The Conference ECO-STP “EcoTechnologies for Wastewater Treatment” of the International Water Association (IWA) presented the most recent developments in waste water treatment technologies. It was held in Santiago de Compostela from 26th to 28th June 2012. 

Modelling and simulation of a full-scale hybrid MBR

M. Dalmau, I. Rodríguez-Roda, T. Maere, I. Nopens, J. Odriozola, L. Sancho, E. Ayesa, J. Comas

Membrane bioreactors (MBR) are a risen wastewater treatment (WWTP) technology with unique advantages like high quality effluent and small footprint, but fouling and high energy consumption are their major drawbacks. Recent developments suggest a dual/hybrid configuration, a combination of conventional activated sludge (CAS) system with membrane treatment, since it can provide high effluent quality, more versatility and lower energy costs.

 In this case, a full-scale hybrid plant (La Bisbal d’Empordà WWTP) was studied in order to optimize MBR/CAS configuration, based on effluent quality, costs, and effluent nitrogen, phosphorous and solid concentrations.

Results concluded that the optimal configuration is the combination of one membrane line (50%) together with the secondary settler (50%).