Mathematical modelling of filtration in submerged anaerobic MBRs (SAnMBRs): long-term validation

The aim of this study was the long-term validation of a model capable of reproducing the filtration process occurring in a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (SAnMBR) system. The proposed model was validated using data obtained horn a SAnMBR demonstration plant fitted with industrial-scale hollow-fibre membranes. The validation was carried out using both lightly and heavily fouled membranes operating at different bulk concentrations, gas sparging intensities and transmembrane fluxes. Across a broad spectrum of operating conditions, the model correctly forecast the respective experimental data in the long term. The simulation results revealed the importance of controlling irreversible fouling in order to ensure sustainable long-term membrane performance. This research has been supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO Project CTM2011-28595-C02-01/02) jointly with the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which are gratefully acknowledged. Robles Martínez, Á.; Ruano García, MV.; Ribes Bertomeu, J.; Seco Torrecillas, A.; Ferrer, J. (2013). Mathematical modelling of filtration in submerged anaerobic MBRs (SAnMBRs): long-term validation. Journal of Membrane Science. 446:303-309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2013.07.001