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An innovative MABR (membrane-aerated biofilm reactor) membrane technology was demonstrated at the O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant (OWRP) of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (Chicago MWRD). The demonstration unit was equipped with one full-scale membrane cassette. The technology was evaluated for its potential to improve performance for total suspended solids (TSS) and ammonia removal during stressed conditions (specifically cold temperature peak flow periods) and to meet future effluent phosphorous limits. Over a period of 9 months, the MABR oxygen transfer rate was stable and ranged between 8 and 12 g-O2/d/m2 of membrane surface area. The nitrification rate varied between 0.5 and 2.5 g-N/d/m2 and was affected primarily by the ammonia loading rate and the feed carbon to nitrogen ratio. Most of the oxygen transferred was accounted for by nitrification. The MABR hybrid process enables important process improvements while reducing plant energy consumption.

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A new hybrid membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) technology that enables energy-neutral treatment of municipal wastewater is introduced. The process, which removes nitrogen using conventional nitrificationdenitrification, was demonstrated at pilot-scale, treating primary effluent. The new MABR membrane product can operate in a high mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) environment, making it suitable for use in a conventional activated sludge reactor to increase oxygen transfer and nitrification capacity. The pilot achieved removal rates of 91% for TSS, 83% for COD, 95% for ammonia, and 66% for total inorganic nitrogen. MABR technology has the potential to transfer oxygen very efficiently, at an aeration efficiency of 6 kg O 2 /kWh.