an existing wastewater treatment plant to MBR technology. All the technologies in our system will be familiar to your staff.

Alfa Laval MBR membranes offer maximum capacity in any available space. Regardless if you are building a new plant or upgrading an existing one, you will see that our solutions reduce capital expenditure (CAPEX).

New wastewater treatment plants

For new plants, you can save greatly on civil works by choosing Alfa Laval. The size of the tank can be smaller than for other MBR systems thanks to the high membrane density and ability to operate with a higher concentration of suspended solids. An Alfa Laval system can operate with up to 50% higher solids concentration than hollow fibre solutions, making it possible to use a smaller tank.

And with an Alfa Laval system, you don’t need to install pumps for sludge recirculation. We do this using air lift, meaning that the scouring air circulates the sludge. You will also save on pumps and piping thanks to the simplicity of the design of an Alfa Laval MBR membrane. Since the system can operate with gravity as the driving force, the CIP pump is the only pump you need.

Existing plants

For existing plants, the great flexibility of our MBR filtration system makes it possible to tailor it to any existing infrastructure. You can choose if you wish to let gravity drive the system or use low-energy permeate pumps. With our range of membrane modules in different sizes, we can pack maximum membrane capacity into your existing tank(s).

Minimal MBR maintenance 

The ultra-low transmembrane pressure and absence of pore fouling means very little cleaning is needed. During normal operation it is enough with a 2 minute relaxation period every 10 minutes for the scouring air to remove the surface fouling.

There is no need for frequent backflushing or chemically enhanced backwashing – only a one to two hour CIP cleaning every two or three months. The time savings compared to other MBR systems are very large.

The long CIP cleaning cycles also brings the benefits of minimizing wear on the membranes and chemical usage. 

Our MBR systems are characterized by easy and infrequent service. All maintenance is performed with the membrane modules in the tank. There is no need to ever remove the modules from the tank during their lifetime.

Since Alfa Laval MBR membranes operate using gravity and air lift there are no water or sludge pumps that need servicing. It is only the valves, CIP pump and air blower that needs occasional service.

If you need to replace the membranes in a module at the end of their lifetime, you will find that our new QuickSwap design facilitates this work greatly. All the membranes in a module are mounted in a cassette and you just lower the tank level and replace the entire membrane cassette.

The modular design means you only need 1.3 m clearance over the tank edge to lift the modules in place during installation. This is valuable if your MBR is indoors and space is limited.

Entering a Service Agreement with Alfa Laval gives you full peace of mind and guaranteed performance. Alfa Laval’s team of experts make sure you get the flux and TSS level specified in your agreement.

All we ask is that you send us operating data three times per year so we can evaluate the operation of your system. Once per year, an Alfa Laval expert visits your plant to discuss optimization possibilities and make a visual inspection.

If you have a Service Agreement, we are also present during commissioning, and the mechanical warranty is extended up to 5 years.

Partnership 

We are glad to support you at every step of the process, from the initial design stage and throughout the entire lifetime of your plant.

Our cooperation with customers often starts in the design phase, where we can help optimize the plant to ensure maximum capacity, water quality and energy efficiency. The flexibility of our system lets us customize your new plant according to your exact requirements, and we make sure the biology in your tank gets the best possible conditions.

We can also deliver sludge dewatering equipment that is proven to meet the demands presented by the solids produced in membrane bioreactor installations

Global service network

With Alfa Laval as your service partner, help is always close at hand. We have service personnel in close to 100 countries, ready to assist you in your local language. And our efficient logistics chain makes sure you get any required spare parts as quickly as possible.

With Alfa Laval as your service partner, help is always close at hand. We have service personnel in close to 100 countries, ready to assist you in your local language. And our efficient logistics chain makes sure you get any required spare parts as quickly as possible.

Case stories

There are over 300 Alfa Laval membrane bioreactors installed across the world, handling all types of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment.

The company Schwander Polska designs, builds and operates wastewater plants based on membrane bioreactor(MBR) technology. To ensure long and trouble-free uptime at minimum operating cost, the company has decided to use Alfa Laval MBR membranes in all of their MBR water treatment projects. 

Potato starch producer KMC processes wastewater with 10,000 mg COD/L  in its wastewater treatment plant. Thanks to Alfa Laval’s MBR membranes, the company has the flexibility to use the most suitable bacteria in its membrane bioreactors and can meet the municipality’s demands on effluent quality in wastewater treatment.