The full scale treatment process of the Agropur cheese factory effluent consists of grit removal by screening, a balance tank,an up flow anaerobic sludge blanket reaction and two sequencing batch reactors.
The SBRs have been operating since 1999 and use fine bubblemembrane discs diffusion system for aeration.
Due to anaerobic digestion, we have a fouling problem on thediffusers that consequently decreases oxygen transfer efficienciesand increases energy cost.
Historically at each year, we interrupt the biological process toreplace membrane discs.
Last year, we tried a new type of membrace, teflon membrae discs.
After ten months of use, Teflon membranes show less foulingthan EDPM, as shown on the attached picures.
With Teflon membranes, we will reduce maintenance frequency and achieve a higher oxygen transfer for a longer time period.
It is the first time we can achieve more thatn a year without maintenace. Presently, we arevery satisfied with Teflon membrane discs operation.
