MBR Membrane Cleaning Process

Step-by-Step Guide to MBR Membrane Cleaning: Boost MBR System PerformanceUltimate Guide to MBR Membrane Cleaning: Maximize Your MBR System’s Lifespan

MBR (Membrane Bioreactor) systems rely heavily on the efficiency of MBR membranes—over time, membrane fouling from organic matter, inorganic scales, and sludge buildup can reduce flux, increase energy consumption, and shorten membrane lifespan. Proper MBR membrane cleaning is therefore critical to maintaining optimal MBR system performance. This guide breaks down how to identify fouling, choose the right cleaning method, and follow safe, effective procedures—essential knowledge for anyone operating or maintaining an MBR system.Your MBR (Membrane Bioreactor) system’s performance hinges on the health of its MBR membrane. Over time, organic fouling, inorganic scaling, and sludge buildup can clog membranes, slowing flux, hiking energy costs, and cutting short membrane life. That’s why mastering professional MBR membrane cleaning isn’t just maintenance—it’s the key to getting the most out of your MBR system, whether you’re running a municipal wastewater plant, industrial facility, or commercial treatment setup. This guide simplifies everything you need to know: from spotting fouling early to choosing the right cleaning method, ensuring your MBR system stays efficient, reliable, and cost-effective for years.

First, recognizing when to clean your MBR membrane is key. Fouling is typically detected through transmembrane pressure (TMP) monitoring:  

• Online Maintenance Cleaning: Scheduled weekly, regardless of TMP, to prevent early fouling. It uses low-concentration chemicals to keep membrane surfaces clear.  

• Online Intensive Cleaning: Triggered when TMP exceeds the set threshold (initial TMP + 15 kPa) or every 1–3 months. This deeper clean restores membrane performance when mild fouling occurs.  

• Offline Cleaning: Reserved for severe fouling where online methods fail. It involves removing membrane modules for soaking in concentrated chemicals, ensuring thorough restoration.  

Accurate fouling judgment ensures you use the right cleaning method at the right time—avoiding unnecessary downtime and preserving MBR membrane integrity.Pinpointing fouling signs early lets you act fast—avoiding costly MBR membrane damage and MBR system downtime. Use TMP monitoring as your first line of defense, and match the cleaning method to the fouling severity for best results.

The image visualizes the differences between the three cleaning methods:  The image clearly contrasts the three cleaning approaches, helping you pick the right one for your MBR system:

• Online Maintenance Cleaning: A quick, regular process done in-place, with no need to stop MBR system operations for long.  

• Online Intensive Cleaning: Still performed in the MBR system but uses higher chemical concentrations and longer soaking times to tackle heavier fouling.  

• Offline Cleaning: Shows membrane modules being lifted from the aeration tank and immersed in a dedicated cleaning tank—ideal for deep, targeted cleaning when other methods fall short.  

MBR Membrane Cleaning Specifications (Table 1: Chemical & Timing Details)MBR Membrane Cleaning Specs: Your Go-To Reference Table

Acid Cleaning Chemical Concentrations (Table 2: For Inorganic Scale Removal)Acid Cleaning Guide: Tackle Inorganic Scales in Your MBR System

Step-bEasy-Stepo-Follow MBR Membrane Cleaning ProcStedureps

1. Online Cleaning (Maintenance & Intensive)

a. Stop the filtration pump to halt water treatment, then close the process water pipe to isolate the membrane module.  

b. After a 1-minute pause, turn off aeration—continuous aeration dilutes chemicals and reduces cleaning efficiency.  

c. Open the chemical injection pipe, start the chemical pump, and inject the prepared solution (follow dosage in Table 1).  

d. After soaking, if the treated water contains residual chlorine, dilute it before discharge or return it to the aerobic tank to avoid harming the MBR system’s microorganisms.  

e. Reopen the suction pipe, restart the filtration pump, and resume normal MBR system operation.  

2. Offline Cleaning (For Severe Fouling)

a. Disconnect the suction pipe and aeration air pipe, then lift the membrane module out of the aeration tank.  

b. Use a low-pressure water spray to rinse the module—remove surface sludge without high-pressure water guns (these can damage the MBR membrane). Avoid contaminating the disconnected pipes with sludge.  

c. Fully submerge the module in a dedicated tank filled with NaClO solution (2000–3000 mg/L). Soak for 6–24 hours; for inorganic scales, follow with a 2-hour soak in acid (see Table 2).  

d. After soaking, rinse the module thoroughly with water to remove chemical residues. Reassemble membrane sheets (if disassembled) back into the module.  

e. Reconnect the aeration pipe, return the module to the aeration tank, and run aeration alone for 30+ minutes before restarting filtration.  

f. Neutralize residual NaClO with sodium thiosulfate (Na₂S₂O₃·nH₂O) before disposing of the cleaning solution.  

Critical Safety & Efficiency TipsPro Tips for Safe & Effective MBR System Maintenance

• Chemical Separation: Never mix acid and NaClO—this produces toxic chlorine gas. Always rinse membranes and pipes thoroughly between acid and alkaline cleaning.  

• Protective Gear: Wear gloves, goggles, and masks when handling chemicals to avoid skin/eye irritation.  

• Chemical Calculations: For a 500 m² MBR membrane (excluding pipes), example dosages include:  

￮ Maintenance cleaning: ~3.5 L of 10–12% NaClO原液 (stock solution) per week.  

￮ Maintenance cleaning: ~3.5 L of 10–12% NaClO stock solution per week.

￮ Intensive cleaning: ~21 L of 10–12% NaClO stock solution per session.  

￮ Acid cleaning: ~4.7 L of 36% HCl stock solution per session.  

• Test First: For acid cleaning, run a small-scale test to confirm effectiveness—adjust concentrations based on your MBR system’s raw water quality.  

By following these guidelines, you can extend your MBR membrane’s lifespan, keep your MBR system running efficiently, and avoid costly downtime. Regular, proper cleaning isn’t just maintenance—it’s an investment in the long-term reliability of your MBR system.By following these simple, expert guidelines, you’ll extend your MBR membrane’s life, keep your MBR system running at peak efficiency, and skip expensive downtime. Remember: regular, proper cleaning isn’t just upkeep—it’s the smart way to protect your MBR system investment. For more MBR membrane care tips or to find replacement parts, explore our range of MBR system accessories designed to keep your setup running smoothly.