Elaborating the membrane life concept in a full scale hollow-fibers MBR

摘要: Abstract The membrane life-time has a strong impact on competitivity and viability of MBRs. This study critically analyzes the concept, approaching it through different assessment methods. A full scale MBR's was assessed following: (i) maintaining permeate flow throughput to MBR; (ii) permeability decline; (iii) oxidative aging; (iv) increase in energy costs; (v) mechanical aging. method based decline provides estimate up theoretical end. It further elaborated inherently operations with no long-term flux decline. operating pressure remains main end-of-life trigger for deciding when replace modules. On contrary, analysis data are not able provide clear life-time. As estimation chlorine contact, found be too optimistic. Complete irreversible fouling occurs before maximum contact time is reached. At conditions, consumption raised 170% due reduced rate. cost raise appears high but still affordable. Earlier replacement thus can never counterbalanced by costs saving.