Workpackages - MBR-TRAIN
Process optimisation and fouling control in membrane bioreactors for wastewater and drinking water treatment

MBR-TRAIN concentrates its efforts on the open questions of viable MBR technology application while utilising different approaches and methodologies pursued in the participating institutions.

In total, MBR-TRAIN offers 19 individual research projects of different duration, which will be investigated by a single fellow, but always in close co-operation and exchange with the other project partners, which is expressed in mandatory exchanges of personnel throughout the training duration.





The research addresses the following topics and aspects:

• Membrane types, materials and configuration
• Foulants and fouling characterisation
• Biological processes, sludge interactions
• Fluid dynamics
• Operational cost
• General process performance

One particular aspect of all projects is their training character and the formation they shall provide to the young researchers.

WP1 MBR data acquisition, instrumentation and control

WP2 Modelling of enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) in MBR

WP3 Comparison of the performance of hollow fibre and flat sheet immersed MBR processes operating at full

WP4 Optimisation of operational costs in a full-scale MBR

WP5 Application of MBR models in full-scale plants

WP6 Characterisation and determination of filterability within MBRs

WP7 Impact of chemical cleaning agents on membrane material

WP8 Optimisation of full scale MBR operation for decentralised treatment

WP9 Comparison of operational processes of three full-scale MBRs

WP10 Investigation of MBR fouling by particles, colloidal and soluble organic matter

WP11 Experimental and theoretical investigations on the influence of permeate back-flushing on fouling

WP12 Computational fluid dynamics applied on MBR systems

WP13 Process optimisation and biomass characterisations

WP14 Fouling control in a household MBR plant

WP15 Influence of membrane material properties on fouling in MBRs

WP16 The fate of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in MBR for drinking water use

WP17 High-shear ceramic air-lift MBR for sludge treatment

WP18 Mathematical modelling and process control of MBRs

WP19 Effect of dynamic changes of feedwater on operational parameters within MBRs