TheWay MBR-40 Datasheet: 40m² PVDF Hollow Fiber

The TheWay MBR-40 is our flagship membrane bioreactor module, engineered for large-scale municipal and industrial wastewater treatment applications. Featuring 40 m² of effective membrane area with premium PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride) hollow fiber construction, the MBR-40 delivers exceptional permeate quality, long operational life, and low energy consumption. This technical datasheet provides comprehensive specifications, operating parameters, and guidelines for engineers and system integrators.

Product Overview

The MBR-40 module is designed as a submerged membrane unit for activated sludge filtration in MBR systems. It replaces conventional secondary clarifiers and tertiary filtration, producing high-quality effluent suitable for reuse or discharge. The PVDF hollow fiber membrane offers superior chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and fouling tolerance compared to alternative polymer membranes.

Key Specifications

The following table summarizes the core technical specifications of the TheWay MBR-40 module:

Operating Parameters

Performance Curves Description

The MBR-40 exhibits a linear flux-TMP relationship in the sub-critical flux region (below 25 LMH at 10,000 mg/L MLSS). At design conditions of 20 LMH, the module typically operates at 10–15 kPa TMP with clean membranes, gradually increasing over the maintenance cleaning cycle. Temperature compensation follows a standard viscosity correction factor — flux capacity increases approximately 2.5% per degree Celsius above the reference temperature of 20 °C. At lower MLSS concentrations (6,000–8,000 mg/L), sustainable flux can reach 25–30 LMH. Contact TheWay Engineering for site-specific flux projections based on your wastewater characterization.

Chemical Compatibility

The PVDF membrane material provides broad chemical resistance for both process conditions and cleaning regimes:

Cleaning Protocol

Maintenance cleaning (recommended every 1–2 weeks): Backpulse with 500–1,000 ppm NaOCl for 30–60 minutes, followed by a clean water rinse. Recovery cleaning (when TMP exceeds 40 kPa or flux drops below design): Soak in 2,000–3,000 ppm NaOCl for 2–4 hours, then acid wash with 0.2–0.5% citric acid for 1–2 hours. Rinse thoroughly between alkaline and acid steps. Always ensure aeration is running during chemical soaking to distribute cleaning solution evenly across the fiber bundle.

Storage and Handling Guidelines

New modules are shipped dry in protective packaging. Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight at temperatures between 5–40 °C. Do not stack more than 3 modules high during storage. Prior to installation, inspect all fibers and connections for shipping damage. During initial startup, wet the membranes with clean water and perform a low-pressure integrity test (< 10 kPa) to verify membrane integrity before introducing activated sludge. For long-term storage after use, clean the module thoroughly and store immersed in 0.5% sodium bisulfite solution, replacing the solution every 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the expected membrane lifespan of the MBR-40?

A: With proper operation and maintenance cleaning, the MBR-40 PVDF membranes typically last 5–8 years. Lifespan depends on feed water quality, MLSS concentration, cleaning frequency, and chemical exposure.

Q: Can the MBR-40 handle industrial wastewater with high oil and grease?

A: The module can tolerate moderate levels of oil and grease (< 100 mg/L in the mixed liquor). For higher concentrations, pre-treatment such as dissolved air flotation (DAF) is recommended to protect the membranes from irreversible fouling.

Q: What aeration rate is recommended?

A: The recommended coarse bubble aeration rate is 0.3–0.5 Nm³/h per m² of membrane area. For the MBR-40 module (40 m²), this translates to 12–20 Nm³/h per module. Intermittent aeration (10 seconds on / 10 seconds off) is standard to reduce energy costs.

Q: Is the MBR-40 compatible with a ZeeWeed-based MBR system?

A: Yes. The MBR-40 is designed as a direct replacement for ZeeWeed 500D and similar submerged hollow fiber modules. Module dimensions and connection sizes allow straightforward retrofit into existing cassettes and frames with minor adapter modifications.

Q: What permeate quality can I expect?

A: The MBR-40 consistently produces permeate with turbidity < 0.2 NTU, TSS < 1 mg/L, and BOD₅ < 5 mg/L. Coliform removal exceeds 6 log, making the effluent suitable for non-potable reuse applications including irrigation, cooling water, and toilet flushing without additional disinfection.

Contact & Support

For detailed engineering support, pilot testing, or to request a quotation for the TheWay MBR-40 module, contact our technical team at mail@ufmembranes.in or call +91 98400 97830. Visit www.thewaymembranes.com for our complete product catalog and application notes.