Patent · US Expired

Membrane bioreactor, process and aerator

US6863817B2 · kind B2 · utility

74Cited by
15References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 5, 2002
Grant dateMar 8, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 5, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S210/903
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A reactor has an aerobic tank, an anoxic tank and a sealed membrane tank with conduits for circulating mixed liquor between them. Permeation starts when the mixed liquor reaches a high level and stops when the mixed liquor reaches a low level. A sensor, for detecting the mixed liquor level, may stop and start permeation. Pressure builds in the membrane tank when membrane air is on. Transmembrane pressure is also provided by gravity flow or siphon. Membrane air generates an air lift which drives the mixed liquor circulation. The total amount of air provided by an air source is divided and varied in time between the membrane aerator and the process aerator. The process aerator acts as a screening inlet to the conduit to the membrane tank. Chemical maintenance cleaning is provided by gravity flow.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.