John Chee Chew Tang

PhD Research Student

Profile:

• B.E. Chemical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, 2006

• May 06 - Jul 06: UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology, Research Assistant
• Nov 05 - May 06: Environmental Management Group Pty. Ltd., Surveyor
• Dec 04 - Feb 05: NatSteel Chemicals (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Trainee Engineer

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Research Project Summary:

The problem of membrane fouling in membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems hinders the widespread application of this technology. Air scouring remains the preferred method for fouling control in submerged MBR systems and solids retention time (SRT) greatly impacts fouling propensity in MBRs.

Air scouring of membranes in submerged MBRs contributes significantly to the total energy consumption in such systems. Hence, the hydraulic performances of submerged hollow fibre MBRs will be related to the hydrodynamic parameters, allowing a better understanding of aeration energy in such MBR configurations. In addition, this is an opportunity to study the effects of bubbling on submerged hollow fibres, which is still not well defined.

A detailed comparison of operating MBRs at different SRTs will also be carried out with two pilot-scale reactors running in parallel. The biomass in the reactors will be characterised and fouling propensities assessed by monitoring the hydraulic performances.

Hollow fibre membrane module kindly provided by USF Memcor.	Pilot-scale MBRs set up at Sydney Water's Malabar sewage treatment plant.

• Prof Vicki Chen
• Dr Pierre Le-Clech
• Prof. Jean-Philippe Croué

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Selected Publications:

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