Accelerating Small System Upgrades: Utilizing Packaged Membrane Bioreactor Modules for Retrofitting Conventional Activated Sludge
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
Rural and small communities face significant hurdles when upgrading aging wastewater infrastructure. As regulatory bodies implement more stringent nutrient removal requirements and local populations fluctuate, conventional activated sludge systems often lack the footprint or process flexibility to comply. Furthermore, the traditional design-bid-build cycle can impose prohibitive engineering and capital costs on municipalities with limited budgets. This presentation explores a technological advancement in scaled-down Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) applications specifically engineered to expand the capacity and capability of existing activated sludge plants with flows from 0.1 to 3 MGD through a packaged, external-integration approach.
The technical focus centers on an integrated membrane filtration system housed within a dedicated, factory-built stainless steel tank. Unlike traditional MBR retrofits that require complex internal basin modifications, this approach utilizes a packaged module that resides at-grade adjacent to existing aeration basin infrastructure. By diverting mixed liquor from the existing aeration basins through this external membrane zone, small systems can achieve tertiary-quality effluent-including significant Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorus (TP) reductions-without the need for secondary clarifiers or separate sand filtration stages.
A critical component of this technical approach is the coupling of biological treatment with membrane separation. The system allows existing activated basins to operate at higher Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) concentrations, effectively increasing treatment capacity within the original volumetric footprint. This "packaged" delivery method serves as a model for reducing overall project costs by minimizing the extensive site civil engineering and concrete work typically required for plant expansions. The use of a pre-engineered, self-contained membrane tank allows for a streamlined design phase and rapid field commissioning, which is essential for communities with limited resources.
Attendees will examine the process transition to membrane separation, focusing on the mechanical and hydraulic integration of external membrane modules. The discussion will highlight how these systems provide a robust, automated barrier technology that addresses emerging issues for small systems, such as meeting future water reuse standards or stringent regional discharge requirements with a simplified construction footprint.
The technical focus centers on an integrated membrane filtration system housed within a dedicated, factory-built stainless steel tank. Unlike traditional MBR retrofits that require complex internal basin modifications, this approach utilizes a packaged module that resides at-grade adjacent to existing aeration basin infrastructure. By diverting mixed liquor from the existing aeration basins through this external membrane zone, small systems can achieve tertiary-quality effluent-including significant Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorus (TP) reductions-without the need for secondary clarifiers or separate sand filtration stages.
A critical component of this technical approach is the coupling of biological treatment with membrane separation. The system allows existing activated basins to operate at higher Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) concentrations, effectively increasing treatment capacity within the original volumetric footprint. This "packaged" delivery method serves as a model for reducing overall project costs by minimizing the extensive site civil engineering and concrete work typically required for plant expansions. The use of a pre-engineered, self-contained membrane tank allows for a streamlined design phase and rapid field commissioning, which is essential for communities with limited resources.
Attendees will examine the process transition to membrane separation, focusing on the mechanical and hydraulic integration of external membrane modules. The discussion will highlight how these systems provide a robust, automated barrier technology that addresses emerging issues for small systems, such as meeting future water reuse standards or stringent regional discharge requirements with a simplified construction footprint.