Survey on Biocatalytic Membrane Reactor and Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor

Objective: This paper discusses the performance of two, potentially important membrane processes of the next future, namely the biocatalytic membrane reactor (BMR) and membrane aerated biofilm reactor (MABR). It discusses what kinds of methods are applying for enzyme immobilization, which membrane materials can be used for immobilization and what biochemical reactions can be realized by the biocatalytic membrane reactor. Methodology: A one-dimensional, diffusion-convection-reaction model equation is recommended for modeling of the reactant(s) transport through a biocatalytic membrane reactor by means of the Michaelis-Menten kinetics and in order to predict the reactor performance, in presence of the boundary layer mass transfer resistance, as well. Membrane aerated biofilm reactor is also a promising future process primarily for wastewater treatment, nitrification/denitrification processes, COD elimination, which can more effectively be carried out than the conventional one providing higher oxygen supply rate and/or higher oxygen concentration level. The mathematical model of the substrate transport given for homogeneous and heterogeneous biofilm structure has briefly been discussed applying dual-substrate transport limitation.