The membrane bioreactor (MBR) integrates aerobic biological treatment with submerged ultrafiltration membrane filtration in a single compact process — delivering the highest quality effluent suitable for direct reuse in a smaller footprint than conventional systems.
Aqua-Aerobic® MBR combines the activated sludge process with ultrafiltration membranes immersed directly in the biological tank. The biomass operates at much higher concentrations than conventional activated sludge (8,000–15,000 mg/L MLSS vs 2,000–4,000 mg/L), resulting in smaller tank volume and superior removal efficiency.
Hollow-fiber membranes with 0.04 μm pores act as an absolute barrier — retaining 100% of biological sludge and providing perfect solid-liquid separation, regardless of settling conditions. The result is consistently excellent effluent quality even during load variations, suitable for direct reuse without additional treatment.
BOD < 5 mg/L, TSS ≈ 0 mg/L, and pathogen removal > Log 6, no additional clarifier or tertiary filter needed.
Elimination of secondary clarifier and tertiary filters drastically reduces the required construction area.
Effluent quality is independent of sludge settleability — absolute physical barrier provided by membranes.
Raw influent enters the biological tank where aerobic biomass (activated sludge) degrades organic matter and nutrients. UF hollow-fiber membranes are immersed directly in the aeration tank and operate under negative pressure (suction), pulling treated effluent through 0.04 μm pores.
Biological sludge is 100% retained by the membranes and remains in the tank, eliminating the need for a secondary clarifier. Periodically, the membranes undergo pneumatic backwashing (air relaxation) and chemical cleaning cycles to maintain flux. The membrane base aeration simultaneously controls fouling (scouring) and supplies O₂ to the biological process.
Activated sludge at high concentration degrades BOD, COD, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the aeration tank.
Submerged UF membranes retain 100% of sludge; highest quality permeate collected externally.
Pneumatic backwash and CIP maintain stable permeate flux throughout membrane service life.
Complete treatment in a smaller area — ideal for space-constrained municipalities
Reliable production of high-quality effluent for municipal and industrial reuse
Treatment of effluents with high load variability and composition
Hotels, hospitals, resorts, and condominiums with integrated treatment and reuse systems
Modernizing activated sludge systems with increased capacity and effluent quality
Lower sludge production and possibility of energy and nutrient recovery
Aqua-Aerobic® MBR delivers the best effluent quality in the smallest footprint. Consult our technical team.