Particle separation in moving bed biofilm reactor: Applications and opportunities

Different solid/liquid separation techniques for particle separation after a moving bed biofilm reactor are discussed. Conventional technologies such as sedimentation, floatation, and depth filtration are reviewed based on reports and articles in the literature. Optimal operating parameters that lead to satisfactory solids removal rates were given for each technology. Disc and membrane filtration are also discussed as relatively new technologies that offer advanced solids separation process. The potential of membrane separation, especially submerged membrane reactors (sMBR), were found and they are therefore proposed as a good alternative to conventional solid/liquid separation technologies. The nature and characteristics of the biofilm process also opens for a variety of possible configurations of submerged MBR that could be employed for advanced treatment of effluent from a moving bed biofilm process.