Beyond Conventional: Scaling Packaged Membrane Bioreactors (MBR) for Small System Infrastructure
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 12:45 PM to 2:15 PM · 1 hr. 30 min. (US/Central)
New Orleans Convention Center
Technology Spotlight
Hall H Booth 7249
Information
For small communities, the requirement for high-quality effluent often outpaces the available budget for traditional site-built infrastructure. Packaged Membrane Bioreactors (MBR) have emerged as a technical advancement that bridges this gap, offering factory-integrated, "plug-and-play" solutions that scale from 5,000 to 100,000 gallons per day in single-tank configurations. This presentation examines how prefabricated systems provide a cost-effective alternative to conventional activated sludge by eliminating secondary clarification and delivering effluent quality that often exceeds permit requirements.
While MBRs are sometimes viewed as high-capital investments, this spotlight will detail how expert process engineering can optimize biological efficiency and energy consumption specifically for small-flow applications. The presentation will analyze the technical benefits of operating at higher Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) concentrations, which allows for increased organic loading rates and a significantly reduced physical footprint. The discussion will also address the relationship between aeration diffusion, loading rates, and overall energy demand-factors that are critical for small systems with limited operational budgets.
A major focus will be placed on the evolution of automated scouring and maintenance systems designed to minimize manual intervention. By streamlining operation and maintenance tasks through advanced PLC automation, these systems allow rural and small system operators to maintain superior treatment standards without the labor intensity typically associated with advanced biological processes.
The in-booth presentation with video support will cover considerations that can be overlooked during the design and implementation of a packaged MBR system for a particular project. In addition, the presentation will cover system operation and maintenance considerations for simplifying each process.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the scalability for small system packaged MBR systems and how multiple integrated units can be utilized to cost-effectively serve flows up to 2.0 MGD.
2. Recognize the technological advancements in membrane scouring and automation that reduce the O&M burden for small system operators. The presentation will touch on differences in flat-sheet membranes and hollow-fiber membranes typically used in these kinds of applications, including the scouring and cleaning systems employed to maintain expected performance and resulting effluent quality.
3. Establish a technical understanding of how managing the relationship between MLSS levels and footprint leads to higher energy efficiency in small flow treatment applications.
While MBRs are sometimes viewed as high-capital investments, this spotlight will detail how expert process engineering can optimize biological efficiency and energy consumption specifically for small-flow applications. The presentation will analyze the technical benefits of operating at higher Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) concentrations, which allows for increased organic loading rates and a significantly reduced physical footprint. The discussion will also address the relationship between aeration diffusion, loading rates, and overall energy demand-factors that are critical for small systems with limited operational budgets.
A major focus will be placed on the evolution of automated scouring and maintenance systems designed to minimize manual intervention. By streamlining operation and maintenance tasks through advanced PLC automation, these systems allow rural and small system operators to maintain superior treatment standards without the labor intensity typically associated with advanced biological processes.
The in-booth presentation with video support will cover considerations that can be overlooked during the design and implementation of a packaged MBR system for a particular project. In addition, the presentation will cover system operation and maintenance considerations for simplifying each process.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the scalability for small system packaged MBR systems and how multiple integrated units can be utilized to cost-effectively serve flows up to 2.0 MGD.
2. Recognize the technological advancements in membrane scouring and automation that reduce the O&M burden for small system operators. The presentation will touch on differences in flat-sheet membranes and hollow-fiber membranes typically used in these kinds of applications, including the scouring and cleaning systems employed to maintain expected performance and resulting effluent quality.
3. Establish a technical understanding of how managing the relationship between MLSS levels and footprint leads to higher energy efficiency in small flow treatment applications.