How to calculate the required membrane area for Membrane Bioreactor?
Calculating the membrane area required for any project wastewater treatment plant, that membrane bioreactor (MBR) plant involves several factors and may require engineering calculations. Here’s a simplified approach:
- Determine Flux Rate: First, you need to determine the desired flux rate for your MBR system. This is typically measured in liters per square meter per hour (LMH). It depends on the type of wastewater industry or domestic sewage, specific membrane type, fouling characteristics, and treatment goals. Common flux rates for MBRs range from 10-25 LMH, and sewage we suggest flux rates design at 15LMH.
- Calculate Daily Flow Rate: Given that your STP processes 50,000 liters per day (50KLD), convert this to cubic meters per day (m³/day) by multiplying 1,000 (1 m³ = 1,000 liters).
- Determine Required Membrane Area: Use the formula:
Membrane Area (m²) = Daily Flow Rate (m³/day) / Flux Rate (LMH)/20
Note: Consider flux in 15 LMH and 24 hours of operation per day, but MBR interval working, normal setting 7-minutes working 1-minute relax, then consider as 20 hours working per day.
For example,
Membrane Area (m²) = 50,000 / 15/20 = 166 m²≈180 m² (because our standard MBR Element Membrane area with 10 m² or 20 m² per unit)
So, for a 50kld MBR plant with a flux rate of 15 LMH, you would need approximately 180 square meters of membrane area.
Keep in mind that this is a simplified calculation, and the actual membrane area required can vary based on factors such as the specific MBR technology, wastewater characteristics, operating conditions, and system design. It’s essential to consult with a qualified engineer or MBR system supplier-Hinada for a more accurate design calculation based on your project’s requirements, Hinada will provide you all the technical data for your STP, included the MBR Tank size, air blower, suction pump and valves.
To discuss your MBR requirements or to request a customized quote, please feel free to contact us at: jeff@hinada.com,