Split Micro-Grid Dynamic Membrane Bioreactor for Fouling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Membrane bioreactors face issues such as membrane fouling, high energy consumption, complex control, and ineffective sludge discharge, limiting their wider application due to material and process constraints, as well as the need for specialized pumps and frequent backwashing.
Innovation Solution
A split continuous operation micro-grid dynamic membrane bioreactor is designed with a biological treatment unit and a drum dynamic membrane filtration unit, featuring a filter drum with a backwashing device and sludge collecting tank, allowing for independent biological and filtration treatments, reducing the need for additional pumps and enabling automatic operation through water level pressure differences, and precise sludge discharge control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If ultra-filtration membrane assembly is adopted, then effluent transparency is improved, but membrane fouling occurs and backwashing is needed frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the filtration function into two parts: micro-grid structure for initial interception and dynamic biological membrane for fine filtration. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific particle sizes, reducing overall fouling while maintaining high effluent transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic biological membrane that can self-adjust and regenerate through continuous biological processes. Unlike static ultra-filtration membranes, this dynamic membrane can be refreshed and maintained through the living biological system, reducing fouling accumulation.
2Area of stationary object
If membrane bioreactor is miniaturized, then treatment station area is reduced, but control complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines biological treatment and filtration functions into an integrated micro-grid dynamic membrane bioreactor system. The biological treatment tank and filtration unit work as a unified system, eliminating the need for separate sedimentation tanks and reducing overall complexity despite miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic biological membrane performs self-cleaning and regeneration through continuous biological activity and natural sludge discharge mechanisms. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex external control systems and manual intervention, maintaining reliability in compact designs.
3Reliability
If large amount of aeration is applied, then membrane fouling is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fouling prevention function from intensive aeration and transfers it to the micro-grid dynamic membrane structure and biological processes. The micro-grid provides mechanical support while biology provides natural cleaning, eliminating the need for high-energy aeration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using high-energy aeration to prevent fouling, the system allows controlled fouling development that forms the dynamic biological membrane, which then serves as the functional filtration layer. The potential harm of fouling is converted into the beneficial dynamic membrane structure.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If micro-grid dynamic membrane bioreactor is used, then backwashing period is prolonged, but sludge discharge control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control through level difference mechanisms and automated sludge discharge controls that monitor and adjust sludge removal based on operational conditions. This maintains precise control while allowing extended backwashing periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses level difference (height differential) between tanks to create natural flow and pressure balance, enabling automated sludge discharge control without complex instrumentation. The equipotential principle allows precise control through simple gravitational forces.
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
This configuration enables continuous operation with low manufacturing and energy costs, ensuring high-quality effluent water by reducing fouling, energy consumption, and improving sludge management, while avoiding the need for specialized pumps and enhancing membrane flux and anti-pollution capacity.
Implementation Method 1
suspended solids in the mixed liquid are intercepted on a filter drum to form a dynamic biological membrane
Implementation Method 2
a backwashing device for cleaning the filter drum and keeping a thickness of a dynamic biological membrane formed on the filter drum within a set thickness range
Implementation Method 3
enabling automatic operation through water level pressure differences
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a split continuous operation micro-grid dynamic membrane bioreactor. The split continuous operation micro-grid dynamic membrane bioreactor comprises a biological treatment unit and a drum dynamic membrane filtration unit, wherein the biological treatment unit comprises a microbiological treatment tank, and a water inlet pipe is arranged on the microbiological treatment tank; the drum dynamic membrane filtration unit comprises a filter tank, and a drum micro-grid dynamic membrane mechanism is arranged in the filter tank; the drum micro-grid dynamic membrane mechanism comprises a filter drum, a backwashing device is arranged above the filter drum, and a sludge collecting tank is arranged in the filter drum; a water outlet is formed in the bottom of the filter tank; a mixed liquid pipe is arranged between the microbiological treatment tank and the filter drum; and a sludge discharge header pipe is arranged on the sludge collecting tank.