A dairy converts an existing biological system to a membrane bioreactor (MBR). The converted plant has the ability to process wastewater at the rate of 475,000 gallons per day.
The conversion provided the ability to increase the treatment rate and at the same time improve the quality of the treated water. The system operated at a higher concentration of mixed liquor in the bioreactor and thereby increase the throughput capacity of the existing bioreactor and improves the quality of the treated water (0.03 micron membrane allows less bacteria and virus to penetrate the membrane surface) that is discharged.
The Dynatec “out of bioreactor” membrane configuration provided for optimization of both biological and membrane systems. Dynatec’s membrane system decoupled the membrane filtration and biological treatment in a way that allowed for optimization of both the solids liquid separation and the biological system design. The system is capable of operating with MLSS as high as 25,000 mg/L and this has maximized the operator flexibility in plant operations to achieve optimum performance. The positive recirculation through the membrane system minimizes fouling and reduces operator attention.
The amount of space required for the membrane system was small and therefore the system was easily added because of the flexibility in locating the membrane system. The system did not need to be next to or close to the bioreactor. The higher system membrane flux (permeate rate) meant that fewer membranes were required. The simple design required less ancillary equipment and operation at high MLSS meant that no additional tanks were required.
Dynatec’s membrane systems draws on our many years of experience to provide a cost effective, simple system that outperforms other systems, especially with difficult to treat waste streams.
Dynatec’s membrane system was selected in part because the overall capital cost was lower than alternative solutions and because the conversion was principally centered on the addition of the membrane system which was inexpensive to install and the location did not need to be close to the existing bioreactor.
Another reason for the selection of Dynatec by the dairy converts existing system to MBR was because the membrane systems are completely enclosed which minimizes maintenance and provides a safe, clean environment for operators. The operators were not exposed to fumes and noxious gases.
The system was designed for remote access on any device with a web browser enabling the operator to review system performance and make changes without a site visit.
The unique operation of the membrane system makes it the right solution for difficult to treat wastewater applications such as dairy wastewater. The membrane system operates using tubular membranes in series with a recirculation flow that continuously scours the walls of the membrane surface. This prevents the buildup of solids on the membrane surface. The elimination of the solids buildup on the membrane surface results in high flux rates and consistent, dependable operation even in difficult applications where the solids do not filter well.
Contact Dynatec to discuss your wastewater needs.