Membrane module for gas transfer and membrane supported biofilm process
US6558549B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 6, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 20, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S210/906
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus to transfer gas to or from a liquid has a flexible and oxygen permeable but liquid water impermeable membrane, a flexible and gas permeable spacer, an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a non-rigid restraint system. When used for treating wastewater, an aerobic biofilm is cultured adjacent the planar elements, an anoxic biofilm is cultivated adjacent the aerobic biofilm and the wastewater is maintained in an anaerobic state. A first reactor for treating wastewater has an anaerobic section, a plurality of gas transfer membrane modules, and an aerobic section. A biofilm is cultivated on the surface of the gas transfer membranes in fluid communication with the anaerobic section. Biological reduction of COD, BOD, nitrogen and phosphorous are achieved. In a second reactor, phosphorous is also removed chemically in a precipitation branch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.