The external MBR with Berghof tubular membranes is known to be one of the best available technologies for dealing with refinery wastewater, especially when reuse practices are implemented.
Conventional biological treatments can be challenged by varying influent characteristics, refractory components, toxicity or inhibiting compounds. As a result, nitrogen removal and the high and consistent effluent quality cannot be always guaranteed. The MBR overcomes these constraints with the higher SRT and the more specialized biomass, achieving COD removals higher than 95% and complete nitrification. The most common configuration is based on an initial DAF process for removing the bulk oil, followed by the MBR. Berghof tubular membranes are able to cope with the emulsified hydrocarbons that could eventually leak from the DAF. This is a guarantee of stable and trouble-free operation even with the most complex refinery effluents.
The application in the petrochemical industry in based on the same approach, the main difference being that the range of complex hydrocarbons can be higher, although the variability in the composition is typically narrower and the oil concentration is lower.
The treatment of refinery wastewater is focused on the removal of organic matter with biological processes. After equalization and neutralization (if required), a flotation process is conventionally applied for removing the free and dispersed mineral oils. The clarified stream from the DAF subsequently enters the tubular MBR, where the dissolved hydrocarbons are removed. The ultrafiltration modules, coupled to the biological reactor, produce high-quality treated water that fulfills the most stringent standards for discharge in water bodies. Alternatively, the water footprint can be reduced by reusing this effluent, either directly or after reverse osmosis for uses where desalted water is required.
To prevent fouling and clogging, Berghof Membranes developed its line of robust tubular UF (ultrafiltration) membrane modules based on inside-out crossflow filtration.
Berghof Membranes developed B-SMART®, a customizable external membrane filtration system that can be designed with various features and functionalities.
Bridging the gap between lab-scale testing and manufacturing. Our experts gives you the confidence to apply the technology for your specific wastewater challenges.
The B-CARE® program is an end-to-end comprehensive program developed to support our OEM partners from the piloting/engineering phase to operational system monitoring.
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Berghof Membrane Technology GmbH (BMT), part of the Berghof Group, is the leading manufacturer of tubular membranes for the filtration and separation of process streams and wastewater in a variety of industries.
