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Addition of Particles for Fouling Minimization in Membrane Bioreactors – Permeability Performance, Fluid Dynamics, and Rheology
Author(s) -
Rosenberger Sandra,
Helmus Frank Peter,
Drews Anja
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
chemie ingenieur technik
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.365
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1522-2640
pISSN - 0009-286X
DOI - 10.1002/cite.201500112
Subject(s) - airlift , fouling , rheology , bioreactor , membrane fouling , membrane , permeability (electromagnetism) , materials science , chemical engineering , flow (mathematics) , chemistry , mechanics , composite material , engineering , biochemistry , physics , organic chemistry
Membrane bioreactors (MBR) with submerged flat sheet modules follow the airlift loop flow principle. The addition of particles is a new development in MBR fouling control. Experiments with plastic beads clearly show a mechanical cleaning effect. Biologically active beads (quorum quenching) can further reduce membrane fouling. The effectiveness of the particles depends on the flow conditions, though. To select or design such additives properly, as well as to optimize air flow rates, the complex fluid dynamics of the multiphase airlift loop flow and the rheology of the biomass need to be understood.