New modules for membrane bioreactors: Improving fouling control

New hollow fiber membrane modules with air injectors coupled to their base are presented in this paper. The transport resistances were analyzed through permeation tests with yeast cells suspensions varying parameters such as surface air velocity and filtration pressure. Five different modules were investigated, and the lowest resistances were observed in the module with 64 holes in the air injector and packing density equal to 650 m2 m−3. The modules with 32 holes in the air injector and packing density of 650 m2 m−3 showed the best relation between the efficiency in reducing transport resistance and the aeration energy expenditure.