Why Choose MBR (Membrane Bioreactor) Over Conventional Treatment?
If MBR technology proves as the efficient selection for wastewater treatment, sustainability for efficiency and excellence in quality has to be selected. Its growing popularity during these times is a huge result of being advanced filtration technologies that yield very superior water production compared with older conventional treatments of wastewater. Then why is this choice preferred? There are numerous factors and the whole concept has proved to stand quite apart from conventionally known systems of wastewater treatments.
Knowing MBR and Conventional Treatment
Before discussing the advantages, one should understand how both systems work:
· MBR (Membrane Bioreactor) is a combination of biological treatment and membrane filtration that enables highly effective removal of contaminants and microorganisms.
· Conventional treatment relies on primary settling tanks, biological degradation, and secondary clarification, which may not remove all impurities effectively.
Both methods have their importance, but MBR has been established as a better and more effective solution for the demands of modern needs in wastewater treatment.
Key Benefits of MBR over Conventional Treatment
Better Quality of Water
· MBR produces high-quality treated water containing much lower pathogen and suspended solids levels than conventional treatment does.
· Conventional treatment requires other filtration processes to achieve similar quality levels of water.
· In MBR, the membrane acts as a very effective barrier to bacteria and viruses, which makes it fit particularly well for water reuse applications.
Compact and Space-Efficient Design
· MBR systems require less space because they do not have a requirement for large sedimentation tanks.
· Large settling tanks are a must in traditional treatment systems as they require extra space for filtration and disinfection units.
· The small footprint of MBR makes it perfect for urban sites where land is a constraint.
Greater Efficiency in Treatment
· MBR membranes ensure smooth, consistent, and dependable filtration; hence it can treat widely fluctuating loadings of wastewater.
· Sudden changes in composition of the incoming wastewater could lead to frequent alterations of conventional treatment systems.
· Organic matter removal may be much more efficient, leading to overall greater efficiency with an MBR.
Less Sludge
· Less sludge generation in an MBR, so easier disposal
· More extensive treatment and extensive disposal methods required in conventional treatment, which entails high volumes of sludge.
· Reduced sludge production leads to reduced operational cost and environmental impact.
Lower Environmental Impact
· The quality of MBR-treated water is suitable for reuse in industrial, agricultural, and municipal applications.
· Reuse standards may not be met using conventional treatment if extra treatment steps are not employed.
· Recycling treated water helps in reducing the use of fresh sources, hence sustaining.
Better Handling of Contaminants
· MBR membranes filter out bacteria, viruses, and micropollutants that conventional treatment cannot remove completely.
· This makes MBR suitable for the treatment of industrial wastewater with high contaminant levels.
Comparison Table: MBR vs. Conventional Treatment
Feature |
MBR (Membrane Bioreactor) |
Conventional Treatment |
Water Quality |
High |
Moderate |
Space Requirement |
Compact |
Large |
Filtration Efficiency |
Excellent |
Moderate |
Sludge Production |
Low |
High |
Maintenance |
Moderate |
High |
Suitability for Reuse |
Very High |
Moderate |
Contaminant Removal |
Advanced |
Basic |
Cost Efficiency Over Time |
High |
Moderate |
Suitability for Industrial Use |
Excellent |
Limited |
Challenges and Considerations of MBR
Despite the many advantages of MBR, it has some challenges that need to be considered:
· Higher Initial Costs: The advanced membrane technology and compact system design make MBR more expensive to install compared to conventional treatment methods.
· Maintenance: Membranes need to be cleaned regularly, and membrane needs to be changed periodically for optimum efficiency.
· Energy: MBR systems require much energy, considering the pressure-driven membrane filtration process.
· Operator Experience: Experienced manpower is required for operation and maintenance.
However, despite these challenges, the long-term advantages of MBR, including the lower cost of running, improved quality of water, and environmental friendly, make up for the costs of investment.
Applications of MBR Technology
MBR is applied largely in all the sectors, that are:
· Municipal Wastewater Treatment: Most cities and towns are using MBR systems to achieve stringent standards for the requirement of dischargeable water and to recycle water.
· Industrial Wastewater Treatment: MBR is excellent for pharmaceuticals, textiles, and food processing industries that require high-quality water treatment.
· Commercial and Residential Complexes: Larger buildings and housing societies use MBR for efficient wastewater management and water recycling.
· Agriculture and Irrigation: Treated water from MBR systems is used for irrigation, reducing dependency on freshwater sources.
Conclusion
More advantages of MBR over conventional treatments include superior water quality, compact design, higher efficiency, and lower environmental impact. Conventional methods are still widely used, but MBR will remain the choice for industries and municipalities for advanced sustainable wastewater solutions. Investing in MBR can help create a cleaner and greener future with better management and conservation of water.
Do you need an advice or assistance on selecting the best water and waste water treatment unit? We have solutions for all your problems!
Let us know your problem, our experts will make sure that it goes away.
For an assistance or related query,
Call on +91-965-060-8473
Or write us at enquiry@netsolwater.com