Webinar Summary

Process intensification is the practice of accomplishing more with less. Intensification enables utilities to achieve higher capacity, quality, or both with existing infrastructure. Emerging biofilm-based processes, such membrane aerated biofilm reactors (MABRs) maximize the value of existing assets and concurrently achieve both increased treatment capacity and enhanced process sustainability. The addition of MABRs enables total nitrogen removal in a single tank which would otherwise have a specific and limited function. Although the MABR process has been extensively studied at lab-scale, limited studies have been conducted at pilot or full-scale. There are significant knowledge gaps, particularly as it relates to the value-proposition and applicability of the technology for process intensification. Results from a recently completed study led by Black & Veatch and also consisting of Suez, and the City of Hayward (CA, USA) evaluated a pilot‑scale hybrid MABR-suspended growth (MABR-SG) process in a real-world application. The research filled key knowledge gaps in the applicability of the MABR-SG process to achieve intensified nutrient removal. Existing biological reactors could be retrofitted to achieve a 50% to 100% increase in treatment process capacity without construction of new concrete tanks. As utilities focus on the need for energy-efficient, low-GHG nutrient removal as part of a broader resource recovery and optimization portfolio, the MABR-SG hybrid process evaluated by this research provides an effective tool. It shows MABR technology is ready to be used in more applications.

About the Presenter

Sandeep Sathyamoorthy is the global practice and technology leader for innovation and applied research at Black & Veatch. Sandeep’s research, operations and implementation expertise are at the intersection of nutrient removal and potable reuse. He is currently leading multiple research initiatives at BV on waste to products in circular economy systems. Sandeep has a BS (Hons) in chemical engineering from Cornell University and a PhD (EWRE) from Tufts University. 

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