title: Fluid hydrodynamics in submerged and sidestream membrane bioreactors.
abstract: As with all membrane processes, turbulence, as promoted by aeration in submerged membrane bioreactors (MBRs) or pumping in sidestream (SS) systems to produce somewhat higher effective cross-flow velocities, increases mass transfer and reduces fouling. This is manifested in an elevated critical flux, the flux at which the membrane permeability is sustained. However, the non-Newtonian nature of the sludge makes precise rheological characterisation difficult. In this study, a calculation of the appropriate hydrodynamics parameters for a SS MBR configuration is presented. Optimisation of the aeration in a submerged MBR system has been attained by defining the minimum air velocity required for Taylor bubble formation.
mesh_terms: D019149:Bioreactors; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005740:Gases; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012722:Sewage / Q000737:chemistry*; D014872:Water Movements
chemical_list: D005740:Gases; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D012722:Sewage