New framework for standardized resistance-in-series-based membrane filtration modeling in wastewater treatment

Graphic showing heterogeneous symbols for specific cake resistance, followed by a new classification framework dividing α into fouling mechanism, fouling consolidation, and location. A table maps old notation to the proposed standardized symbols for MBR filtration models. Membrane filtration models for membrane bioreactors (MBRs) currently suffer from a lack of consistency in nomenclature and notation. This work, conducted under the umbrella of the IWA Task Group on Membrane Bioreactor Modeling and Control, aims to establish a unified notational framework that integrates existing nomenclatures to harmonize terminology and resolve inconsistencies in current modeling practices. The standardized notation encompasses state variables and model parameters, incorporating multiple levels of subscripts where necessary. Beyond improving clarity and comparability among modeling approaches, the proposed framework also helps practitioners by simplifying implementation, reducing coding errors, and improving communication. These benefits ultimately enable more effective optimization of MBR systems for wastewater resource recovery.