How To Extend The Life Of Your Submerged Membrane Modules

Submerged Membrane Modules are the backbone of membrane bioreactor technology in water purification and wastewater treatment plants. They deliver an exemplary performance for municipal and industrial effluent in equal quantities in perfect design and operation. Nevertheless, to realize their maximum capability, it is significant to learn how to extend their life span. At Primem, we've witnessed firsthand the operational advantages for ourselves in systems that have been running more than a decade with no batch replacement required—testimony to the quality of the membranes and the importance of regular maintenance.

If you run an industrial treatment facility or you're specifying a custom household water filter system, knowledge of the life of membranes is the key to minimizing operating costs and optimizing your system.

What Are Submerged Membrane Modules?

Submerged Membrane Modules are membrane assemblies placed directly within the bioreactor tank in an MBR system. These modules rely on an outside-in filtration mechanism to separate impurities from water, offering high efficiency, low operational pressure, and long service life. We manufacture both reinforced and homogeneous hollow fiber membranes using PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), a polymer known for its chemical resistance, temperature stability, and mechanical strength.

Proven Durability Backed by Performance

Some of our most compelling evidence comes from real-world deployments. Several projects using our Submerged Membrane Modules have been operating for more than 10 years. In Malaysia, systems treating palm oil plant effluents with high total dissolved solids (TDS 4000 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (COD 800 mg/L), and total hardness (1000 mg/L) are still performing optimally with no need for batch replacements. This long service life is the result of both membrane design and correct system operation.

5 Strategies to Extend Life

1. Use Better Materials from Day One

Longevity starts with membrane material. Our Submerged Membrane Modules incorporate PVDF hollow fiber membranes as the most resistant and chemically tolerant material used for membrane production. Our modules have outside-in filtration to provide stable operation in spite of the tough wastewater conditions.

By choosing a trusted supplier like us, you're starting off with membranes designed for extended performance and high resistance to fouling, which is critical for both large-scale plants and household water filter system applications.

2. Cleaning with Minimal Chemical Stress Using Uniforms

Although our membranes are resistant to fouling and can be cleaned, preventive cleaning needs to be performed on a regular basis. Gentle cleaning procedures with authorized chemicals and processes will minimize membrane wear and maintain pore structure to a great degree. Avoid the use of harsh chemicals or long contact time unless absolutely necessary, as they will increasingly further compromise membrane integrity.

3. Closely Monitor Pressure and Flux

Low transmembrane pressure is also one of the factors that render Submerged Membrane Modules energy efficient. It nonetheless should be carefully watched over on a regular basis. Sudden pressure increase could be an indicator of fouling or plugging and, if not checked, tends to reduce membrane lifespan. The same goes when prolonged operation surpasses the recommended flux limit, which overloads the membrane beyond the prescribed load, causing premature wear and tear.

Our membranes are highly efficient in low-pressure operation and generate high flux, saving energy and mechanical stress.

4. Utilize Standardized and Compatible Parts

We provide standard or custom Submerged Membrane Modules to match proper fit and system compatibility. Properly designed modules eliminate points of stress, minimize wear-and-tear by vibration, and maximize fluid flow across the membrane surface. This is particularly important in systems with gradual buildup or expansion over time.

If operating an industrial factory or just replacing a household water filter system, the use of standardized components provides improved durability and maintenance.

5. Use Expert Consultation

Our staff consists of membrane production specialists with more than 18 years of experience. Our expertise goes into each and every membrane we produce. Having technical knowledge from a reliable manufacturer ensures maximum utilization of membranes, identifies early stages of deterioration, and adjusts maintenance schedules according to the feed water parameters.

Why Primem?

We don’t just manufacture membranes—we deliver reliability. With over 100 reference projects worldwide and operations in 15 countries, our Membrane Modules have proven their endurance across challenging environments. Our technology is backed by 16 patents, ISO9001:2015 certification, and decades of R&D expertise.

Our facility accommodates state-of-the-art spinning lines and potting laboratories for manufacturing homogeneous and reinforced hollow fiber membranes. These membranes are the backbone not only of municipal and industrial treatment plants that last for a long time but also of such uses as household water filter systems, where water purity and cleanliness are of primary importance.

We have solutions that are customized to your specifications. Maybe it is a standard or non-standard size membrane module, and we ensure that we give you the flexibility at no cost to quality. Most importantly, we are dedicated to establishing trust—with each membrane, with each project, and with each customer.