Redefining Efficiency in Industrial Wastewater Treatment: The AquaMax™ MBR Pack by UHER

In the dynamic landscape of industrial water management, the demand for solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable and cost-efficient has never been greater. Traditional Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) systems, while powerful, have long been hampered by high energy consumption and frequent maintenance needs—challenges that directly impact a facility’s operational expenditure (OPEX) and carbon footprint. Enter the AquaMax™ MBR Pack from UHER Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based EPC specialist, which isn't just an incremental improvement but a fundamental re-engineering of the MBR process. By harnessing the power of advanced materials science and innovative mechanical design, the AquaMax™ Pack delivers a paradigm shift in biological wastewater treatment.

Beyond Aeration: The Core Innovation

The most revolutionary aspect of the AquaMax™ MBR Pack is its no-aeration PTFE-MBR technology. Conventional MBRs rely on a constant, energy-intensive stream of air blown beneath the membrane modules—a process known as "air scouring"—to prevent solids from clogging the membrane pores (fouling). This aeration can account for up to 70-80% of the system's total energy use

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UHER’s AquaMax™ Pack completely eliminates this need. Instead of air, it employs a patented low-frequency mechanical shaking mechanism. This gentle, reciprocating motion creates a controlled relative movement between the membrane fibers and the mixed liquor, effectively dislodging any potential foulants without the abrasive wear caused by air bubbles. The result is a staggering 90% reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional aerated MBR systems. This isn't just a cost-saving measure; it's a direct contribution to a client’s sustainability goals by drastically lowering the system’s operational carbon emissions.

The Power of PTFE: Unmatched Durability and Performance

This mechanical innovation is perfectly paired with the use of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) hollow fiber membranes, a material renowned for its extreme resilience. Often known by the brand name Teflon, PTFE offers a suite of advantages that make it ideal for the harshest industrial environments:

• Extreme Chemical Resistance: PTFE membranes can withstand strong acids, strong alkalis, and powerful oxidizing agents like sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), which would quickly degrade conventional PVDF membranes

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  . This allows for aggressive and effective chemical cleaning protocols to fully restore flux without damaging the membrane.

• Exceptional Mechanical Strength: With a lifespan projected at over 15 years—three times that of standard PVDF membranes—PTFE fibers can endure the mechanical stress of the shaking system and the rigors of industrial operation for a decade or more. They are guaranteed for 5 years without interruption.

• Superior Fouling Resistance: The unique three-dimensional microstructure and inherent hydrophobicity of PTFE create a surface that contaminants struggle to adhere to. This translates to stable, high-flux performance and dramatically extended cleaning intervals of up to 6 months. This low fouling propensity is a key factor in achieving the system’s low OPEX [[1], [4]].

• High Porosity & Permanent Hydrophilicity: Despite being naturally hydrophobic, UHER’s PTFE membranes are engineered with permanent hydrophilicity through a chemical bonding process. Combined with a porosity of up to 90%, this ensures a high and stable water production rate per unit area of membrane.

A Complete, Plug-and-Play Solution for Industry

The AquaMax™ MBR Pack is not just a membrane module; it’s a fully integrated, containerized treatment system designed for rapid deployment. It combines an A/A/O (Anaerobic/Anoxic/Oxic) biological process with the advanced PTFE-MBR technology in a single, skid-mounted unit. This design philosophy means:

• Fast Deployment: The system arrives ready for a "plug-and-play" installation, eliminating the need for extensive civil works and lengthy commissioning periods—a critical advantage for fast-track projects or remote sites.

• Consistent, High-Quality Effluent: The system reliably produces effluent that meets stringent discharge standards, such as China's GB18918-2002 Class A and Malaysia's Environmental Quality Act 1974 Standard A, with typical outputs of COD <50 mg/L, BOD <10 mg/L, SS <10 mg/L, and NH4-N <5 mg/L.

• Operational Simplicity & Quiet Operation: Without the need for large, noisy blowers, the AquaMax™ Pack operates quietly and with minimal moving parts, reducing both noise pollution and maintenance complexity.

The Bottom Line: A New Standard for Sustainable Water Treatment

For industrial clients across Southeast Asia—from semiconductor fabs and pharmaceutical plants to food & beverage processors and municipal utilities—the AquaMax™ MBR Pack represents a new standard. It directly addresses the core pain points of traditional biological treatment: high energy bills, frequent downtime for cleaning, and the risk of membrane failure in aggressive waste streams.

By integrating cutting-edge PTFE membrane technology with a groundbreaking no-aeration mechanical cleaning system, UHER has created a solution that is not only more efficient and durable but also fundamentally more sustainable. The AquaMax™ MBR Pack embodies UHER’s mission to develop cost-effective technologies that solve industrial challenges through sustainable engineering innovation, transforming wastewater from a liability into a manageable, and even reusable, resource. In a world where every kilowatt-hour and every drop of water counts, the AquaMax™ Pack is a powerful tool for building a smarter, greener future.