MBBR Technology

What is MBBR?

Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor: Efficient and Flexible Wastewater Treatment Technology

The Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) is an advanced wastewater treatment technology widely used in various industries and municipal wastewater treatment. Developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s by Norwegian researchers, MBBR was designed to address some of the limitations of traditional biological treatment methods such as activated sludge and trickling filters. It combines the strengths of activated sludge and biofilm media while overcoming their shortcomings, making it a more efficient and compact solution for wastewater treatment.

How Does MBBR Work?

The MBBR system works by introducing thousands of small plastic carriers (biofilm carriers) into the reactor tank. These carriers provide a large surface area for microorganisms to attach and grow. As wastewater flows through the reactor, the microorganisms decompose organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other contaminants, effectively purifying the water.

Key Components of MBBR

1

Reactor Basin

The reactor basin is the core of the MBBR system where wastewater undergoes biological treatment. It is filled with biofilm carriers, and aeration helps mix the carriers with the wastewater.
2

Carriers (Media)

The small plastic carriers are designed to provide a high surface area for biofilm growth. The carriers are shaped like rotating wheels, allowing them to float and move freely in the water, ensuring optimal contact with contaminants.The data is from the latest inspection report assessed by independent third parties.
3

Aeration System

The aeration system supplies oxygen to the reactor, helping the microorganisms break down organic pollutants. It also helps keep the carriers suspended in the water, enhancing the treatment process.
4

MBBR Media Retention Screen

To prevent carriers from escaping, a sieve is installed at the bottom of the reactor, allowing water to pass through while retaining the carriers.

Through these components, MBBR can effectively treat wastewater, removing organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

AAO Process and MBBR’s Role

In many wastewater treatment systems, the AAO (Anaerobic/Anoxic/Oxic) process is often implemented for efficient removal of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus. In this process, the wastewater undergoes a sequence of three stages:

1

Anaerobic Stage

The first stage, where microorganisms break down organic matter without oxygen, reducing the influent’s BOD (biochemical oxygen demand).
2

Anoxic Stage

In this stage, nitrogen is removed through denitrification, where bacteria convert nitrate to nitrogen gas in an oxygen-limited environment.
3

Oxic Stage

This is where aerobic bacteria in the presence of oxygen degrade organic matter and further remove nitrogen, ensuring high-quality effluent with minimal contaminants.

MBBR plays a crucial role in the Oxic Stage of the AAO process. The biofilm carriers in the MBBR provide an optimal surface for the growth of microorganisms responsible for breaking down organic matter and nitrifying ammonium into nitrate. The system operates efficiently in the aerated conditions of the Oxic Stage, achieving superior nitrogen removal and reducing the hydraulic retention time (HRT) required for effective treatment.

Advantages of MBBR

MBBR vs. Traditional Methods

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Activated Sludge Process (ASP): MBBR outperforms ASP in removing chemical oxygen demand (COD) and handling organic loads. The use of biofilm carriers provides greater surface area and efficiency than the activated sludge process.

Trickling Filter: While trickling filters use a bed of material for microorganism attachment, they require more maintenance and are prone to clogging. MBBR, on the other hand, is more efficient and requires less monitoring and maintenance.

MBBR

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Industrial Applications of MBBR

MBBR technology is used in a wide range of industrial sectors, especially those requiring efficient and low-maintenance wastewater treatment systems. Examples include: