Abstract
Membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology offers an exciting future for wastewater
treatment. A technology that has been in commercial use for little over 10 years
now is finally beginning to show a little of the promise that was expected of
it.
The possible applications of this technology can be found in municipal
facilities as well as industrial facilities that are interested in an effective
recycling technology. The MBR technology is recognized for its ability to meet
strict effluent requirements; to be retrofit; to occupy significantly less space
than traditional systems; and to be greatly economical on a life-cycle basis as
opposed to conventional options available for water recycling. It should be
noted that the predominant numbers of installations of MBR's are in place in
small flow plants or industrial facilities.
The size of this market has been estimated by Frost & Sullivan to be
around €32.8 million in 2002, with the number of players being around 40
to 50. The nature of major players already operating in or exploring the area
seems to be dominated by western European countries such as France, Spain,
Italy, UK and Germany, as well as players from North America and Japan. Key
companies include Zenon of Canada, Wehrle Werk and Huber of Germany, Aquator of
the UK, Kubota of Japan, Norit X-Flow of the Netherlands, VA Tech of Austria and
Ondeo and Veolia Environnement of France.
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