s The Incorporation of Ceramic Membranes in MBR Systems for Wastewater Treatment: Advantages and Patented New Developments

The membrane biological reactor (MBR) configuration has proven to be optimal for treatment of many industrial wastewaters, especially when optimized treatment efficiencies are an important consideration. Ceramic MBR is being consolidated as a reliable technology for industrial applications, due to the benefits of the system, while ceramic membranes may be an adequate alternative for anaerobic MBR application, due to evidence of low membrane fouling rate and the ability to rigorously clean their surface without at the same time reducing the effective membrane life. This review summarizes Recent Patents on Engineering that disclose key data for both the functioning of MBRs and the use of ceramic membranes. Specifically, an advanced control system for a membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment plant is disclosed, while an integrated biological treatment coupled to membrane filtration is proposed for advanced nutrients removal and reuse of treated waters. Recent studies have been focused on the production of a specific bioceramic membrane with selective adsorption effects and simultaneous digestion ability. Bioceramic membranes may provide effective carbon sources and required minerals to activated sludge microorganisms, while they can be used as biological media filter material for air filtration and wastewater treatment. Furthermore, bioceramics may adsorb phosphate ions and remove oxygen rich components such as nitrates from aqueous solutions.