Giant SMBR wastewater reuse plant passes proving test

One of the largest submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) wastewater treatment plants in the world, ACWA MBR’s flagship Al Ansab plant in Muscat, Oman, has successfully gone through its proving process.

The SMBR plant, which will help the area with its pressing irrigation needs, will treat around 220,000m³/d. This initial stage will treat flows of 76,000m³/d using 304 double-deck MBR modules – 121,600 panels in total.



ACWA was awarded the technology contract to supply the membrane units, undertake process design and assist with detailed design, engineering, installation and commissioning of this critical plant three years ago. Plant design was undertaken in collaboration with KAME, the Metcalfe & Eddy joint venture with Lebanese consultant Khatib & Alami. 



The client, the Oman Wastewater Services Company (now Haya Water), opted to use MBR technology because it required a high-quality, economical water supply for irrigation.