Technical Note 7 - Applicability of dynamic membrane filtration for post-treatment of UASB reactor effluents

Abstract

Despite the many advantages of UASB reactors for sewage treatment a posttreatment stage may be necessary. An emerging post-treatment alternative is the use of dynamic membranes (DM). In DMs, the removal of pollutants occurs mainly due to a dynamic layer of solids that is formed on a mesh support. Its main advantage is the possibility of using low-cost support materials. The present technical note aims to present fundamentals and practical aspects of this emerging technology, in view of its high application potential for improving the quality of effluents from anaerobic reactors. The applicability and limitations of the technology, the fundamentals of the process, the most important design criteria and aspects related to its operation and maintenance are discussed. With this technical note, it is intended to encourage a discussion in Brazil regarding the potential use of DMs in the post-treatment of anaerobic reactor effluents.