Optimization of wastewater filtration process in submerged membrane bioreactors : applicability of a dynamic model to scale up.

Abstract

Abstract. The application of a hybrid mathematical model, which takes into account the effect of main variables in Submerged Membrane Bioreactor (SMBR) systems, was established in order to simulate and optimize the FILTRATION process into SMBR, on the base of experimental data performed on a bench and pilot scale bioreactors. The validity of the numerical process in the scale up of the water treatment process was checked. Numerical simulations of the wastewater treatment process were performed in order to find the optimal filtration conditions for both different scale bioreactors. Various operating conditions (idlefiltration time, aeration intensity, solids retention time, hydraulics retention time, and total suspended solids concentration) were tested. Different optimization criteria were considered to minimize the transmembrane pressure and energy consumption, and to maximize filtrate flow.