Wastewater Management
and having to pump liquid through the membranes at high pressures. During the project, computer models were used to maximise
the biological aeration processes which inject oxygen into the bioreactor and to minimise membrane fouling caused by the accumulation of solids during the filtration process which can reduce clean water production rates and potentially damage the expensive membrane modules. “Using membrane bioreactors will help to improve upon the
sustainable capabilities of any industries that use large volumes of clean water,” Paul added (Fig.1). “We hope that the results will encourage industry to take
advantage of these treatment systems as it could help them to be more environmentally friendly and reduce their operating costs at the same time.”
Research group
The project was carried out by DMU’s PC-WSS research group in collaboration with industrial partners, including: Aquabio, a SME company specialising in novel and advanced wastewater treatment methods especially using membranes (Fig. 2); ITT Sanitaire (UK), a subsidiary of a large US company with a board interest in all aspects of the water engineering sector; and Northern Ireland Water, a government-owned water utility company.
Fig.2. A heating element in the permeate tank at the Aquabio pilot plant.
Paul added: “Our project objective was to use computer
models to better predict plant performance, and therefore increase the take up of this new technology. “Recent technological developments and a continuing
radical change in attitude towards waste generation mean that new, advanced solutions are increasingly becoming available for industrial clientele. “UK research has to lead the way in introducing these new
systems to a wider industrial audience.” Meanwhile the Butler Drive water reclamation facility
(WRF) in Peoria, Arizona, has claimed its second national project-of-the-year award when the US WateReuse Association gave the innovative facility its top project award in the large- project category. The association’s annual awards recognise projects and
individuals that advance the beneficial and efficient use of water resources through education, sound science and technology using reclamation, recycling, reuse or desalination for the benefit of the public and the environment. In 2009, the Black & Veatch-designed facility was named
as national project of the year in the environment (more than US$75 million) category by the American Public Works Association (APWA). Peoria is located in an arid desert environment, where ensuring long-term water resources is critical. The Butler Drive
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