In a membrane bioreactor (MBR), membranes separate mixed liquor solids from the treated water, called permeate. Transmembrane pressure (TMP) is the pressure difference that drives filtration. Read it alongside the rate of water passing through each unit of membrane area, or flux.
Compare like with like
ET-01’s separate MBR example shows TMP rising from 16 to 28 kPa at comparable flux. Check temperature, filtration cycle stage, sensor readings, and the manufacturer’s normalized trend if available. A pressure rise under comparable conditions can signal increasing filtration resistance. Look at air scour, feed changes, and cleaning history before choosing a response.
Follow the permeate
A sudden change in permeate clarity or turbidity calls for its own checks. Confirm the instrument and sample point. Then review membrane integrity, seals, and possible ingress along the permeate route using the site and manufacturer procedures. Keep a trend that links TMP, flux, temperature, and permeate quality to time and operating state. A good trend helps separate the question of how hard the membrane is working from the question of what is passing through it.
Further reading · U.S. EPA membrane bioreactor fact sheet
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