Suspended media membrane biological reactor process including suspension system

Abstract

A wastewater treatment system is provided comprising a biological reactor having a separation subsystem, a suspension system and a membrane operating system. The separation subsystem is constructed and arranged to maintain adsorbent material in the biological reactor with a mixed liquor. The suspension system is positioned in the biological reactor and is constructed and arranged to maintain adsorbent material in suspension with mixed liquor. The membrane operating system is located downstream of the biological reactor and is constructed and arranged to receive treated mixed liquor from the biological reactor and discharge a membrane permeate.

1 . A process for treating wastewater comprising:
 introducing mixed liquor into a biological reactor;   introducing adsorbent material into the biological reactor with the mixed liquor;   suspending the adsorbent material in the mixed liquor using a gas, under operating conditions that promote adsorption of contaminants from the mixed liquor by the adsorbent material; and   passing an effluent that is substantially free of adsorbent material from the biological reactor to a membrane operating system while maintaining adsorbent material in the biological reactor.   
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein liquid is circulated in the biological reactor to promote the suspension of the adsorbent material.