What to do if the membrane pores of the MBR membrane module are blocked?
Blockage of membrane pores is a common problem during the long-term operation of MBR (membrane bioreactor) membrane components. If not handled in a timely manner, it will seriously affect the effluent quality and flux of the system. Here are some methods to solve membrane pore blockage:
①、 Physical flushing
1. Aeration flushing
Close the inlet and outlet valves, and open the aeration valve.
Utilize the bubbles generated by the aeration pipeline to perform continuous 2-3 days of aeration flushing on the membrane surface.
Upward airflow can wash away the dirt layer accumulated in the membrane pores.
2. Backwashing
Perform water backwashing or gas water backwashing.
Reverse flush water or gas-water mixture from the outlet end of the membrane module through reverse pressure.
It can effectively remove pollutants blocked in membrane pores.
②、 Chemical cleaning
1. Maintenance chemical cleaning
Stop the operation of the suction pump and blower.
Use a backwash pump to inject low concentration chemical cleaning solution into the membrane components.
Chemical solutions can dissolve and remove dirt from membrane pores.
2. Offline restorative chemical cleaning
Stop the system operation and remove the membrane components.
Soak the membrane components in acidic or alkaline cleaning solution for 6-12 hours.
After thorough cleaning, rinse the membrane components repeatedly with clean water.
3. Optimize operating parameters
Appropriately increase the aeration rate to enhance the aeration washing intensity on the membrane surface.
Monitor transmembrane pressure (TMP), and when TMP exceeds the normal value of 20-30kPa, it indicates severe membrane blockage.
Regular physical flushing and chemical cleaning are effective ways to solve membrane pore blockage in MBR membrane components. Simultaneously optimizing operating parameters, timely detecting and addressing membrane blockage issues, can maximize the service life of membrane components.