Membrane Bioreactor (MBR)

Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Process Train

Efficient, cost-effective wastewater treatment

With membrane bioreactor installations totalling over 450 MGD** of treatment capacity, GE Water & Process Technologies reinforced hollow fiber membranes are the trusted membrane platform. You're investing in peace of mind as well as technology.

ZeeWeed membrane bioreactor systems combine proven ultrafiltration technology with biological treatment for municipal, commercial and industrial wastewater treatment and water reuse applications. The membrane bioreactor system incorporates reinforced hollow fiber membranes specifically designed to meet the requirements of wastewater treatment. Membrane bioreactor systems replace conventional treatment and combine clarification, aeration and filtration into a simple and cost-effective process that reduces capital and operating costs. The result is consistent, high quality effluent suitable for any discharge or reuse application.

From small and simple membrane bioreactor systems to the world's largest and most dependable, GE has the most system / process engineering and operating experience.

Considering a Membrane Bioreactor Plant?

Learn more about design considerations that will ensure the best value for your dollar, smart features that guarantee trouble-free performance, and operational strategies to handle unexpected situations.

Membrane Bioreactor Design Considerations »

GE offers real world membrane bioreactor knowledge with industry leading design teams and long-term operating experience which ensures that our customers receive reliable and trouble-free MBR solutions for:

  • Plant retrofits
  • Cold climate operation
  • Bio-phosphorus removal
  • Bio-nitrogen removal
  • Reverse osmosis pretreatment
  • Direct reuse
  • Direct discharge
  • Aquifer recharge
  • Small, medium and large plants

**peak daily flow rates. This includes membrane bioreactor plants in design, construction or operating as of December 31/04.


Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Process

The ZeeWeed membrane bioreactor (MBR) process is a GE technology that consists of a suspended growth biological reactor integrated with an ultrafiltration membrane system, using the ZeeWeed hollow fiber membrane. Essentially, the ultrafiltration system replaces the solids separation function of secondary clarifiers and sand filters in a conventional activated sludge system.

ZeeWeed ultrafiltration membranes are immersed in an aeration tank, in direct contact with mixed liquor. Through the use of a permeate pump, a vacuum is applied to a header connected to the membranes. The vacuum draws the treated water through the hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes. Permeate is then directed to disinfection or discharge facilities. Intermittent airflow is introduced to the bottom of the membrane module, producing turbulence that scours the external surface of the hollow fibers. This scouring action transfers rejected solids away from the membrane surface.

ZeeWeed membrane bioreactor technology effectively overcomes the problems associated with poor settling of sludge in conventional activated sludge processes. ZeeWeed MBR technology permits bioreactor operation with considerably higher mixed liquor solids concentrations than conventional activated sludge systems that are limited by sludge settling. The ZeeWeed MBR process is typically operated at a mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration in the range of 8,000 to 10,000 mg/L. Elevated biomass concentrations allow for highly effective removal of both soluble and particulate biodegradable material in the waste stream. The ZeeWeed MBR process combines the unit operations of aeration, secondary clarification and filtration into a single process, producing a high quality effluent, simplifying operation and greatly reducing space requirements.


ZeeWeed Membrane Bioreactor Features and Benefits

Physical ultrafiltration (UF) barrier
  Produces a high quality effluent suitable for direct reuse
Unmatched fiber ruggedness
  Ensures a longer membrane life in harsh wastewater operating environments
Hollow fiber geometry
  Provides a greater filtration surface area which reduces plant footprint and effectively distributes cleaning solutions
Effective backpulse cleaning
  Maintains long-term, peak system performance and provides a simple, rapid method of recovery in the event of a plant upset
Automated in-situ cleaning
  Simplifies system operation and maintenance, while reducing operating costs
"Self-healing" fibers
  No catastrophic membrane failures means that your plant keeps working
Compact design
  Smaller plant footprint reduces capital costs
Proven system performance
  Successful track record of operation in hundreds of municipal and industrial applications provides you with peace of mind

ZeeWeed Membrane Bioreactor Treatment Results

BOD < 2 mg/L
TSS < 0.5 mg/L
NH3-N < 0.5 mg/L
TN < 3 mg/L**
TP < 0.05 mg/L**
Turbidity < 0.2 NTU
Fecal Coliform < 10 CFU/100 mL
Transmisivity > 75%

**with appropriate biological design and/or chemical addition


Reinforced Membranes for Membrane Bioreactor Applications

Reinforced membranes™ are preferred for membrane bioreactor (MBR) applications because it's never a perfect world.

The reinforced hollow fiber membrane design philosophy benefits users today and in the future. You may never need to use the built-in safety features such as the ability to effectively backpulse, but if you do, you'll be glad the security is there.

Unmatched ruggedness results in a longer membrane life and lower plant life cycle costs
"Self-healing" fibers mean no catastrophic membrane failures and no plant shutdowns
Effective back-pulse cleaning ensures long-term, peak system performance and a simple method to recover the membrane permeability in the event of a plant upset
Compact design means smaller plants and reduced capital and operating costs.

The rugged membranes have a proven track record for operating in all types of demanding environments, including municipal/commercial/industrial wastewater and landfill leachate applications.

* Trademarked in one or more countries