Hybrid Membrane Technology for MBR
overview
500+ Installations Since 2005
BIO-CEL® flat-sheet technology can best be described as a “hybrid” between the hollow fiber (HF) and flat-plate (FP) concepts. BIO-CEL® was first produced in 2005. According to the Microdyn factory, BIO-CEL is now installed in 500+ plants around the world. The latest generation of BIO-CEL is the L-2 type module.
Each BIO-CEL® L-2 Module is equipped with 5,166ft2 of ultrafiltration (UF) membrane area. The membrane material is polyethersulphone (PES). The average, nominal pore size is 0.04m. The substrate and spacer materials are made from polyester. A polypropylene molded diffuser assembly includes 8 tubes fitted with replaceable silicone sleeves.
TECHNOLOGY
Flexible, Flat-Sheets
BIO-CEL® technology is based on a fused laminate of 2 membrane sheets separated by a polyester spacer material or plenum. 120 fused, flexible sheets are cut and ultrasonically welded at the edges before being assembled into one L-2 module using a fully automated production line. Each sheet is 2mm thick, 2m tall, and 1m wide. The spacing between each sheet is 8 mm. Finished modules are subjected to a pressure decay test to validate integrity before being shipped.

OPERATION
Submerged Membrane Modules

BIO-CEL Modules are submerged, immersed in mixed liquor during normal operation. Integral fine-bubble diffusers, located at the bottom of the permeate module, release air bubbles that rise to the surface during filtration. The combination of air and mixed liquor scours the membrane surface to remove filtered materials. Scouring air also induces mixing in the tank and provides oxygen to the wastewater treatment process. The filtered water, called permeate, is drawn through the membrane sheets into a permeate collector.
L-2 DESIGN
Highest Durability
The open side design (1), reinforcing bars at the top seam (2), and shock absorbing rings (3), make the L-2 Module 3X more robust than older products and 17X more durable at the top edge. It is “the most durable BIO-CEL module ever made.” It is also the easiest to maintain with 360° access.
BENEFITS
3 Key Differentiators
Like all the leading membrane technologies BIO-CEL® produces high quality effluent and has a small footprint. However, there are 3 key differentiators that separate BIO-CEL from the field:
INSIGHT
What if?
What happens if hair and fiber accumulate in an MBR wastewater plant? What if the fine screens underperform? What if solids accumulate faster than expected or can’t be removed from the system fast enough? All these situations can and do happen at MBR wastewater treatment plants. In some cases, if conditions are outside of design parameters, clogging can occur at any MBR system and with any membrane technology FP, HF, or hybrid. Before selecting a technology for a new project, it helps to ask potential suppliers, “what happens if clogging occurs?” Some systems require manual cleaning by hand that can be time consuming, expensive, and even dangerous. The L-2 design can be safely and quickly rinsed down in the event of clogging. The key is to be prepared. Ask what if?
SPECS
Specifications
Membrane area | 480 m2 |
Max. airflow rate (Vn) | ≤ 115 Nm³/h (≤ 72 SCFM) |
Length (with diffusor unit) | 1465 mm (4.81 ft) |
Width | 1120 mm (3.67 ft) |
Height (with diffusor unit) | 2428 mm (7.97 ft) |
Connection aeration | 75 mm hose barb(2) |
Connection permeate | 2 1/2” G thread(2) |
Dry weight | 340 kg |
Membrane | PES |
Housing | Stainless Steel |
Drainage | Polyester |
Diffusor | PUR, PP |