Operational factors of submerged inorganic membrane bioreactor for organic wastewater treatment: sludge concentration and aeration rate

摘要

Various sludge concentrations and aeration rates were evaluated to find the optimal operation condition of a submerged ceramic membrane filtration system. 5.6 g/L of sludge was diluted with water to concentrations of 2.8 g/L and 1.4 g/L, and the three sludge concentrations were compared in terms of filtration characteristics such as pressure and filtrate flux. Flux was at the highest value of about 30 L/m(2).hr at 50 kPa when sludge concentration was 1.4 g/L. In contrast, when sludge concentrations increased to 2.8 g/L and 5.6 g/L, the flux at 50 kPa decreased significantly to 18 L/m(2).hr and 10 L/M-2.hr, respectively. It was concluded that the sludge concentration directly affected the filtration efficiency, and low sludge concentration was suitable for improving filtration efficiency. Adjusting the aeration rate from 2 L/min to 4 L/min at 5.6 g/L of sludge and 50 kPa of pressure increased flux from 10 L/m2.hr to 13 L/M2.hr. It was obvious that the vigorous aeration improved the filtration efficiency, but the aeration rate did not seem to be high enough to maintain flux lower than critical flux. [References: 12]