• MBR
    MBR
  • Wärtsilä Hamworthy Membrane BioReactor (MBR) Systems
    MBR 2 2 HIGH RESOLUTION RENDER 20140825
  • Wärtsilä Hamworthy Membrane BioReactor (MBR) Systems
    WWM 05
  • Wärtsilä Hamworthy Membrane BioReactor (MBR) Systems
    Membrane BioReactor (Cruise) b

Membrane BioReactor Systems

The MBR technology from Wärtsilä Water & Waste is based on biological degradation and membrane separation and allows for the treatment of grey and black water to satisfy the most stringent standards.

The process produces the highest quality discharge without requiring any addition or generation of chemicals that are hazardous to the environment or ship operation.

Effluent quality tests conducted by the US National Sanitary Foundation on Wärtsilä’s MBR produced results exceeding the most stringent future legislative pollutant standards envisaged. The technology also achieved outstanding performance in Alaska under the scrutiny of the local authority, USCG and USEPA studies over the past seasons.

We also supply smaller, more compact versions of our MBR systems. Wärtsilä Water & Waste mini-MBRs are ideal for use on smaller cruise and naval vessels, plus ferries with up to a 200 complement, as well as FPSOs and accommodation platforms.

    External membranes

    Wärtsilä’s innovative advanced wastewater treatment technology, with external membrane separation, is based on biological degradation that allows for the high purity treatment of black and grey water to satisfy even the most stringent of standards. The latest system optimisation has achieved over 25% savings on energy consumption plus consumables and more than a 50% reduction in operational man-hours.

    Flux development

    Technology with membranes is developing rapidly. In the 2010 design, flux rates were averaging 20m3/day. In 2015, flux rates improved to 30m3/day. In 2016, the flux rates improved to 50m3/day. An increased flux of 50% decreases up to 50 % of the power requirement, as well as the ability to reduce the number of membranes required.

    Principles of operation

    Black and grey water passes through the fine automatic pre-screen into the bioreactor where the active biomass degrades the organic material. Biomass is circulated through ultrafiltration membrane modules to produce a trans-membrane pressure and scouring velocity. Clean permeate is drawn from the membrane modules. The concentrated biomass is returned to the second stage bioreactor for discharge. Full automation delivers maximum efficiency and minimum man-hour input.

    Benefits
    System benefits Customer benefits
    IMO certified No compliance problems, future proof
    Exceeds USCG, HELCOM and Alaska effluent discharge standards Cruising with peace of mind. The system meets and exceeds the likely regulatory requirements for both new and existing installations
    Simple design & operation compared to submerged membrane or hybrid systems Save time with easy maintenance
    Safe, reliable operation with no coagulation, flocculation, chemical oxidants, or pH neutralisation Operational peace of mind, lower power consumption, and no system blocking
    Compact design saving space and weight Get more space for revenue generating areas such as cabins
    Remote monitoring by specialists Feeling secure, there is always an expert at hand
    Totally integrated systems for wet and dry waste No interface issues between wet and dry waste interface
    Robust construction for long life and low maintenance Lowest possible cost of ownership
    Membrane integrity is visible and secured Easily accessible when needed
    No odour emissions due to biological process More comfort for your personnel and passengers
    Complete flexibility with newbuild, conversion and retrofit options You can receive a complete total package according to your needs
    One supplier, one complete system One point of contact, easier communication

    Plant overview

    MBR-system

    References

    •
      HMS Daring
      The HMS Daring, commissioned in 2009, is the first of six vessels of the new Type 45 class. Each Type 45 Destroyer has an IEP (Integrated Electric Propulsion) system consisting of two gas turbine alternators and two Wärtsilä 12V200 diesel alternators. (photo courtesy of BVT)
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      HMS Daring

    • HMS Queen Elizabeth
      The HMS Queen Elizabeth is the largest ship ever built for the Royal Navy. The prime movers selected for the generating sets are two 12-cylinder and two 16-cylinder Wärtsilä 38 engines for each ship. (photo courtesy of BVT)
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      HMS Queen Elizabeth
    • Queen Mary II
      At the time of her construction in 2003 by Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the Queen Mary II was the longest, widest and tallest passenger ship ever built, as well as the largest. To power this enormous vessel, four Wärtsilä 46 engines with a total output of 67.2 MW were chosen.
      Read more

      Queen Mary II

    References

    Related products

    Contact us

    Please fill in the form, we aim to respond within 1-2 business days depending on the enquiry. For an existing installation, provide all necessary details to identify the installation and the equipment. Fields indicated with an asterisk (*) are required. 

    For spare parts, please e-mail us with the Equipment Serial Number or the name of the vessel at pse@wartsila.com. For urgent support, contact +44 1202 662 693.

    For technical support & service, please email us with the Equipment Serial Number or the name of the vessel at poole.service@wartsila.com. For urgent support, contact +44 1202 662 616.

    Equipment Serial Number is taken from the equipment nameplate and includes all letters and numbers as given on the equipment nameplate.

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