Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) technology is an ideal wastewater treatment solution for industrial facilities facing increasingly stringent ammonia discharge regulations. By minimizing infrastructure investment and maximizing treatment capabilities, it elevates traditional lagoon systems that were designed primarily for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS).

Meeting Stricter Ammonia Requirements with Minimal Footprint

Industrial facilities operating conventional lagoon systems in cold climates face a particular challenge in light of new ammonia regulations. Traditional activated sludge systems would require extensive infrastructure expansion and significant capital investment to achieve nitrification in these conditions.

MBBR technology addresses these challenges, providing nitrification capacity with the smallest physical footprint and lowest capital expenditure among available treatment options. These features make it particularly valuable for existing facilities that need to upgrade their capabilities without major reconstruction or land acquisition.

Operational Simplicity: A Flow-Through Approach

One of the most compelling benefits of MBBR technology is its operational simplicity. The system functions on a straightforward flow-through principle: wastewater is pumped to the MBBR unit and then flows by gravity to downstream solid separation systems, typically a dissolved air flotation (DAF) unit.

This simplicity translates to significant operational advantages:

• No return activated sludge (RAS) management required.
• All sludge removed in the solid separation device (DAF, as an example) is considered the  waste activated sludge (WAS). No calculations needed of how much to waste.
• Reduced operator intervention and training requirements.
• Lower operational complexity compared to conventional systems.

MBBR as Part of an Integrated Treatment Solution

While the MBBR technology itself offers many benefits, facilities can unlock its full potential when implementing it as part of a comprehensive treatment solution. Rather than functioning as an isolated component, MBBR can be integrated into a holistic system that includes:

• Pre-Screening and pump stations.
• Equalization systems to manage flow variations and pH fluctuations.
• DAF systems for efficient solid separation (primary and/or secondary).
• Single to multiple MBBR units in series for BOD removal, nitrification and/or denitrification.
• Solid processing capabilities (sludge storage/dewatering).
• Comprehensive maintenance programs.

This integrated approach allows facilities to address multiple treatment objectives simultaneously while optimizing overall system performance and resource utilization.

Expanding Capacity of Existing Facilities

For many industrial clients, completely replacing existing treatment infrastructure is financially prohibitive. MBBR technology offers a pragmatic alternative by enabling facilities to expand their treatment capabilities through strategic upgrades. By incorporating MBBR units into existing treatment trains, facilities can:

• Add nitrification capacity to systems previously focused only on BOD/TSS removal.
• Increase overall treatment capacity without proportional footprint expansion.
• Adapt to seasonal variations in treatment requirements.
• Achieve compliance with new regulations while preserving existing infrastructure investments.

Have questions about MBBR? Our team of experts is ready to help you evaluate if MBBR technology is the right solution for your facility’s needs. Contact us today.