Modeling of Membrane Fouling Based on Extracellular Polymers in Submerged MBR

AbstractTo offer an overall conceptual understanding and extend the knowledge of combined submerged MBR process, a modified membrane fouling model was developed. The model was constructed based on Extracellular Polymers (EPS) which increased with biomass growth in submerged MBR system. Due to density of EPS accumulated on the membrane surface caused trans-membrane pressure increase which finally results in flux decrease, the membrane fouling model adopted EPS concentration in mixed liquor and EPS density on membrane surface as main influence factors for trans-membrane pressure variation. Simulation results show that the fouling model could well predict membrane fouling in submerged MBR which three zones as anoxic, aerobic and anaerobic, it could offer operational and design parameters decision and optimal operational conditions