The MBR membrane is a crucial part of the sewage treatment system, and the sewage it treats is typically highly polluted and contains more organic and inorganic material. Even when sewage has undergone some treatment, there will still be sludge and other impurities after prolonged use.

When the MBR membrane becomes contaminated, it will result in membrane pore blockage, which will lower the volume of water produced and lower the membrane flux. To restore the MBR membrane flux and lengthen its useful life, MBR membrane module must therefore be cleaned.

How is Membrane bioreactor module cleaned?

Air aeration cleaning, maintenance chemical cleaning, backwashing, and offline recovery chemical cleaning, are the typical cleaning techniques used on MBR membrane modules. To get better cleaning results at a reduced cost, we should pick the right cleaning procedure based on the specific pollution status of the MBR membrane.

· Cleaning with air aeration

A physical cleaning technique that improves the circulation of the water flow is air aeration cleaning. The MBR membrane module's air valve is opened while the input and outflow valves are closed, allowing the aeration tube to be continuously aerated for two to three days. The upward airflow removes the sludge layer that has been developed on the membrane surface.

· Chemical cleaning

It means that the cleaning solution in the dosing box is pumped into the interior of the membrane, through the backwash pump when the MBR membrane suction pump and blower are turned off.

· Backwashing

Water backwashing and air-water backwashing are the two types of backwashing. In order to remove contaminants from the MBR, it refers to applying a backwash pressure to the water outlet of the MBR membrane, and allowing produced water or produced water mixed with air fluid to flush back through the membrane.

· Chemical Recovery Cleaning

Recovery chemical cleaning entails stopping the MBR system, removing the MBR membrane module from the MBR membrane bioreactor tank, cleaning it on its original location (or evacuating the membrane pool), and placing it in the chemical cleaning tank that has been set up with cleaning fluid. It is the best cleaning technique for re-establishing membrane flux.

The following are the recovery chemical cleaning steps:

(1) Turn off the blower and suction pump;

(2) Close the water outlet valve, separate the MBR membrane module from the water collecting pipe and external aeration pipe, using the union or flange connection;

(3) Rinse the sludge on the MBR membrane's surface using tap water (avoid flushing directly with a high-pressure water cannon to avoid damaging the membrane);

(4) Use the nature of the sewage in conjunction with the membrane module's surface, to identify the type of pollution (touch the membrane's surface; generally, if it feels sticky, it is organic pollution; if it feels hard and rough, it is more significant inorganic pollution);

(5) Configure the appropriate acid or alkaline chemical cleaning solution based on the kind of pollution, and the number of membrane modules to estimate the dosage of chemical cleaning solution;

(6) Put the MBR membrane module into the chemical cleaning tank, which has been configured with cleaning solution;

(7) Soak for 6–12 hours. During the soaking period, it is recommended to regularly stir the drug solution, and observe through the pH test paper whether an appropriate amount of supplement is needed, to ensure the concentration of the drug solution; If there is an aeration tube at the bottom, the aeration valve at the bottom of the chemical cleaning tank can be opened; if there is not an aeration tube, leave it closed;

(8) Connect the union or flange connection of the water collecting pipe, inner aeration main pipe, and outer aeration pipe on the MBR membrane module, after soaking it in clean water until the pH is neutral; then place the MBR membrane module back into the MBR membrane biological reaction tank;

(9) Switch on the fan, regulate the airflow, and allow it to purge the membrane module for 5 to 10 minutes;

(10) Return the air volume to its regular setting, activate the suction pump, and select the model's standard automated operation.

Conclusion

The cleaning operation procedure must be carried out strictly in accordance with regulations; otherwise, a reaction between the cleaning chemical and the filter medium will take place that is unpredictable, producing heat and damaging the piping and ultrafiltration membrane components. To obtain a high efficiency cleaning effect, the sequence of each cleaning operation in the cleaning operation procedures must be precisely followed.

Sewage treatment plant manufacturers in India

Netsol Water is a corporation with roots in Greater Noida, and we have been offering India's top water and wastewater treatment facilities for many years. We have constantly provided clients in a range of industries with our best services.

According to the needs of the industry, we provide RO Plants, water softener, STPs, ETPs, with advanced technologies, such as MBR. For more information, contact us by email at enquiry@netsolwater.com, or through one of our social media sites (Instagram, or LinkedIn), or by phone at +91-9650608473.