Membranes as a "dirt-killer" in sewage plants

New technology for sewage water treatment system is intended to supplement central Berlin

A new technique for the purification of sewage Berlin researchers have now developed. Using bacteria and fine membranes they turn even heavily polluted water back to bathing quality. The so-called membrane bioreactor (MBR), which is currently being tested in the Berlin district of Lichtenberg, due to its compact design, even in remote villages are used.
Sewage

About 33,000 are in Berlin today (yet) connected to the central sewer system. This includes the approximately 250 residents of the settlement amount, Margaret. Because there can flow over the peeling Ling ditch cleaned the water course to Panke, the settlement was selected for the study and a drainage pressure developed locally.

The new membrane bioreactor process, which is first used here works like a traditional sewage treatment plant, only a smaller amount of space. Bacteria are stimulated by the addition or removal of oxygen to almost complete biodegradation of phosphorus and nitrogen compounds. In a specially designed container for this purpose but will be added the forced passage of a thick package of special membranes. Their passage openings are so small that remain even hang pathogens. The water is disinfected and filled it completely, even the new limits of the EU Bathing Water Directive.



Container to avoid odor and noise
The MBR process promises maximum protection of groundwater and surface water, and reasonable cost in areas where a connection would be unacceptably expensive to central networks. MBR systems can be expanded modularly for settlements of up to 10,000 inhabitants. The turnkey container not only reduce investment costs but also avoid the usual inconveniences of sewage treatment plants as odor and noise.

The operation of the system is monitored intensively and in favor of high effluent quality and minimal operating costs - the system works remotely monitored without personnel - optimized. 2007, the results from the European Union and the Berlin Senate will be presented.

The 3.5 million-euro project is a collaboration between the KWB, the Berlin Water Works and implemented by Veolia Water and Life in the EU-funded program. On 19 June 2006, formally inaugurated the facility.