bioFLOW Tubular Membrane Systems

bioFLOW Membrane Systems are fully-automated PLC controlled Membrane Bioreactor "MBR" systems furnished with tubular membranes. The bioFLOW external tubular membrane systems produce high a quality effluent stream while at the same time operate at low Trans Membrane Pressures (TMP) to reduce life-cycle cost of the MBR System.

The external tubular bioFLOW Membrane Systems are completely modular and designed to provide an MBR process that is both low in operating costs and easily maintained. The bioFLOW membrane systems are installed external to the aeration basin without the requirement of being immersed in mixed liquor. The external arrangement results in an operator friendly MBR biological treatment process without the need for complex hoist/lifting mechanisms and costly membrane tanks. The bioFLOW Tubular UF system operates in a crossflow mode which allows the system to handle high strength streams at high throughput rates. The high throughput results in a compact system saving valuable space and reducing capital expenditures (CAPEX).

How the bioFLOW UF Process Works

The tubular Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) Ultrafiltration membrane is operated in the traditional crossflow format. This mode of operation allows the system to be extremely flexible and resistant to influent upsets. The Ultrafiltration membrane acts as a positive barrier retaining all the mixed liquor suspended solids "MLSS" for return to the aeration basin. The permeate generated by the membrane process is a purified biologically treated wastewater stream with turbidity levels of less than 0.1 NTU suited for direct discharge or water reuse. Silt Density Index (SDI) levels of <3 can be achieved for provision of a suitable feed stream to nanofiltration and reverse osmosis systems.

The bioFLOW Systems are installed "on slab at grade"; no cranes or hoists are needed for membrane maintenance. Civil works and liabilities are reduced to a minimum. Operator exposure to MLSS/wastewater is eliminated. The combination of a fully automated external tubular membrane system with low operating expenses "OPEX" and low capital expenses "CAPEX" allows wastewater treatment facilities to install a new MBR system or upgrade a conventional activated sludge plant without the exorbitant installation costs typically associated with immersed membrane systems.

The bioFLOW system is a perfect choice for high strength and variable waste stream applications.

Process Description

Mixed liquor is fed via feed pump to the system recirculation piping and recirculation pump. The recirculation pump moves the fluid through the modules at 6 to 12 ft/sec, this crossflow velocity helps to maintain the high flux and facilitates CIP cycles. Concentrated mixed liquor is returned to the aeration tank or basin for reprocessing and purified water or permeate passes through to the permeate manifold. A VFD driven permeate extraction pump will then remove permeate from the bioFLOW membrane system at a controlled rate based on influent flow conditions to maintain system equilibrium.

bioFLOW Tubular Membrane side and end views