Nanotech Renova™ Technology
Membrane Bioreactor is a simplified wastewater treatment approach that combines conventional biological treatment processes (like activated sludge) with membrane filtration. This combination helps remove contaminants within specification.
Our packaged systems are perfect for customers who need high-quality wastewater treatment and sewage treatment plants for small communities.
Key Benefits of the Nanotech Technology in Wastewater Treatment
- Enhanced Contaminant Removal: Our technology excels in reducing organic, and microbial contaminants, delivering effluent of exceptional quality.
- We designed our systems to be compact, combining biological treatment and membrane filtration in one unit. This saves space when compared to traditional wastewater treatment systems.
- Modular: Our systems are, modular, adaptable, suitable for small, decentralized facilities as well as larger municipal plants.
- Energy Efficiency: Ongoing innovations has led us to improved energy efficiencies. Nanotech has the capacity to use solar power as the energy source to our packaged MBR systems.
The Wastewater/Sewage Treatment Process:
The Nanotech “Renova” flow diagram illustrates the process of treating wastewater and sewage using membrane bioreactor technology. This advanced treatment process involves several key stages.
Screening:
The treatment plant filters raw sewage to remove large solids, plastics, and rags during screening.
Septic tank:
The septic tank is designed to cater for flow buffering and biological retention time. Most of the solids and sludge will settle out in the first compartment, while the second compartment will have less solids. Anaerobic conditions in the septic tank could reduce BOD levels with up to 35%.
Anoxic section:
Nitrified effluent from the aeration tank is recycled to the Anoxic zone, from where the effluent is de-nitrified.
Aeration tank:
Bubbling air through the wastewater encourages the growth of aerobic micro-organisms. These micro-organisms metabolize the organic pollutants, converting them into carbon dioxide, water, and energy for their growth. In this section, ammonia is also converted to nitrates, as part of the biological nutrient removal process.
Membrane Tank:
The mixed liquor from the aeration tank flows into a tank containing submerged membranes. These membranes filter the mixed liquor, trapping biomass and allowing only clean water to pass through. Clean water penetrates through the membranes under vacuum.
Membrane Filtration is the core technology of both wastewater treatment and sewage treatment plants. It uses special MBR filters to remove tiny particles and micro-organisms, creating clean water. The membrane used is submerged membranes with a pore size of 0.02 micron.
Disinfection:
We disinfect the effluent before discharge or reuse to eliminate any remaining pathogens. We could offer Nanotech chlorine dioxide technologies to do this.
Sludge Handling:
Operators occasionally remove excess sludge from the system . The system will de-sludge to the septic tank. Sludge handling alternatives can be offered.
Effluent Discharge or Reuse:
You can re-use the cleaned water for farming or industrial use. It can also be discharged as per local legislation, or you can treat it further for drinking water purposes.
Here’s a simplified flow diagram structure based on the above description:
Raw Sewage → Screening → Septic Tank → Anoxic zone →Aeration Tank → Membrane Tank → Disinfection → Effluent Discharge or Reuse (Solids Removal and Excess Sludge → Sludge Treatment)
Disinfection and Safe Discharge
We disinfect treated wastewater with chlorine or chlorine dioxide to eliminate any residual pathogens before we safely discharge or repurpose it.
Sludge Management in Treatment System
We routinely remove excess biomass and solids generated during treatment. This biomass is either returned to the septic tank for further digestion or pumped to dry ponds. Alternative sludge handling equipment can also be offered.
Capital and Running Cost
MBR systems offer long-term benefits, which includes using less area for installation , better quality treated outlet water, and more opportunities for re-use. These advantages and benefits need to form part of the decision-making process.
Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Impact
MBR technology has the ability to meet strict wastewater treatment discharge standards. It helps reduce the ecological footprint of sewage and wastewater treatment processes. This aligns with long term goals.
Typical contaminants present in wastewater and sewage treatment systems
The typical ranges for these values are:
- 120–220 g/person/d for total solids (or 700–1350 mg/L),
- 40–60 g/person/d for BOD (250–400 mg/L),
- 80–120 g/person/d for COD (450–800 mg/L),
- 6–10 g/person/d for total nitrogen (35–60 mg/L),
- 5–6 g/person/d for ammonia-N (20–35 mg/L)
- 7–2.5 g/person/d for total phosphorus (4–15 mg/L).
FAQs on wastewater treatment and sewage treatment with MBR Technology
We are listing a few questions for Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology in sewage and wastewater treatment.
What specific contaminants is MBR technology effective against?
The membrane system will remove any particle that is large than the membrane pore size, of 0.02 micron.
What quality does the effluent water achieve after treatment with MBR technology?
The treated water from the MBR system treating sewage will comply to RSA General specifications for discharge and other related discharge specifications.
What are the capital and running costs associated with MBR technology?
Comparing costs, the Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) option can be quite competitive with other advanced treatment methods, especially when considering land value.
While conventional technology costs are rising due to labour and inflation, membrane equipment costs (both for direct filtration and MBR) have been decreasing consistently over the past decade.
As a result, MBR is increasingly becoming a preferred choice for capital projects. Engineers are exploring these options, as membrane improvements, lower relative costs, and rising land prices makes MBR even more favourable.
How energy-intensive is MBR technology compared to traditional wastewater treatment methods?
With advancements in membrane technology, the energy comparison between MBR and other technologies is surprisingly close.
Can MBR systems effectively scale for both small and large treatment facilities?
Yes it can.
What is the typical lifespan of MBR membranes and other critical components?
Guaranteed for 5 years, typically 8 years life.
Does MBR technology require special chemicals for membrane maintenance or operation?
The following chemicals are used in the cleaning operation:
- Sodium Hypochlorite
Typical 500-1,500 ppm, at ≤ 40 Degrees C
Maximum 5,000 ppm
2,880,000 ppm hours cumulative
- Hydrochloric Acid
Typical 2,000 ppm, at ≤ 40 Degrees C
Maximum 3%
1,440,000 ppm hours cumulative
- Citric Acid
Typical 0.5%, at ≤ 40 Degrees C
Maximum 15,000 ppm
1,440,000 ppm hours cumulative
Does MBR technology meet current and expected regulatory standards for wastewater treatment?
The treated water from the MBR system treating sewage will comply to RSA General specifications for discharge and other related discharge specifications.
How easily can existing wastewater treatment plants integrate MBR technology?
It is possible to retrofit membranes into existing infrastructure. Please consult our specialist engineering department.
What training do operators need to manage MBR systems effectively?
The membranes are guaranteed with a pro-rata guarantee for 5 years. Local expertise and experienced technical team is available for assistance and after sales support.
These questions will help you determine if MBR technology is the right choice for your wastewater treatment needs. They focus on the special features of this advanced treatment solution.
Conclusion: The Future of Sewage and Wastewater Treatment with MBR
MBR technology represents a significant advancement in wastewater treatment, promising cleaner effluent and more sustainable management practices.
As technology evolves, MBR systems will become even more efficient and integral to global wastewater management strategies.
Contact us for the top technology in wastewater and sewage treatment to ensure compliance throughout your project.
What to do next?
Call our team if you have any questions. We’re happy to help in any way we can.
