Schwander Polska – the first manufacturer of MBR membrane modules in Poland
MBR (Membrane Biological Reactor) is the most advanced wastewater treatment technology, ensuring the highest quality of treated effluent (filtrate). MBR combines the classical activated sludge process with microfiltration membrane separation. Wastewater treated using this method is considered to meet the highest quality standards in terms of physicochemical and microbiological properties.
Thanks to the use of microfiltration membranes, it is possible to achieve an unparalleled level of effluent purity—often compared to first class surface water quality. The treated wastewater is free from suspended solids, most pathogenic viruses and bacteria, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics. The European Union recognizes membrane filtration as the Best Available Technology (BAT) for wastewater treatment.
Membrane bioreactor technology is a forward looking solution for both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. It maximizes resource recovery, minimizes operational costs, and supports the transition toward a circular economy. The membrane modules used by Schwander Polska® combine the advantages of both hollow fiber and flat sheet membrane technologies.
MBR membranes are used all over the world in the wastewater treatment plants based on membrane bioreactors (MBR) for treating wastewater from various processes, for example:
The new version of membrane filtration modules features a number of improvements that increase capacity, cut energy consumption and reduce maintenance costs even further. Based on tried-and-tested technology that we have used in hundreds of installations for 15 years, new MBR membrane guarantees reliable operation at the lowest possible total cost of ownership.
Each element of the unique membrane modules was designed taking into consideration the conditions at the wastewater treatment plant. As a result, the module ensures fully reliable operation, low operating costs and minimal personnel requirements.
Unique LowResist design gives our membrane module an extremely low pressure drop. It is thanks to the ultra-low transmembrane pressure (TMP) that MBR membranes require much less cleaning and maintenance that other MBRs on the market. The low TMP means there is no pore fouling, just easily removed surface fouling.
It is also the reason MBR filters can run on gravity with just 1 m of water above the module, making it possible to maximize capacity in a tank without having to use pumps.
In our new model we have improved the LowResist technology to reduce the transmembrane pressure even further. The new membranes have open sides, allowing the water to flow freely into the permeate boxes. This leads to a more even pressure distribution over the membrane, which improves capacity and reduces cleaning needs.
The new MBR model features the S Aerator. This new, improved system minimizes air consumption and eliminates the work of cleaning out blockages.
Blockages are a hassle in traditional, multi-line aeration systems. Cleaning and restarting them is a cumbersome, time consuming process. New S Aerator uses a single-line design, making it self-flushing. Any blockages are automatically flushed out when the air pressure builds up. Water that has entered the system due to the blockage is also flushed out automatically, meaning there is no need for manual intervention at any stage.
The self-flushing design makes it easy to turn the air on and off during operation and allows you to run your membrane modules with alternating aeration. This means that in systems with more than one membrane module, air scouring is applied in an alternating manner, not continuously. This is possible without fouling becoming a problem thanks to the extremely low TMP. The big benefit is reduction of energy consumption by 405 is savings in energy, investment and maintenance costs.
The end of the aeration line is a vertical pipe open at the bottom. This design lets you clearly see if you are over-aerating your bioreactor. Any bubbles from the end pipe indicate that the system is receiving too much air.
Membranes are easily installed and replaced thanks to unique QuickSwap™ technology, where each pack can be removed individually, minimizing the lifting height required above the membrane module. This means that MBR membrane modules are especially suitable for indoor or subterranean installations where extra lifting height means more capital cost.
Membranes are easily replaced thanks to the QuickSwap™ technology. With all of the membranes in a module mounted in packs, an entire pack can be replaced in one operation, instead of having to replace each membrane element individually.
To replace a pack, just lower the tank level, take out the old pack and put in a new one. There is no need to take the entire module out of the tank or spend time ensuring each membrane element is in place after replacing the membranes.
The new MBR membrane modules only require two free sides during operation and can therefore be installed side by side in rows, thereby increasing the installed membrane density dramatically.
The range of different module sizes in combination with the low water depth required for gravity operation makes it possible to optimize usage of existing tanks and maximize the installed membrane area. With that solution you get the most membrane area per tank volume.
The high resistance to fouling and absence of pore fouling in MBR membrane makes it possible to operate the bioreactor with up to 50% higher concentrations of suspended solids than other manufacturers’ filters.
One of the greatest advantages of membrane bioreactors is the unmatched quality of treated wastewater, which is independent of the settling characteristics of activated sludge.
The membrane provides an inherent disinfection effect — it acts as an absolute physical barrier that removes all bacteria, most pathogens, and all microplastics. This makes the technology ideal for applications involving reuse of the filtrate, such as irrigation. In Schwander Polska MBR plants, the filtrate is recirculated and used as process water, resulting in significant savings for the operator.
The MBR system is also an excellent solution for removing potentially hazardous compounds, micropollutants, and pharmaceuticals from municipal and hospital wastewater. Recent studies conducted at a wastewater treatment plant in Denmark confirmed the 100% effectiveness of MBR membrane modules in removing microplastic contamination. This ensures that operators receive a solution that not only meets future operational needs but also complies with upcoming regional environmental protection requirements.
The ultra low transmembrane pressure (TMP) that underpins the operation of the Low Resist membrane module minimizes membrane fouling and significantly reduces cleaning frequency. Low TMP prevents pore clogging, meaning that MBR filters require only air scouring/relaxation every 10 minutes and CIP cleaning just 3–4 times per year.
In other words:
Energy consumption is the primary operational cost in MBR treatment plants, making energy efficiency a key challenge. Schwander Polska installations offer the lowest energy consumption on the market by leveraging gravity flow and simplified system design.
The unique membrane module construction enables operation using gravity as the sole driving force, eliminating pump energy costs. The new S Aerator™ diffuser, optimizes air scouring and minimizes blower energy consumption without risking diffuser clogging or increased membrane fouling.
Every detail of the Schwander Polska filtration system has been designed specifically for wastewater treatment applications. There are no moving parts or valves in the sludge, and pump usage is reduced to an absolute minimum. Nothing is left to chance — the system ensures maximum reliability and the lowest possible maintenance requirements.
Moreover, no maintenance activities require removing the module or emptying the tank. If membrane replacement is needed, the unique Quick Swap system allows it to be done extremely quickly, directly inside the tank. Switching to MBR technology does not require advanced staff training — all technologies used in our installation will already be familiar to your personnel.
Ultra low TMP and the elimination of membrane pore clogging mean that only minimal cleaning is required. During normal operation, a 2 minute relaxation period is sufficient to remove surface fouling.
Frequent chemical cleanings are unnecessary — a CIP wash every three to four months is entirely sufficient. The time savings compared to other MBR systems are substantial.
Long CIP intervals also reduce membrane wear and minimize chemical consumption.
| Membrane type | MFP2 |
| Membrane pore size | 0.2 μm |
| Standard operating transmembrane pressure (TMP) | 0.01 ÷ 0.04 bar |
| Typical net flux range | 10 ÷ 30 LMH |
| Maximum temperature | 50°C |
| pH range | 1 ÷ 11 |
1 Depending on actual conditions and wastewater composition
| Module frame | Acid resistant stainless steel AISI 316 |
| Permeate piping and aeration systems | Acid resistant stainless steel AISI 316 |
| Membrane element and spacer | Polypropylene (PP) |
| Membrane | Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) |
| Aeration system type | Coarse bubble diffuser |
| Aeration system construction | Acid resistant stainless steel AISI 316 |
| Air inlet connection | 1½ " BSP / NPT |
| Permeate outlet connection | 2 " BSP / NPT |
