BioMatNet Item: FAIR-CT96-3257 - Waste water treatment by enhanced operation of separation and improved biological activity

FAIR-CT96-3257
Waste water treatment by enhanced operation of separation and improved biological activity

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Agricultural Residues : Composts/Fertilisers : FAIR Area 2.3 - Control Systems

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	FAIR-CT96-3257
	Total Cost	2,316,000 ECU
	EC Contribution	1,300,000 ECU
	Start Date	01/09/1997
	Duration	36 Months

Objectives

Technical Approach

In treating liquids and waste waters by membrane and bioreactor processes, membrane modules are often restrained by scaling, fouling and biofouling, especially where combination of bioreactor and membrane units are being used. The aim of the proposed research is to develop a technology to prevent membrane blocking and improve the biological activity in bioreactors by application of high power ultrasound.

Expected Results

I. Direct Results

Realisation of an innovative technology by:

preventing the blocking of membranes (scaling, fouling, biofouling)
increasing the lifetime of the membranes to at least 30 % higher than conventional membranes
increasing the permeate flux rate to at least 30 %
improving the biological activity to at least 30 % higher than conventional bioreactor systems

II. Indirect Results

development of a spiral wound membrane module with integrated ultrasound transducers
development of a bioreactor with integrated ultrasound transducers
reduction of processing time
recycling of process water
reduction of production costs

Applications

Other branches of the food and non-food industry (milk and cheese production, beer, chemical and pharmaceutical production, etc.) could use this technology in three ways: 1. Membrane system; 2. Bioreactor system; 3. Combination of membrane and bioreactor system.

Results to Date

In the first year, positive results were acquired in both the improvement of biological activity and membrane treatment. A bioreactor system was developed and used in performing the experiments. Application of low power ultrasound enhanced the biological activity by a factor of 3. An ultrasound resistant membrane was chosen for membrane cleaning. A module concept has been made for the combination of this membrane and a developed transducer. Optimisation of ultrasound systems was realised using mathematical models.

Bioreactor system

Contacts

Coordinator

Dr Micheal Sievers / Clausthaler Umwwltechnik-Institut GmbH GERMANY

Participant