MBBR

How does MBBR compare to other biological processes?

This article will closely compare the MBBR process, explaining how it works. How it compares to other technologies and how different industries apply it. Discuss biological wastewater treatment processes and the distinct advantages of MBBR. It is still worth noting how MBBR compares to other biological processes. Many plant operators or consulting engineers interested in MBBR currently use other biological processes in their wastewater treatment, so it is worth making some direct comparisons.

There are many types of biological wastewater treatment processes, but two of the most common aerobic biological wastewater treatment methods are activated sludge and trickling filter.

Activated Sludge Process vs. MBBR

The activated sludge process (ASP) shares some similarities with MBBR. In this traditional process, wastewater enters an aeration tank that contains high levels of oxygen. This oxygen helps with microbial growth and the decomposition of organic waste. The water then moves to a sedimentation tank, where the remaining water is settled.

MBBR vs. Drip Filtration

Drip filtration is another popular process. This process uses a layer of material, such as gravel, rock, ceramic, or plastic, to retain microorganisms in the water as they pass over the layer of material. These microorganisms will create a biofilm over time which will then break down the organic matter in the wastewater. Periodically pumping oxygen into the water can make the environment more aerobic.

This process cannot compete with drip filtration when it comes to efficiency or ease of operation. In the case of drip filtration processes, a skilled operator must closely monitor the process. Clogs are a common problem with this process, but they rarely occur in the case of MBBR.

Industrial Applications of MBBR

MBBR has almost endless industrial applications. Any industry that needs to treat wastewater can benefit from MBBR. Many of these industries have wastewater treatment plans that use less suitable or less effective processes. Here are some examples of MBBR systems in industrial contexts:

Pulp and paper manufacturing:

The pulp and paper industry places high demands on water. About 85% of this water is process water, which means that paper mills produce a significant amount of contaminated wastewater that requires on-site treatment. MBBR has proven to be an effective means of treating this wastewater.

Chemical manufacturing:

Manufacturing chemicals produce a large amount of wastewater that contains organic contaminants. This wastewater requires treatment before it can be reused or released into natural waterways. MBBR is an excellent option for chemical manufacturing plants to consider.

Textile mills:

Textile mills must have wastewater treatment plants, as they produce wastewater that needs to be purified. MBBR is an excellent option for textile mills. It can effectively remove dyes and other contaminants and is compact enough to be manageable for small facilities.

Dairy processing:

The processing of dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt creates a large volume of waste that contains biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), among other types of waste. MBBR is a valuable option for treating dairy wastewater because it is exceptionally efficient.

Beverage Manufacturing:

Water is a key ingredient in most beverages, but beverage plants also use water for processes such as cooling and cleaning. These processes result in wastewater that needs to be treated. MBBR is particularly well equipped to keep up with the high demand for water treatment in this industry.

A wide range of industries require wastewater treatment, so examples of industrial MBBR applications abound. Across many different industries, plant operators and consulting engineers have discovered firsthand the value of MBBR as part of their wastewater treatment plant.

Advanced Aeration Technology

Moving bed biofilm reactor technology has made a splash because of the way it combines the strengths of existing biological wastewater treatment processes and improves on those processes to deliver a simple, low-maintenance process that responds effectively to fluctuations and treats wastewater efficiently – all within a compact system.

Any company that produces wastewater and has to treat it later can benefit from the moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) process. A moving bed biofilm reactor is defined as a biological process for treating wastewater, with some unique properties that make it a useful alternative to traditional methods such as activated sludge or trickling filter. MBBR is exceptional when it comes to factors such as convenience, efficiency, and flexibility.

Also read: How MBBR Works for Wastewater Treatment

What are the Benefits of Treating Wastewater with MBBR?

Using moving bed biofilm reactors instead of other traditional wastewater treatment processes can be a strategic move for many industries, as moving bed biofilm reactors come with a range of exceptional qualities.

Small footprint:

A moving bed biofilm reactor is an excellent choice for facilities with space constraints, as it typically has a much smaller footprint than other systems. A moving bed biofilm reactor aeration tank can effectively treat the same amount of water as a much larger tank used for a more traditional process. Primarily, this benefits from the fact that it can provide the maximum surface area by the media for biofilm growth.

Simple:

Another practical advantage of the moving bed biofilm reactor is that it is a relatively straightforward process. The moving bed biofilm reactor allows nature to take its course, minimizing the role of the operator. It is worth noting that operators must be familiar with the process so that they can ensure that everything is working properly at the molecular level. However, the process itself does not require many steps.

Low Maintenance:

The moving bed biofilm reactor is also known as a low maintenance process. Maintenance tasks such as backwashing that the operator would otherwise have to perform are usually not necessary with MBBR. This system is largely self-modifying, so users can trust it to operate effectively without the need for constant and demanding maintenance.

Flexible:

MBBR is naturally able to adapt as needed to changing loads and changes in inflow, as the microorganisms on the conveyors respond to the changes. It allows for resistance to shock loading or sudden spikes in pH levels. A 2014 study on MBBR demonstrated the system’s ability to remain extremely stable when faced with organic, hydraulic, and salt shock loads and quickly return to normal.

Efficient:

One of the most significant advantages of MBBR is its incredible level of efficiency. An MBBR system can operate much faster than alternative water treatment methods. The hydraulic retention time (HRT) for BOD and nitrogen removal using MBBR is approximately three to four hours. The constantly moving media and the large amount of biofilm make this low HRT possible.


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