Established 1998 • Industrial & Municipal Water Management

Wastewater Technology

Membrane Bioreactor (MBR)

Biological treatment and membrane filtration in one step — producing reuse-grade water from a footprint a fraction of conventional plants.

The highest-quality effluent, in the smallest space

MBR combines an activated-sludge bioreactor with ultra/micro-filtration membranes, replacing the secondary clarifier entirely. The result is exceptionally clear, low-turbidity effluent that’s ready for recycling — in a compact, modular plant that CWG designs, builds and commissions across Pakistan.

The Technology

What is a membrane bioreactor?

An MBR runs biological treatment at high biomass concentration, then filters the mixed liquor directly through membranes with pores fine enough to hold back suspended solids and most bacteria.

Because the membrane does the solid–liquid separation, there is no need for a settling clarifier or sand filter — cutting the plant footprint dramatically and lifting effluent quality far above conventional systems.

The permeate is consistently clear and low in turbidity, making it ideal for direct reuse in cooling, flushing, gardening or as feed to an RO plant.

The Process

How an MBR works

Wastewater is treated biologically, then filtered through membranes to produce clean, reuse-ready permeate.

1

Screening

Fine screening removes hair, fibre and grit that could foul the membranes.

2

Biological Treatment

A high-MLSS aeration tank lets bacteria break down organic load efficiently.

3

Membrane Filtration

Submerged or external UF/MF membranes separate clean water from biomass — no clarifier needed.

4

Permeate Reuse

Clear permeate is drawn off for reuse or as high-quality RO feed.

Advantages

Why industries prefer MBBR

Reuse-Grade Effluent

Very low turbidity and TSS — water clean enough to recycle directly.

Tiny Footprint

No clarifier or sand filter means a plant a fraction of the usual size.

No Secondary Clarifier

The membrane replaces settling, simplifying the whole flow-sheet.

High Biomass, High Capacity

Elevated MLSS treats more load in less volume.

Modular & Expandable

Add membrane cassettes to increase capacity as demand grows.

Ideal RO Pre-Feed

Consistently clean permeate protects downstream RO membranes.

Performance

Key advantages

Industries Served

Applications

How It Compares

MBR vs conventional treatment

vs Activated Sludge + Clarifier

Higher effluent quality and a far smaller footprint, with no clarifier to upset.

vs Sand-Filter Polishing

Membranes give an absolute barrier — consistently clearer water than media filtration.

vs MBBR

Where MBBR still needs clarification, MBR delivers reuse-grade water in one integrated step.

Local Relevance

Why MBR matters for Pakistan

As water scarcity bites and reuse becomes essential, MBR lets industries and developments recycle their wastewater to a high standard in minimal space — a strong fit for congested sites and businesses targeting zero-freshwater growth.

Your Partner

Why choose CWG

Since 1998, CWG Watch Water Technology has delivered advanced water & wastewater solutions across Pakistan — wastewater plants, RO, demineralization, softening, filtration, specialty chemicals and complete plant engineering. With decades of experience, international technology partnerships and a proven portfolio, we design customised MBBR solutions built specifically for Pakistan’s industrial requirements.

Systems & equipment

Recycle your wastewater with MBR

Share your effluent and reuse targets and CWG will design an MBR plant that delivers reuse-grade water in the smallest possible footprint.