Siemens and a petroleum research group are collaborating on an operational scale petro membrane biological reactor (MBR) unit to treat refinery wastewater, according to D&WR.
The pilot will be at a Petroleum Environmental Research Forum site in Baton Rouge, La.
In general, the type of system claims reductions in energy cost of 30-40 percent over conventional MBR processes. The type shown in the image is for a typical industrial wastewater treatment unit.
From a size standpoint, the unit also offers increased effluent quality in a smaller footprint and reduced sludge yield.
Siemens is claiming a biosolids reduction in excess of 90 percent for some applications.
Most MBR systems are designed to nitrificate or denitrificate, depending on the need, as well as remove phosphorus and treat stormwater, but this marks the first time it is being put to use in a commercial-scale petroleum refinery.
The system is designed for water treatment applications such as water reuse, upgrades, retrofits and compliance-driven projects.
