MBR membrane reactors have become a preferred solution for wastewater treatment, thanks to their compact footprint and high-quality effluent. But to keep your system running efficiently, routine inspections are essential. This guide walks you through key items to check during daily operation.

1. Aeration Performance

Proper aeration is critical for scouring the membranes and supporting biological treatment. Check regularly to ensure the air supply meets design flow and that aeration is evenly distributed.

If aeration appears uneven or insufficient, take corrective action promptly to avoid membrane fouling. For enhanced PVDF MBR membrane modules, the typical air scouring requirement is 200–300 L/m²/h.

2. Transmembrane Pressure (TMP)

Monitor the TMP to assess membrane resistance. A sudden increase in TMP usually signals membrane clogging due to:

• Poor aeration distribution
• Changes in sludge characteristics

When TMP rises abnormally, perform a chemical cleaning on the membrane and re-check TMP afterward to confirm recovery.

3. Sludge Color and Odor

Healthy activated sludge typically has a brownish tea color and a slightly unpleasant, earthy smell. It should also exhibit good flocculation and settling properties.

If you notice unusual color or odor, investigate parameters such as:

• MLSS concentration
• pH level
• Water temperature
• Dissolved oxygen (DO)
• Sludge viscosity
• BOD loading

Identifying the root cause early helps maintain system stability.

4. MLSS and Sludge Settling Performance

The typical MLSS (Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids) range for MBR systems is 6,000–18,000 mg/L, depending on the application. MLSS affects oxygen transfer, membrane fouling, and overall treatment efficiency.

If you’re not meeting effluent standards, consider adjusting MLSS levels and reviewing settling behavior in the secondary tank.

Conclusion

Daily monitoring of your MBR membrane reactor ensures long-term stability and efficient operation. By regularly checking aeration, TMP, sludge condition, and MLSS, you can detect problems early and reduce downtime.

Need help choosing the right MBR membranes or improving your system performance? Get in touch with our team or check our MBR membrane product catalog.