Membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems are the gold standard for producing high-quality effluent at wastewater treatment sites. However, not all membranes are created equal. Over time, traditional membrane systems can struggle due to wear, fouling, or outdated designs, leading to:

• Reduced efficiency: Clogged membranes decrease flow rates and increase energy consumption.
• Higher maintenance costs: Frequent cleaning cycles disrupt operations and strain budgets.
• Compliance challenges: Outdated technology may not meet increasingly stringent discharge standards.

Aging membrane systems can encounter several performance challenges. Reduced permeability due to fouling and clogging is a common issue, leading to diminished flow rates and higher energy demands. Frequent cleaning cycles become necessary, driving up maintenance costs and causing operational disruptions.

For facilities striving to meet stricter discharge or reuse standards, outdated membrane technology often lacks the filtration precision needed to comply.

Upgrading to modern, high-performance membranes addresses these issues at their core. Advanced materials and designs enhance operational reliability and ensure compatibility with cutting-edge technologies.

These upgrades resolve existing inefficiencies while future-proofing facilities against evolving wastewater treatment demands.

Now is the time to think about tomorrow!

We can help with that.

Integrated Water Services (IWS) offers cutting-edge membrane upgrades that revitalize your MBR system. Our drop-in replacements for flat-plate, flat-sheet or other membrane configurations deliver greater improved performance, and lower costs in the long run.

Why Choose IWS to Upgrade Your Membranes?

Enhance Durability and Performance:

Flat-Plate Membranes: Made to endure demanding operating conditions. Their rigid structure resists deformation and wear, making them particularly well-suited for facilities handling high solid loads or abrasive particulates. Industrial effluents from food processing or chemical manufacturing often contain significant suspended solids, which can abrade or clog less durable membranes. Flat-plate membranes withstand this physical stress, maintaining long-term operability. Furthermore, applications involving sand, silt, or other coarse materials benefit from the resilience of flat-plate membranes, which can handle these particulates without significant wear.

Naturally, this durability reduces the frequency of membrane replacements and ensures consistent performance over extended periods.

The flat-plate design also simplifies maintenance. Cleaning cycles are more effective due to the accessibility of the membrane surfaces, minimizing downtime.

Enhanced material coatings further optimize flux rates, ensuring high permeability even under challenging influent conditions, such as wastewater with high levels of suspended solids or fats, oils, and grease (FOG).

IWS can drop in space-efficient flat-sheet modules in less than four hours, prioritizing speed for your business needs.

Flat-Sheet Membranes: Known for modularity and scalability, these membranes integrate seamlessly into existing systems, enabling straightforward upgrades without the need for extensive retrofits.

For facilities looking to replace OV-480, OV-960, or L-1 style modules, the UF BIO-CEL® L-2 module serves as a direct drop-in solution when paired with a compatible adapter kit. These L-2 modules are readily available from our inventory in Austin for quick deployment.

For systems requiring a capacity upgrade, MYTEX® modules featuring advanced MF membranes by Microdyn-Nadir offer a customizable option.

Upgrading to these modern modules can bring several operational advantages, including increased treatment capacity, reduced cleaning frequency, enhanced energy efficiency, and minimized downtime.

Flat-sheet membranes are designed for efficiency and compactness. Their inherent resistance to fouling, enhanced by innovative anti-fouling coatings significantly reducing the frequency and intensity of chemical cleaning cycles. This translates to lower maintenance costs and less downtime.

Their compact configuration is particularly beneficial for facilities with spatial constraints, as they allow for maximum performance in a reduced footprint.

Real-world impact: A pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in a densely populated area facing stricter discharge regulations and limited space ruled out major infrastructure overhauls. By integrating flat-sheet membranes into their existing system, the plant doubled its wastewater treatment capacity without increasing its physical footprint. This upgrade allowed them to meet compliance standards without costly infrastructure expansion.

Innovative Module Designs:

Membrane module enhancements from IWS bring transformative improvements to aging systems.

• BIO-CEL® membrane upgrades: Enhances resilience and addresses wear with top-seam reinforcement bars which can be installed along the upper edges of membrane sheets to provide added structural strength and improve their durability under heavy use. Additionally, attachment point reinforcers bolster the membrane’s connection points, extending the equipment lifespan and maintaining peak performance.
• Integrated aeration systems: Improves scouring efficiency, reducing fouling while optimizing oxygen delivery to biological processes. This innovation improves overall system stability and performance, particularly under variable loading conditions.
• Redesigned flow channels: Eliminates dead zones for uniform hydraulic performance and consistent treatment.

The sustainability benefits of these upgrades are evident in their lower energy requirements and extended operational lifespans.

Customized Solutions:

IWS recognizes that every facility is unique. We tailor membrane upgrades to your specific operational needs, offering:

• Drop-in compatibility: Seamless integration with existing configurations.
• Modular designs: Scalable capacity to accommodate future growth without requiring significant structural modifications. This flexibility is important for facilities dealing with fluctuating influent volumes or seasonal variations in demand.
• Versatile applications: Solutions for a wide range of wastewater characteristics, from high-strength industrial effluents to nutrient-laden municipal influents.

The IWS Technical Advantage:

IWS membranes incorporate cutting-edge technologies to address common challenges in wastewater treatment:

• Hydrophilic coatings: Enhances water flow across the membrane surface while resisting the adhesion of organic matter, significantly reducing fouling risks.
• Optimized pore sizes: Strikes a balance between filtration efficiency and permeability, ensuring consistent performance across diverse applications.
• Efficient cleaning protocols: A key focus of IWS membrane designs. Air scour systems deliver more effective membrane scouring during aeration cycles, reducing fouling while conserving energy. Enhanced chemical compatibility extends the membrane life.

Upgrade your MBR system with IWS and experience the difference! Our advanced solutions are an investment in efficiency, sustainability, and long-term performance. Meet today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.