Polymeric and Ceramic Membranes
Aqua-Aerobic Systems provides two types of Aqua MultiBore® membranes, polymeric and ceramic. The type of membrane used in an application is dependent on waste characteristics, treatment objectives and the best economic solution for the plant.
Aqua MultiBore® P-Series
Polymeric Membranes
The Aqua MultiBore polymeric membrane has been successfully applied in both water and wastewater including high solids applications.
![multibore-p-series Multibore® P-Series](https://aqua-aerobic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/multibore-p-series-1.jpg)
How It Works
![p-series-filtration-mode Multibore® P-Series Filtration Mode](https://aqua-aerobic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/p-series-filtration-mode-1.jpg)
Filtration Mode
- During top filtration, influent enters the top of each membrane module and flows down through each fiber bore
- The 0.02 µ pores allow water to pass through to the outside of the fiber but retain suspended solids, bacteria, cysts, and viruses
- During bottom filtration, influent enters the bottom of each module and flows up through the fiber bores
- The system alternates between top and bottom filtration to evenly distribute impurities along the entire fiber length
- In both filtration modes, filtered water flows from the outside of the fibers through the filtrate port on the side of the module
![p-series-backwash-mode Multibore® P-Series Backwash Mode](https://aqua-aerobic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/p-series-backwash-mode-1.jpg)
Backwash Mode
- During both the top and bottom backwash modes, filtered water enters the filtrate port on the side of each membrane module and flows into each fiber
- During top backwash, water flows down through the fiber bores, into the bottom of the module and out to drain
- During bottom backwash, water flows up through the fiber bores, into the top of the module and out to drain
- The system alternates between top and bottom backwash so that impurities collected at both module ends can be efficiently flushed out
- Backwash occurs every 20 – 80 minutes, depending on influent quality
![p-series-ceb-mode Multibore® P-Series CEB Mode](https://aqua-aerobic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/p-series-ceb-mode-1.jpg)
Chemically-Enhanced Backwash (CEB) Mode
- Chemicals are periodically added to the backwash water to dissolve any impurities that were not removed during the backwash modes
- The flow paths are the same as during backwash, only small amounts of chemical are injected into the filtrate prior to entering the modules
- Caustic is used to dissolve organics, acid is used to dissolve inorganic matter, and chlorine is used for occasional disinfection
- The membranes are soaked in the chemical for 10-20 minutes before being flushed out
- A CEB is performed every 8 -168 hours, depending on influent quality
Features & Specifications
- Large diameter bores
- 0.02 μ UF membrane is rated for 4 log virus removal
- Each fiber is made from one material in a single process
- Inside-outside flow path requires no air scour
- Low fouling, can be cleaned with wide pH range (1-13)
- Superior strength – No fiber breaks!
Benefits
- Less chemical usage
- High water recover rate
- Low energy consumption
- High Permeability
- No basins or lifting equipment required
- Simple operation and low maintenance
Aqua MultiBore® C-Series
Ceramic Membranes
The Aqua MultiBore® C-Series ceramic membranes have been successfully applied in both water and wastewater applications with more than 140 installed systems from pretreatment to advanced treatment of drinking water.
![multibore-c-series Multibore® C-Series](https://aqua-aerobic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/multibore-c-series-1.png)
How It Works
![c-series-filtration-mode Multibore® C-Series Filtration Mode](https://aqua-aerobic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/c-series-filtration-mode-1.jpg)
Filtration Mode
- During filtration, influent enters from the bottom of each membrane module and flows up through each ceramic filtration cell
- The 0.1 µ pores allow water to pass through to the ceramic filtrate collection cells
- Collected filtrate then exits the membrane through the filtrate port on the side of the module
![c-series-backwash-mode Multibore® C-Series Backwash Mode](https://aqua-aerobic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/c-series-backwash-mode-1.jpg)
Backwash Mode
- During backwash, filtered water enters the filtrate port on the side of each membrane module and flows into each filtration cell
- 70 psi filtrate detaches fouling matter within the filtration cells
- Most impurities are collected at the bottom of the module and efficiently flushed out
- Typical backwash occurs every 4 to 12 hours
![c-series-airflush-mode Multibore® C-Series Airflush Mode](https://aqua-aerobic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/c-series-airflush-mode-1.jpg)
Airflush Mode
- Compressed air is injected into the top of the membrane sub-module to remove any remaining impurities that were not removed during the backwash mode
- Airflush typically takes 2-5 seconds at a maximum pressure of 30 psi
- The system is then placed back into normal filtration mode
Features & Specifications
- Membrane is constructed with very uniform 0.1 μ pores resulting in high fluxes
- Each ceramic membrane is made from one material in a single process
- Inside-outside flow path
- Resistant to pressure, heat and corrosion
- High mechanical strength – No membrane breaks!
- Low environmental impact – used membranes can be recycled
- Backwashed with a short blast of filtrate and air, resulting in very high recoveries
Benefits
- Less chemical usage
- High water recover rate
- Low energy consumption
- High Permeability
- No basins or lifting equipment required
- Simple operation and low maintenance
Aqua MultiBore Ceramic Membranes at Butte, MT
Plant Photos
Applications
Related Resources
Resource Categories | Title | Summary | Download Link |
---|---|---|---|
Video | Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc. Overview Video | ||
Success Story | Butler, MO | Butler WTP solves membrane integrity issues and meets EPA LT2 Rule with Aqua MultiBore® Membranes | |
Success Story | Butte, MT | Aqua MultiBore® C-Series Ceramic Membrane System Solves Disinfection By-Product (DBP) Challenge at Butte-Silver Bow, Montana | |
White Paper | Buxachatchee Paper | ||
Video | Ceramic Membranes Solve Disinfection By-Product (DBP) Challenge at Butte, MT Water Plant | ||
Brochure | Membrane Systems Brochure | ||
White Paper | MultiBore C Series Butte, MT White Paper | FIRST ON-DEMAND POTABLE CERAMIC MEMBRANE SYSTEM IN U.S. MINIMIZES ENERGY AND WASTE | |
White Paper | MultiBore P Series White Paper | NO-BREAK FIBER SOLVES MEMBRANE INTEGRITY PROBLEMS AT FIVE WATER TREATMENT PLANTS |