Water Technologies & Solutions case study

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CS1319EN.docx Jun-13

Pfizer Pharmaceuticals (Ireland) MBR for pharmaceutical wastewater

Application: Wastewater Treatment for the Pharmaceutical Industry

Membrane type: ZeeWeed* 500

Commissioned: Spring 2001

challenge In the process of system expansion and retrofit activities, Pfizer has constructed a membrane bioreactor. The decision to employ a SUEZ filtration unit was made following extensive piloting with ZeeWeed Ultrafiltration membranes. The new unit was designed based on the pilot testing.

solution The new membrane bioreactor is operated in parallel to the existing activated sludge unit.

The filtration unit consists of two free-standing ZeeBox units that are operated in parallel. The units are each housed in a special container with a wet section within which the ZeeWeed membranes are installed, and a process section for the process technology and controls. The containers are primarily constructed from 316 SS and have the following dimensions: L x W x H: 12 x 3 x 3 m.

further details Site: Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals, Cork, Ireland Owner/Operator: Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals

Design Flow: 46 – 62.5 m3/h (202 - 275 gpm)

Water Quality

Process Parameter Unit

Average Value Max.

Value

Throughput m3/h (gpm)

46 (202)

62.5 (275)

Temp. Biomass

°C (°F)

20 min. (68 min.)

30 (86)

TS Biomass g/l 6 10 TS Filtration g/l 8 12

Page 2 CS1319EN.docx

ZeeWeed

A

Membrane filtra-tion

Level A Permeate - final clarification ba-

sin

Activated Sludge Tank

B1

Activated Sludge Tank

B2

Final Clarification 1

Final Clarification 2

ZeeWeed B

Membrane filtration

Sludge Over-flow

Sludge Over-flow

Total Permeate

Level B