Moving Bed Bio-Reactor (MBBR)
Overview
The MBBR system consists of an aeration tank similar to that of an activated sludge tank. Plastic carriers (media) within the MBBR encourage the biological breakdown of substrate in the influent wastewater. The media provide a protected surface area for aerobic and anaerobic bacterial communities, known as biofilm, to thrive. This additional surface area and the mixing of carriers due to the aeration system increases the contact between the biofilm and nutrients within wastewater, leading to higher levels of degradation and therefore increased productivity by the MBBR.
MBBR technology is self-maintaining, optimising levels of biofilm in response to influent wastewater. The biofilm responds to load fluctuations automatically, making MBBR an ideal solution for overloaded wastewater treatment plants. As populations numbers increase in municipalities, MBBR is a cost effective and high efficiency alternative to the building of new treatment plants. Typically, only one feed pump is supplied as part of the MBBR package, but a second pump can be supplied on request. 10mtrs of inlet, outlet and de-sludge hose come as standard.
Advanced Solutions and Technologies Ltd can offer new or retro-fit MBBR plants into various types of existing treatment plants. Please see our Aghagallon Case Study for one such example.
Applications
Key Advantages of MBBR
Small Footprint
High Performance
Cost Effective
Ease of Operation
High Loading Rate
Single Pass Treatment
Resilient to Toxic Shock
No Desludging
Flexible Modular Design
No Mechanical Parts
No Blocking Tendency
Minimal Operator Involvement
Media
To prevent the HDPE carriers from escaping from each cell, a simple screen (see photos) placed on the outlet of each cell within the MBBR prevents any media carry-over from occurring.
Advantages & Applications of MBBR
Whilst most traditional biofilm processes experience clogging and build of head-loss, the MBBR technology incorporates floating carriers meaning the system is not liable to suffer the same disadvantages.
MBBR systems do not require a sludge recirculation line, which is the case for activated sludge systems. The MBBR does need to be de-sludged, but very infrequently, as most residual solids are carried over into the final settling tanks. The unit comes complete with desludge lines to aid both the desludge and drain down (if moving the unit to a new site) process.
MBBR is often installed as a retro-fit to an existing activated sludge plant, to increase the capacity of the system. The degree of filling of carriers can be adapted to the specific situation. Retro-fits cater for an existing treatment plant to increase its capacity without increasing the footprint by constructing new tanks.
The mobile MBBR unit is small enough for easy transport between treatment sites. It can be used as a temporary unit whilst remediation works are carried out on site, or installed as the best solution on small to medium sites. Units can be purchased outright or hired (subject to availability).
The MBBR can be operated in both carbonaceous and tertiary mode. Once the favoured bacteria are established within the unit for carbonaceous or tertiary, the MBBR can easily deal with BOD removal as well as the removal of ammonia via nitrification.
Performance Capability
Design & Energy Saving Features
When constructing new MBBR systems, the filling degree can be adjusted after the build is completed. For example, an MBBR designed with 40% fill of media can later be increased to 70% of media. This could be in response to population increases for municipal wastewater treatment plant or increased wastewater production from an industrial factory.
Retrofitted MBBR’s usually require a downgrade in the size and/or speed of blowers. For example, a converted MBR plant upgraded to an MBBR plant can see energy saving costs of up to 50% compared to original running costs.
Our design features can be made bespoke to suit your needs.