MABR Wastewater Treatment With Faster-Settling Activated Sludge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing activated sludge systems face challenges in achieving efficient sludge settling properties, which limits their treatment capacity and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of Membrane Aerated Biological Reactor (MABR) modules with periodic aeration and selective discharge of partially settled sludge to enhance sludge granulation and improve settling velocity, combined with a multi-stage activated sludge system for selective retention and discharge of faster-settling sludge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional activated sludge systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the sludge settling velocity is insufficient and treatment capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment capacityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into multiple functional stages: MABR module for biological treatment, primary clarifier for solids separation, and secondary clarifier for sludge settling. Each stage performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve high treatment capacity through coordinated operation of segmented units rather than requiring a single complex unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The MABR module is integrated within the activated sludge system, with the membrane aerated bioreactor unit nested inside the treatment train. The system combines multiple processes (aeration, biological degradation, sedimentation) in a nested arrangement where the MABR module feeds into the clarifier system, maximizing space utilization and treatment efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Speed

If sludge settling velocity is increased by factor of more than 2, then hydraulic load rate can be increased, but sludge granulation process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesludge settling velocityVSAvoidgranulation process

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The MABR module operates with periodic aeration cycles, alternating between aeration and non-aeration phases. This periodic action creates conditions favorable for sludge granulation by allowing aerobic and anaerobic zones to form within the sludge mass, enhancing settling velocity without requiring complex external granulation equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the natural settling behavior of sludge particles in the clarifier units to achieve separation. The primary and secondary clarifiers rely on gravity-driven sedimentation of granulated sludge, eliminating the need for complex mechanical separation devices and reducing operational complexity while achieving high settling velocities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If selective discharge of partially settled sludge is implemented, then faster-settling sludge is retained, but discharge control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesludge retention qualityVSAvoiddischarge control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs level sensors and flow meters to monitor sludge depth and flow rates in the clarifiers. This feedback information is used to automatically control the discharge of partially settled sludge from the MABR module, ensuring that only sludge with appropriate settling characteristics is discharged while maintaining stable operation without complex manual control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual control of sludge discharge is replaced with automated control systems that use sensors and control valves. The automated system monitors sludge properties and discharge parameters, using feedback control to regulate the discharge of partially settled sludge, thereby improving reliability while reducing operational complexity compared to manual methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution results in a significant increase in sludge settling velocity by a factor of more than 2, allowing higher hydraulic load rates and improved treatment capacity, with stable granules and enhanced nutrient removal capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

an MABR tank aeration unit configured for periodically aerating mixed liquor within the MABR tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAeration: Aeration

Implementation Method 2

a secondary clarifier configured for discharging partially settled sludge from the MABR tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSettling: Settling

Implementation Method 3

at least one vertical wall comprising a water-impermeable and gas-permeable membrane having a water-facing side and a gas-facing side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentUS20250296861A1A system and process for wastewater treatment

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 FLUENCE WATER PROD & INNOVATION LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a multi stage activated sludge system for biological wastewater treatment, having improved sludge settling properties, the multi stage activated sludge system comprising: an MABR tank comprising an MABR module, an MABR tank aeration unit configured for periodically aerating mixed liquor within the MABR tank, and an outlet from the MABR tank configured for selectively discharging partially settled sludge from the MABR tank, thus selecting for faster settling sludge.