MBR Package Plants (Membrane Bioreactor)
Compact packaged MBR (membrane bioreactor) plants for 5–5,000 m³/day: effluent BOD < 5 mg/L and TSS < 1 mg/L, ready for water reuse or discharge.
Technical Specifications
| Plant Capacity | 5 – 5,000 m³/day |
| Effluent BOD | < 5 mg/L |
| Effluent TSS | < 1 mg/L |
| Total Nitrogen | < 10 mg/L (with anoxic zone) |
| Total Phosphorus | < 1 mg/L (chemical precipitation) |
| Membrane Pore Size | 0.04 µm (PVDF hollow-fibre) |
| Membrane Flux | 10 – 25 LMH (net) |
| SRT | 15 – 30 days |
| HRT | 4 – 12 hours (MLSS dependent) |
| Aeration | Fine bubble membrane diffusers |
| Standards | CE · DIN EN 12255 · EN 12566 |
Key Features
- Effluent quality suitable for water reuse: BOD < 5 mg/L, TSS < 1 mg/L
- Compact footprint — up to 60% smaller than conventional activated sludge
- Hollow-fibre PVDF membranes achieve > 4-log bacteria reduction
- No secondary clarifier required — simplified process train
- Automated membrane relaxation and backpulse extends membrane life
- PLC-controlled with SCADA capability and remote monitoring
Applications
- Industrial wastewater treatment (food, pharma, chemical)
- Municipal sewage treatment
- Hotel and resort wastewater recycling
- Decentralised community treatment
- Retrofit upgrade of existing activated sludge plants
- Reuse water production
Product Overview
CM Aquatechnik supplies compact membrane bioreactor (MBR) package plants from 5 to 5,000 m³/day for BOD/COD removal and biological nitrogen and phosphorus treatment. Submerged hollow-fibre PVDF membranes (pore size 0.04 µm) combined with the biological aeration tank produce effluent of consistent quality, suitable for reuse (irrigation, toilet flushing) or compliant discharge.
MBR technology eliminates secondary clarifiers and produces effluent free of suspended solids (< 1 mg/L TSS) and essentially free of bacteria (> 4-log reduction), opening water reuse opportunities not possible with conventional activated sludge. Packaged MBR systems need up to 60% less space than conventional activated sludge plants, which makes them a good fit for hotels and resorts, industrial sites, decentralised communities and the upgrade of existing plants.
How an MBR package plant works
- Fine screening — fine screens or drum filters remove hair, fibres and solids that could damage the membranes.
- Anoxic zone — denitrification removes nitrogen (total nitrogen < 10 mg/L).
- Aeration tank — fine bubble membrane diffusers, supplied by blowers, provide oxygen for the biological degradation of BOD and COD.
- Membrane tank — submerged hollow-fibre modules separate the treated water from the activated sludge. Automated membrane relaxation and backpulse keep the membranes clean and extend their life.
- Sludge handling — excess sludge is withdrawn and can be dewatered, for example with a filter press.
- Reuse or discharge — the permeate can be discharged directly or, for reuse, disinfected with a UV steriliser.
Typical effluent quality
| Parameter | MBR effluent |
|---|---|
| BOD | < 5 mg/L |
| TSS | < 1 mg/L |
| Total nitrogen | < 10 mg/L (with anoxic zone) |
| Total phosphorus | < 1 mg/L (with chemical precipitation) |
| Bacteria | > 4-log reduction |
MBR, MBBR or SBR?
Frequently asked questions
What capacities are available?
Packaged MBR plants from 5 m³/day for a single building up to 5,000 m³/day for municipal and industrial applications.
Can the treated water be reused?
Yes. With < 1 mg/L TSS and more than 4-log bacteria reduction, MBR permeate is suitable for irrigation, toilet flushing and other reuse applications, usually after UV disinfection.
Which membranes are used?
Submerged hollow-fibre PVDF membranes with 0.04 µm pore size from manufacturers such as Toray, Pentair X-Flow, Koch Membrane (PURON) and Kubota, operated at a net flux of 10–25 LMH.
What information do you need for a quotation?
The average and peak flow, the type of wastewater and its BOD, COD, TSS, nitrogen and phosphorus loads, the required discharge or reuse standard, and the available space. Send us your requirements and we will prepare a proposal within 48 hours.
