Effect of Different Temperatures on the Performance of AnMBR Systems

Abstract

In the scope of this paper, results of experimental studies, which carried out using a laboratory scale side-stream anaerobic membrane bioreactor system at psychrophilic, mesophilic and thermophilic conditions, will be presented. The model reactor was consisted of an up-flow anaerobic sludge bed reactor (UASB) and ultrafiltration (UF) membrane system. With a total volume of 10 liters the anaerobic reactor is equipped with inlet and outlet valves, sampling valves, and gas and sludge outlet valves. Temperature was kept constant by circulating hot water through the reactor jacket. Following the anaerobic reactor, Pall Microza polysulfone hollow fiber membrane (SLP-1053) was used as the membrane module. The molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) and effective filtration area of the membrane was 10 kDa and 0.1 m², respectively.

System was fed with synthetic wastewater consisted of diluted molasses. Influent COD concentration was arranged as 10,000 mg/L in this study. The anaerobic reactor was operated at an organic loading rate (OLR) of 5 kg COD/m³.day and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 2 days. During the experimental studies, pH, alkalinity, VFA, COD removal rate and methane gas production parameters were monitored regularly. System efficiency was investigated considering COD removal rate and methane gas production parameters. Also, membrane flux changes depending on temperature alterations were monitored.