{"id":1306,"date":"2026-07-17T16:49:44","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T13:19:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hormonex.online\/?page_id=1306"},"modified":"2026-07-19T04:42:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-19T01:12:12","slug":"mbr-wastewater-treatment-package","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/polypayesh.com\/en\/mbr-wastewater-treatment-package\/","title":{"rendered":"MBR Wastewater Treatment Package"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

MBR Wastewater Treatment Package<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

An MBR wastewater treatment package is one of the advanced methods of wastewater treatment that combines the biological treatment process with membrane filtration. In this system, microorganisms decompose the organic matter present in the wastewater, and the membranes are responsible for separating the treated water from the sludge, suspended solids, and a large part of the microbial contamination.<\/p>\n\n

MBR stands for Membrane Bioreactor. This technology is used for projects that require higher output effluent quality, a smaller footprint, more precise process control, and the possibility of considering water recycling.<\/p>\n\n

An MBR wastewater treatment package can be designed for domestic and sanitary wastewater and some biodegradable industrial effluents. Choosing this system must be based on the wastewater flow rate, the inlet quality, the project space, the output effluent standard, the operating capability, and the possible need for water reuse.<\/p>\n\n

By reviewing the real conditions of the project, Poly Payesh carries out the design of the MBR wastewater treatment package to suit the type of wastewater, the required capacity, and the target effluent quality.<\/p>\n\n

What Is the MBR System?<\/h2>\n

The MBR system is a combined process that consists of two main parts:<\/p>\n\n

    \n
  • A biological reactor for decomposing the organic matter of the wastewater<\/li>\n
  • A membrane for separating the solids and the treated water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

    In many conventional activated sludge systems, the separation of sludge and water is carried out in the secondary settling tank. But in the MBR system, this separation is carried out by a membrane.<\/p>\n

    For this reason, in many MBR designs there is no need to use a conventional secondary clarifier, or its role is eliminated. The membranes prevent the passage of a large part of the suspended solids and biological sludge and cause a clearer, higher-quality output effluent to be produced.<\/p>\n\n\"\"\n\n

    How Does an MBR Wastewater Treatment Package Work?<\/h2>\n

    The operation of the MBR package is based on combining the activity of aerobic microorganisms with membrane filtration. In this system, organic pollutants are first decomposed by the bacteria, and then the membranes separate the treated water from the sludge and solids.<\/p>\n

    The main operating stages of the MBR wastewater treatment package include the following:<\/p>\n\n

      \n
    1. Wastewater entry and pre-treatment<\/li>\n
    2. Equalization of the flow rate and pollution load if needed<\/li>\n
    3. Biological treatment in the reactor<\/li>\n
    4. Aeration and supply of the oxygen required by the bacteria<\/li>\n
    5. Separation of water and sludge by the membrane<\/li>\n
    6. Periodic cleaning of the membranes<\/li>\n
    7. Disinfection or supplementary treatment if needed<\/li>\n
    8. Storage, discharge, or reuse of the effluent in accordance with the project standard<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n

      Operating Stages of the MBR System<\/h2>\n\n

      1. Receiving and Pre-treating the Wastewater<\/h3>\n

      Before entering the MBR reactor, the wastewater must pass through suitable pre-treatment equipment. This stage is very important for preventing damage to or clogging of the membranes.<\/p>\n

      Depending on the type of wastewater, the pre-treatment equipment can include the following:<\/p>\n\n

        \n
      • Screen (trash rack)<\/li>\n
      • Grit chamber<\/li>\n
      • Grease trap<\/li>\n
      • Equalization tank<\/li>\n
      • pH-adjustment tank<\/li>\n
      • Coagulation and flocculation unit<\/li>\n
      • DAF system for greasy wastewaters or those with high suspended solids<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

        Proper pre-treatment reduces the entry of fibers, plastic, fat, coarse solids, heavy particles, and pollutants that can disrupt the membrane’s performance.<\/p>\n\n

        2. Equalization Tank<\/h3>\n

        In projects where the flow rate or quality of the wastewater fluctuates, an equalization tank is designed before the MBR reactor.<\/p>\n

        This tank helps even out the inlet flow, reduce hydraulic shock, better control the pollution load, and stabilize the performance of the biological section.<\/p>\n

        The presence of an equalization tank is especially more important in industrial wastewaters, hotels, large complexes, hospitals, food industries, and complexes with large variations in water consumption.<\/p>\n\n

        3. Biological Reactor<\/h3>\n

        After pre-treatment, the wastewater enters the biological reactor. In this tank, microorganisms consume the decomposable organic matter present in the wastewater.<\/p>\n

        In the aerobic reactor, a blower and diffuser supply the oxygen required by the bacteria. The activity of the bacteria reduces part of the organic pollutants and biodegradable materials.<\/p>\n

        With proper design, the biological process of MBR can also be used for the following:<\/p>\n\n

          \n
        • Reducing BOD<\/li>\n
        • Reducing decomposable COD<\/li>\n
        • Reducing organic matter<\/li>\n
        • Reducing ammonia through nitrification<\/li>\n
        • Helping control nitrogen compounds if an anoxic zone is present<\/li>\n
        • Reducing odors caused by the anaerobic decomposition of wastewater<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

          4. Membrane Filtration<\/h3>\n

          After biological treatment, the membranes separate the treated water from the mixture of sludge and wastewater.<\/p>\n

          The membranes have very fine pores and allow the treated water to pass, but they prevent the passage of a large part of the suspended solids, the biological sludge, and many microorganisms.<\/p>\n

          For this reason, the output effluent from the MBR system is usually clearer and has a lower TSS than the output of conventional activated sludge systems.<\/p>\n

          The actual output quality depends on the type of membrane, the health of the membrane, the quality of the inlet wastewater, the process design, the operation, and whether or not supplementary treatment is needed.<\/p>\n\n

          5. Suction and Discharge of the Treated Effluent<\/h3>\n

          In MBR systems, the treated water passes through the membrane and leaves the system by means of a suction pump or a pressure difference.<\/p>\n

          Depending on the project standard, the output effluent can enter the following sections:<\/p>\n\n

            \n
          • Effluent storage tank<\/li>\n
          • Disinfection unit<\/li>\n
          • Sand or carbon filter<\/li>\n
          • UV system<\/li>\n
          • Chlorination<\/li>\n
          • RO or UF unit if needed<\/li>\n
          • Green-space irrigation network, if it complies with the standard<\/li>\n
          • Permitted discharge route<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

            6. Controlling Membrane Fouling<\/h3>\n

            One of the most important issues in operating the MBR package is controlling membrane fouling.<\/p>\n

            Fouling can be caused by the accumulation of sludge, organic matter, fat, suspended solids, mineral deposits, or biological growth on the surface of the membrane.<\/p>\n

            To control this issue, the following methods are usually used:<\/p>\n\n

              \n
            • Scouring aeration around the membrane<\/li>\n
            • Backwash (reverse washing)<\/li>\n
            • Periodic chemical cleaning<\/li>\n
            • Controlling the suction flow rate and the membrane pressure<\/li>\n
            • Monitoring the transmembrane pressure (TMP)<\/li>\n
            • Proper pre-treatment of the wastewater<\/li>\n
            • Controlling the sludge quality and MLSS<\/li>\n
            • Preventing the entry of fat, fibers, and damaging particles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

              The correct design of pre-treatment, the suitable choice of membrane, and regular operation play an important role in increasing the membrane’s life and reducing maintenance costs.<\/p>\n\n

              Types of Membranes in the MBR System<\/h2>\n

              The membranes used in the MBR package can differ in terms of installation location and method of operation.<\/p>\n\n

              Submerged MBR<\/h3>\n

              In this method, the membrane is placed inside the biological tank or in a separate tank that is connected to the reactor.<\/p>\n

              This model is used in many MBR wastewater treatment packages and is usually suitable for projects that require a more compact design.<\/p>\n\n

              Side Stream MBR<\/h3>\n

              In this model, the membrane is installed outside the main reactor, and the flow of wastewater or sludge passes through the membrane by means of a pump.<\/p>\n

              This method may be used in some industrial applications or special projects, but its energy, pumping, and operating requirements differ from the submerged system.<\/p>\n

              The choice between a submerged and a Side Stream membrane must be based on the type of wastewater, the flow rate, the required output quality, the energy cost, and the operating conditions.<\/p>\n\n

              Main Components of the MBR Wastewater Treatment Package<\/h2>\n

              An MBR package, depending on the capacity and type of project, can include the following equipment:<\/p>\n\n

                \n
              • Screen and pre-treatment equipment<\/li>\n
              • Equalization tank<\/li>\n
              • pH-adjustment tank if needed<\/li>\n
              • Aeration tank or biological reactor<\/li>\n
              • Aeration blower<\/li>\n
              • Fine-bubble diffusers<\/li>\n
              • Membrane module<\/li>\n
              • Membrane suction pump<\/li>\n
              • Suction and return piping<\/li>\n
              • Membrane scouring blower<\/li>\n
              • Backwash system<\/li>\n
              • Chemical cleaning or CIP system<\/li>\n
              • Membrane cleaning chemical tank<\/li>\n
              • Excess sludge discharge pump<\/li>\n
              • Disinfection system<\/li>\n
              • Effluent storage tank<\/li>\n
              • Electrical panel and control system<\/li>\n
              • PLC and instrumentation equipment<\/li>\n
              • Level sensor, flow meter, pressure gauge, and monitoring equipment<\/li>\n
              • Fault-alarm system and equipment protection<\/li>\n
              • Inspection manhole, vent, and inlet and outlet piping<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                Advantages of the MBR Wastewater Treatment Package<\/h2>\n

                The MBR package can have the following advantages in suitable projects:<\/p>\n\n

                  \n
                • Producing higher-quality effluent than many conventional processes<\/li>\n
                • A significant reduction of suspended solids in the output<\/li>\n
                • A smaller footprint than some systems with a large clarifier<\/li>\n
                • Eliminating or reducing the need for a conventional secondary clarifier in many designs<\/li>\n
                • Suitable for projects with space limitations<\/li>\n
                • The possibility of designing for water recycling, after reviewing the output quality and the required standard<\/li>\n
                • Better control of solid-liquid separation<\/li>\n
                • Helping reduce microbial contamination in the output<\/li>\n
                • The ability to be used in projects that are sensitive in terms of effluent quality<\/li>\n
                • The ability to be combined with supplementary treatment, UV, chlorination, UF, or RO<\/li>\n
                • Suitable for residential, medical, and accommodation projects and some industries<\/li>\n
                • The ability to be equipped with smart control, a PLC, and instrumentation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                  Limitations and Challenges of the MBR System<\/h2>\n

                  Alongside its advantages, the MBR package requires specialized design and operation. The most important limitations include the following:<\/p>\n\n

                    \n
                  • A higher initial cost than some conventional processes<\/li>\n
                  • The need for specialized maintenance of the membranes<\/li>\n
                  • Sensitivity to fouling<\/li>\n
                  • The need for suitable pre-treatment<\/li>\n
                  • The need for electricity for the blowers, suction pumps, and control equipment<\/li>\n
                  • The cost of chemical cleaning and periodic maintenance<\/li>\n
                  • The dependence of the output quality on the health of the membrane and the operating conditions<\/li>\n
                  • The need for precise control of pressure, flow rate, aeration, and sludge quality<\/li>\n
                  • The possible need to replace the membrane after its useful life<\/li>\n
                  • The need for an operator or operating team familiar with the process<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                    For this reason, MBR must be chosen for projects whose required effluent quality, space limitation, and operating conditions justify the higher cost and complexity of this technology.<\/p>\n\n

                    The Difference Between MBR and Conventional Activated Sludge<\/h3>\n

                    In the conventional activated sludge system, the separation of sludge and effluent is usually carried out in the secondary clarifier.<\/p>\n

                    But in MBR, the membranes are responsible for separating the solids and the water. This difference makes the MBR output usually clearer and makes it possible to operate with a higher sludge concentration in the reactor.<\/p>\n

                    Nevertheless, MBR requires more equipment, more precise control, and more specialized maintenance.<\/p>\n\n

                    The Difference Between MBR and MBBR<\/h3>\n

                    In MBBR, the main treatment is carried out on the basis of biofilm growth on floating media, and the separation of solids is usually carried out with settling or conventional separation equipment.<\/p>\n

                    But in MBR, the biological process is combined with membrane separation, and the membranes play the main role in producing clear effluent.<\/p>\n

                    In short:<\/p>\n\n

                      \n
                    • MBBR: biofilm on media + conventional solids separation<\/li>\n
                    • MBR: biological activated sludge + membrane separation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                      MBR usually produces higher-quality effluent, but its operating cost and sensitivity are also greater.<\/p>\n\n

                      The Difference Between MBR and SBR<\/h3>\n

                      In SBR, the stages of filling, aeration, settling, and discharge are carried out on a timed basis in one or several reactors.<\/p>\n

                      In MBR, solid-liquid separation is carried out with a membrane, and for this reason the system’s dependence on gravity settling is lower.<\/p>\n

                      SBR can be suitable for projects with simpler needs and a lower cost, but MBR is chosen more for projects that require a higher quality of output effluent.<\/p>\n\n

                      The Difference Between MBR and IFAS<\/h3>\n

                      In IFAS, biological treatment is carried out by combining activated sludge and biofilm on media.<\/p>\n

                      But in MBR, the main focus is on combining activated sludge with membrane filtration.<\/p>\n

                      IFAS can be suitable for increasing biological capacity and upgrading existing treatment plants, whereas MBR is considered for achieving higher effluent quality and reducing output suspended solids.<\/p>\n\n\"\"\n\n

                      Applications of the MBR Wastewater Treatment Package<\/h2>\n

                      The MBR wastewater treatment package can be considered for the following projects:<\/p>\n\n

                        \n
                      • Large residential complexes<\/li>\n
                      • Towers and office buildings<\/li>\n
                      • Hotels and lodges<\/li>\n
                      • Hospitals and medical centers<\/li>\n
                      • Educational and university centers<\/li>\n
                      • Organizational projects<\/li>\n
                      • Tourism complexes<\/li>\n
                      • Towns and semi-centralized projects<\/li>\n
                      • Sensitive food industries<\/li>\n
                      • Pharmaceutical and sanitary industries<\/li>\n
                      • Manufacturing industries requiring high effluent quality<\/li>\n
                      • Projects with space limitations<\/li>\n
                      • Projects requiring water recycling<\/li>\n
                      • Regions with water-resource limitations<\/li>\n
                      • Projects with a stricter standard for the quality of the output effluent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                        For industrial wastewaters, choosing MBR must be done after a careful review of parameters such as COD, BOD, TSS, fat, oil, pH, salinity, metals, inhibitory substances, and chemical compounds.<\/p>\n\n

                        Polyethylene MBR Package<\/h2>\n

                        An MBR wastewater treatment package can be designed with a polyethylene body in suitable projects. Using polyethylene tanks can provide advantages such as resistance to corrosion, easier transport, and good execution speed.<\/p>\n

                        The choice of a polyethylene package must be based on the capacity, the buried or above-ground conditions, the applied loads, the groundwater level, access for servicing the membranes, and the execution criteria.<\/p>\n

                        For more information, see the page “Polyethylene Wastewater Treatment Package.”<\/p>\n\n

                        Design of the MBR Wastewater Treatment Package<\/h2>\n

                        Designing an MBR package requires a careful review of the project’s technical information. The most important data required include the following:<\/p>\n\n

                          \n
                        • The average and maximum wastewater flow rate<\/li>\n
                        • The type of use or industry<\/li>\n
                        • The levels of BOD, COD, and TSS<\/li>\n
                        • The amount of fat, oil, and grease<\/li>\n
                        • The pH and its fluctuations<\/li>\n
                        • The temperature of the wastewater<\/li>\n
                        • Salinity and TDS<\/li>\n
                        • The presence of chemicals or inhibitory substances<\/li>\n
                        • The need to reduce ammonia and nitrogen<\/li>\n
                        • The standard required for the output effluent<\/li>\n
                        • The goal of effluent reuse<\/li>\n
                        • The space available for installation<\/li>\n
                        • The electrical and operating conditions<\/li>\n
                        • The need for buried or above-ground installation<\/li>\n
                        • The possibility of future capacity expansion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                          Based on this information, the reactor capacity, the type of membrane, the number of modules, the blower capacity, the suction pump, the CIP system, disinfection, and supplementary treatment are determined.<\/p>\n\n

                          How Is the Capacity of the MBR Wastewater Treatment Package Determined?<\/h2>\n

                          The capacity of MBR is not determined based on the number of people or the building’s area alone. Various factors play a role in choosing the capacity:<\/p>\n\n

                            \n
                          • The daily and peak instantaneous wastewater flow rate<\/li>\n
                          • The type of wastewater<\/li>\n
                          • The pollution load and the amount of organic matter<\/li>\n
                          • The required quality of the output effluent<\/li>\n
                          • The type of membrane and the design flux<\/li>\n
                          • The level of inlet flow fluctuation<\/li>\n
                          • The need for supplementary treatment<\/li>\n
                          • The project space<\/li>\n
                          • The operating conditions<\/li>\n
                          • The future expansion plan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                            Designing below the real need can cause excessive pressure on the membranes and a drop in output quality. Over-design may also increase the project’s investment and operating cost.<\/p>\n\n

                            What Factors Does the Price of the MBR Wastewater Treatment Package Depend On?<\/h2>\n

                            The price of the MBR package depends on the technical specifications and the level of equipment required for the project.<\/p>\n

                            The most important factors affecting the price are:<\/p>\n\n

                              \n
                            • The capacity of the package<\/li>\n
                            • The type and quality of the inlet wastewater<\/li>\n
                            • The type and brand of membrane<\/li>\n
                            • The number of membrane modules<\/li>\n
                            • The type of membrane: submerged or Side Stream<\/li>\n
                            • The volume and material of the tanks<\/li>\n
                            • The blower and diffuser capacity<\/li>\n
                            • The suction, cleaning, and sludge pumps<\/li>\n
                            • The Backwash and CIP system<\/li>\n
                            • The pressure- and flow-control equipment<\/li>\n
                            • The electrical panel, PLC, and instrumentation<\/li>\n
                            • The need for an equalization tank and pre-treatment<\/li>\n
                            • The need for DAF, a grease trap, or pH adjustment<\/li>\n
                            • The disinfection or supplementary treatment system<\/li>\n
                            • The transport, installation, piping, and commissioning conditions<\/li>\n
                            • Buried or above-ground installation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                              To request an exact price, information such as the wastewater flow rate, the effluent analysis, the type of use, the project space, the output standard, and the possible goal of water recycling must be reviewed.<\/p>\n\n

                              Design and Construction of the MBR Package by Poly Payesh<\/h2>\n

                              Poly Payesh designs the MBR wastewater treatment package after reviewing the real conditions of the project.<\/p>\n

                              In the technical review stage, the following are evaluated:<\/p>\n\n

                                \n
                              • The type and quality of the inlet wastewater<\/li>\n
                              • The flow rate and flow fluctuation<\/li>\n
                              • The pollution load<\/li>\n
                              • The need for biological and membrane treatment<\/li>\n
                              • The required quality of the output effluent<\/li>\n
                              • The space available for execution<\/li>\n
                              • The need for buried or above-ground installation<\/li>\n
                              • The possibility of effluent reuse<\/li>\n
                              • The equipment required for pre-treatment<\/li>\n
                              • The operation and maintenance conditions<\/li>\n
                              • The need for a PLC, instrumentation, and an alarm system<\/li>\n
                              • The possibility of future capacity expansion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                                The goal is to choose a system that, in addition to reaching the required effluent quality, is also aligned with the project’s conditions in terms of operation, maintenance, energy cost, and membrane life.<\/p>\n\n

                                To receive specialized consultation, a technical review of your project, and a price quote for the MBR wastewater treatment package, get in touch with the experts at Poly Payesh.<\/strong><\/blockquote>\n\n

                                Frequently Asked Questions About the MBR Wastewater Treatment Package<\/h2>\n\n

                                What is MBR?<\/h3>\n

                                MBR stands for Membrane Bioreactor. In this method, biological treatment is combined with membrane filtration so that the treated water is separated from the sludge and suspended solids.<\/p>\n\n

                                What is the difference between MBR and conventional wastewater treatment?<\/h3>\n

                                In many conventional systems, the separation of sludge and water is carried out in the secondary clarifier; but in MBR this separation is carried out by a membrane, and the output effluent quality is usually higher.<\/p>\n\n

                                Does MBR need a secondary clarifier?<\/h3>\n

                                In many MBR designs, the membrane replaces the conventional secondary clarifier. Nevertheless, the final arrangement of the treatment plant depends on the type of wastewater and the engineering design of the project.<\/p>\n\n

                                Is the MBR package suitable for water recycling?<\/h3>\n

                                With proper design, correct operation, the required disinfection or supplementary treatment, and the output quality complying with the relevant standard, MBR can be a suitable option to consider for water recycling.<\/p>\n\n

                                Is MBR suitable for industrial wastewater?<\/h3>\n

                                For some biodegradable industrial wastewaters, MBR can be suitable. But in industries with fat, toxic substances, heavy metals, high salinity, or special chemical compounds, pre-treatment and complementary processes may be essential.<\/p>\n\n

                                What is the most important challenge of the MBR system?<\/h3>\n

                                One of the most important challenges is membrane fouling. Suitable pre-treatment, process control, scouring aeration, Backwash, and periodic chemical cleaning are important for reducing this problem.<\/p>\n\n

                                What information is needed to request a price for the MBR package?<\/h3>\n

                                The wastewater flow rate, the type of use, the effluent analysis, the levels of COD and BOD, the amount of TSS and fat, the installation space, the required output effluent quality, the goal of water recycling, and the need for buried or above-ground installation are important pieces of information for design and pricing.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                MBR Wastewater Treatment Package An MBR wastewater treatment package is one of the advanced methods of wastewater treatment that combines the biological treatment process with membrane filtration. In this system, microorganisms decompose the organic matter present in the wastewater, and the membranes are responsible for separating the treated water from the sludge, suspended solids, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1306","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/polypayesh.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1306","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/polypayesh.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/polypayesh.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/polypayesh.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/polypayesh.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1306"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/polypayesh.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1306\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2248,"href":"https:\/\/polypayesh.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1306\/revisions\/2248"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/polypayesh.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1306"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}