Figure 3 : The conventional activated sludge process (top) and external (sidestream)

membrane bioreactor (bottom)

Internal/Submerged
Either in the main bioreactor vessel or in a separate tank, the filtration element is installed in it.
The membranes can be flat sheet or tubular or even combination of both. The membranes can
assimilate an online backwash system which reduces membrane surface fouling by pumping
membrane permeate back through the membrane. In systems where the membranes are in a
separate tank to the bioreactor, the individuals trains of membranes can be disengage to begin
cleaning regimes assimilating membrane soaks, nonetheless the biomass must be continually
pumped back to the main reactor to limit MLSS concentration increase. To reduce fouling, air
scour need to be provided by an additional aeration. Where the membranes are installed in the
main reactor, the membrane modules are transferred to an offline cleaning tank by removed it
from the vessel.

External/Sidestream
Usually in a plant room, the filtration elements are installed to the reactor externally. The
biomass is either pumped directly through a number of membrane modules in series and back
to the bioreactor, or the biomass is pump to the bank of modules, from a which the biomass is

circulated by the second pump through the modules in series. With use of an installed cleaning
tank, pump and pipework, the cleaning and soaking of the membranes can be initiated in place.

Figure 4 : Side stream MBR configuration with a separate membrane filtration unit (a)
& submerged MBR configuration with membrane unit integrated into the bioreactor (b).
The membrane filtration occurs either within the bioreactor (submerged configuration, Figure 4
(a) or externally through recirculation Figure 4 (b), subject to a pressure drop across the
membrane driven by either the hydraulic head or a pump) in the MBR. The MBRs that have
pore sizes utilized the UF or MF membranes, such that water and most solute species pass
through the membrane whilst other larger species, such as solids and microorganisms, are
retained. The choice between operating options is dependent upon the application, as both
systems have advantages and disadvantages.

The required oxygen transfer for growth of the biomass and mixing of the reactor is provided by
the aeration within the bioreactor. A coarse bubble diffuser is generally used in the submerged
configuration. This system does not offer very efficient oxygen transfer but the rising bubbles
provide a turbulent crossflow velocity (approximately 1 m/s) over the surface of the membrane.
The flux is maintained through the membrane, and this helps by reducing the built up of material
at the membrane surface, by that the operational cycle of the system increases.