Microdyn-Nadir says that the membrane bioreactor plants for biological wastewater treatment offer a small footprint and good effluent quality. The driving force for this wastewater treatment technology is the need for cleaner, more environmentally-friendly cleaning of the membrane modules. In 2005, Microdyn-Nadir developed the first back washable flat sheet membrane. This only requires a simple pre-treatment of the feed flow and exhibits extended operation between cleaning cycles. However, some chemicals were still needed for intensive cleaning.

According to Microdyn-Nadir, a newly developed mechanical cleaning process (BIO-CEL^®-MCP) using granulates can now be integrated into the membrane bioreactor. This allows for chemical-free operation and even more importantly a significant enhancement of flux. The use of the Microdyn-Nadir MCP is even suitable for external membrane cleaning of fouled membranes in any condition. With this cleaning process the environment can be protected because chemicals are not uses and no chemical by-products are created. Costs are also reduced significantly.