OTHER TECHNOLOGIES
STEP-MBR
Version :
Ready to use
Process :
Organic
System :
Preassembled
Application :
Residential, Commercial
The ultimate wastewater treatment solution
The MBR wastewater treatment plant is a wastewater treatment system that combines proven activated sludge technology with liquid/solid separation using membranes, hence the name membrane bioreactor (MBR).
It is a compact, high-performance solution that is particularly useful when space is limited or when the effluent must meet very high quality standards.
Unlike its competitors, which are often considered complex and mechanized, Enviro-STEP Technologies' STEP-MBR stands out for its maximum simplicity and minimum mechanical components. This is the result of the use of the revolutionary concept of gravity permeation on a “hollow plate” type membrane.
STEP MBR is the technology of choice for any project located in sensitive areas, such as near lakes and waterways, or where space is very limited.
Water quality
Very high water quality, compliant with the most stringent regulations.
Stability and safety
Membranes are physical barriers that ensure outstanding water quality at all times, unlike conventional settling tanks, whose performance varies greatly.
The ultimate wastewater treatment solution
The MBR wastewater treatment plant is a wastewater treatment system that combines proven activated sludge technology with liquid/solid separation using membranes, hence the name membrane bioreactor (MBR).
It is a compact, high-performance solution that is particularly useful when space is limited or when the effluent must meet very high quality standards.
Unlike its competitors, which are often considered complex and mechanized, Enviro-STEP Technologies' STEP-MBR stands out for its maximum simplicity and minimum mechanical components. This is the result of the use of the revolutionary concept of gravity permeation on a “hollow plate” type membrane.
STEP MBR is the technology of choice for any project located in sensitive areas, such as near lakes and waterways, or where space is very limited.
Water quality
Very high water quality, compliant with the most stringent regulations.
Stability and safety
Membranes are physical barriers that ensure outstanding water quality at all times, unlike conventional settling tanks, whose performance varies greatly.
Performance
Paramètres
STEP-MBR
(without dephosphatation)
STEP-MBR
(with dephosphatation)
DBO₅C (mg/L)
≤ 5
≤ 5
MES (mg/L)
≤ 10
≤ 10
Total phosphorus (mg/L)
N/A
≤ 0,1
Fecal coliforms
≤ 200
≤ 200
Filtration system diagram
The first image on the left is a technical diagram illustrating how an immersed membrane bioreactor (MBR) system works.
Membrane module
This image is a three-dimensional (3D) representation of a typical flat membrane module or cassette used in MBR systems.
Specification
Combining the simplicity of biological treatment by aeration with the unmatched performance of Alfa Laval gravity membranes, the STEP-MBR is a technology that is accessible to all. Developed as a fully pre-assembled unit, the STEP-MBR requires very little labor on site for installation. Periodic membrane cleaning is performed by the Enviro-STEP Technologies maintenance team.
Your questions, our answers
What is the main difference between an MBR and a conventional STEP ?
-
Conventional STEP: Uses a secondary clarifier/settling tank to separate sludge (biomass) from treated water by gravity. This process is less efficient and limits the concentration of biomass in the reactor.
-
STEP-MBR : Replaces the clarifier with membrane filtration (micro or ultrafiltration). This physical barrier guarantees very high-quality treated water and allows the reactor to operate with a much higher sludge (TSS) concentration.
Is the MBR more compact than a conventional STEP ?
-
Yes, that is one of its major advantages.
-
Eliminating the secondary clarifier saves space.
-
The high biomass concentration in the reactor (8 to 15 g/L of suspended solids compared to 2 to 4 g/L in conventional systems) increases the volumetric load.
-
As a result, the total volume required for biological treatment is significantly reduced, offering space savings of 30% to 50% compared to a conventional installation.
-
What is membrane fouling?
Fouling is the accumulation of materials (sludge, colloids, solutes) on the surface or inside the pores of the membrane, which reduces the flow of filtered water (flux) and increases the transmembrane pressure (TMP) required for filtration. This is the main operational challenge of MBR. It is managed by regular washing cycles (physical by air scraping or backwashing) and periodic chemical cleaning (e.g., with sodium hypochlorite or citric acid).
What is the lifespan of the membranes?
The service life of membranes is generally between 7 and 15 years, depending on the quality of the raw water, the frequency and effectiveness of cleaning, and operating conditions (temperature, sludge concentration, etc.). Proper maintenance is essential to maximize their longevity.
Does the MBR produce more residual sludge?
No, it generally produces less.
The solids retention time (SRT) is much longer in an MBR, which promotes mineralization (digestion) of the biomass by microorganisms and reduces the net production of sludge to be disposed of.