The membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (OxyMem)
50% of the energy used in wastewater treatment is for aeration. Existing biotreatment technology has a critical drawback: it uses bubble aeration. The oxygen transfer efficiency of this aeration method is particularly low and therefore the operating costs of the technology are substantial. In the face of globally rising energy costs, the lifecycle cost of the existing biotreatment processes will seem increasingly unattractive. In contrast, Membrane Aeration technology offers superior energy efficiency at reduced operating cost while maintaining a high rate of oxidation. This project builds on over 15 years of research at UCD on bubbleless aeration technology.
The Project was funded by Enterprise Ireland