Dynamic modeling of an ultrafiltration module for use in a membrane bioreactor

A rigorous approach to mathematical modeling of an open channel cassette module for use in a membrane bioreactor is reported. The idea is to apply the resistance-in-series approach to both forward filtration and backflushing. Additionally, the geometry of the module is modeled using an one-dimensional approach to gain more detailed information of permeate flux, cake mass and transmembrane pressure as a function of the module length. The modeling approach is in good agreement with experimental data for different operating points. Simulation is used to discuss backflushing pressure and efficiency as well as the cake formation as function of the module length.