UK HQ Your time

Biological Systems (MBBR / MBR / SBR)

Moving bed biofilm reactors, membrane bioreactors, and sequencing batch reactors for high-BOD wastewater with nutrient removal and reuse applications.

Since 2016
Global Delivery
Performance Guaranteed

System Overview

MBBR Media

HDPE biofilm carriers (Kaldnes K1 type) with 500+ m²/m³ surface area for high-rate advanced biological treatment in compact tanks.

Membrane Bioreactor (MBR)

Submerged hollow-fibre UF membranes (0.04 µm) for direct solids separation producing reuse-quality effluent.

Nutrient Dosing

Automated urea/phosphoric acid (N/P) dosing, caustic for alkalinity, and methanol/ethanol for denitrification carbon source.

Anoxic / Aerobic Zones

Integrated anoxic denitrification and aerobic nitrification zones with DO cascade control and internal recirculation.

MBBR Biological Container Layout

Hover and click components to explore biological system details

SCADA Panel
SCADA Control Panel

PLC with 10" HMI monitors DO, pH, MLSS, and blower performance. Remote access via 4G. Automated nutrient dosing control.

  • Siemens S7-1200 PLC with Ethernet
  • 10-inch HMI with process mimic displays
  • 4G remote access via secure VPN
  • DO trending with automated blower speed
  • MLSS alarm and wasting control
S7-120010" HMI4G RemoteDO Ctrl
Fine Screen3mm
Inlet Drum Screen

3mm perforated drum screen removes debris and protects downstream biological process. Auto wash and compaction discharge.

  • 3mm perforations for fine screening
  • Automatic high-pressure wash system
  • Compaction zone reduces water content
  • SS316 construction for durability
  • Overflow bypass for high-flow events
3mm Perf.Auto WashSS316Compaction
Inlet Pump
Inlet Lift Pump

Submersible sewage pump with float level control. Handles screened influent with variable flow capability.

  • Submersible design for wet well installation
  • Float level control for automatic operation
  • VFD-compatible for flow pacing
  • Capacity range 1-20 m3/h per unit
  • SS316 impeller for corrosion resistance
SubmersibleFloat Ctrl1-20 m3/h
EQ TankFlow Balance
Equalisation Tank

Balances hydraulic and organic loading peaks. Retention 8-12 hours at average flow. Submersible mixer prevents solids settling.

  • Retention time 8-12 hours at design flow
  • Submersible mixer prevents solids settling
  • Ultrasonic level control with alarm
  • SS304 construction with internal baffles
  • Odour cover with ventilation extraction
8-12h RTSub MixerLevel CtrlSS304
Anoxic TankDenitrification
Anoxic Denitrification

Pre-denitrification zone for nitrogen removal. Nitrified liquor recycled from MBBR. ORP controlled at -100 to +50 mV.

  • Pre-denitrification for total nitrogen removal
  • Nitrified liquor recirculation from MBBR
  • ORP controlled at -100 to +50 mV setpoint
  • Submersible mixer only — no aeration
  • Internal recycle pump with flow control
ORP CtrlMixer OnlyN-Recycle-100 mV
MBBR Reactor 1BOD Removal
MBBR Reactor Stage 1

K1 media fill ratio 50-70%. Fine bubble aeration with DO control at 2-3 mg/L. Target 90%+ BOD removal.

  • Kaldnes K1 media with 500 m2/m3 surface area
  • Media fill ratio 50-70% for optimal mixing
  • Fine bubble aeration with DO control
  • Target DO setpoint 2-3 mg/L
  • 90%+ BOD removal at design loading
  • Low sludge yield compared to activated sludge
K1 MediaFine BubbleDO 2-390%+ BOD
MBBR Reactor 2Nitrification
MBBR Reactor Stage 2

Nitrification stage with increased aeration. Target NH4-N under 5 mg/L. Protected media retains biomass during shock loads.

  • Second stage for nitrification (NH4 to NO3)
  • Higher aeration rate for nitrifier growth
  • Target NH4-N under 5 mg/L effluent
  • Protected media retains biomass
  • Shock-load resistant biofilm design
K1 MediaNitrificationNH4 <5Shock Resist
Blower 1Duty
Duty Aeration Blower

PD blower delivers air to fine bubble diffusers. VFD controlled for DO optimisation. Sound-insulated enclosure.

  • Positive displacement blower design
  • VFD speed control from DO setpoint
  • Sound enclosure under 72 dB at 1m
  • Air filter and silencer fitted
  • Vibration isolation mounts to frame
PD BlowerVFD<72 dBEnclosed
Blower 2Standby
Standby Blower

Auto-starts on duty blower failure. Ensures continuous aeration and process stability at all times.

  • Auto-start on duty blower failure
  • Ensures no disruption to React phase
  • Same specification as duty blower
  • Weekly auto-exercise test function
Auto-StartStandbyPD Blower
ClarifierSettling
Secondary Clarifier

Gravity settling tank for biomass separation. Scraper bridge with central feed and peripheral weir. SRT controlled by wastage.

  • Gravity settling for biomass separation
  • Scraper bridge with central feed well
  • Peripheral V-notch effluent weir
  • SRT control via sludge wastage rate
  • SS304 construction with epoxy coating
Gravity SettleScraperPeripheral WeirSRT Ctrl
RAS Pump
Return Activated Sludge

Returns settled biomass from clarifier to MBBR inlet. Flow ratio 50-100% of influent. VFD for SRT management.

  • RAS flow ratio 50-100% of influent Q
  • VFD control for SRT optimisation
  • SS316 construction for biomass service
  • Flowmeter for ratio verification
  • Timer backup control if VFD fails
RAS 50-100%VFDSRT CtrlSS316
WAS Pump
Waste Activated Sludge

Controls sludge age by wasting excess biomass. Timed or MLSS-controlled operation. Directs waste sludge to thickening.

  • MLSS-controlled or timer-based operation
  • Maintains target sludge age 10-20 days
  • SS316 construction for biomass service
  • Flow totaliser for mass balance tracking
MLSS CtrlTimedSS316
Effluent Tank
Final Effluent Tank

Buffer tank for treated effluent. Level-controlled discharge pump. Sampling point and overflow protection.

  • Buffer storage before discharge
  • Level-controlled discharge pump
  • Composite sampling point
  • SS304 construction with overflow alarm
  • pH probe for final compliance check
BufferLevel CtrlSample PtSS304
P DosingFerric
Phosphorus Removal

Ferric chloride dosing for chemical phosphorus precipitation. Target PO4-P under 0.5 mg/L. Flow-paced dosing.

  • Ferric chloride for chemical P removal
  • Target PO4-P under 0.5 mg/L
  • Flow-paced dosing from influent flow
  • Inline rapid mixer for precipitation
  • Day tank with low-level alarm
Ferric Cl.PO4 <0.5Flow-Paced
Thickener
Sludge Thickener

Gravity thickener concentrates waste sludge from 0.8% to 3-4% DS. Reduces downstream dewatering load and cost.

  • Gravity thickening for WAS concentration
  • Concentrates from 0.8% to 3-4% dry solids
  • Scraper bridge with central feed
  • Thickened underflow pump control
  • SS316 construction for corrosion
Gravity3-4% DSScraper
Discharge
Effluent Discharge Pump

Final effluent delivery pump. VFD controlled from level sensor. Rated for discharge head requirements.

  • Centrifugal pump for clean effluent
  • VFD controlled from tank level sensor
  • SS316 construction for corrosion
  • Rated for discharge head to sewer
  • Pressure transmitter for monitoring
VFDLevel CtrlSS316
N DosingUrea
Nutrient Dosing

Urea and phosphoric acid for nutrient-deficient wastewaters. Maintains optimal BOD:N:P ratio for biological process.

  • Urea for nitrogen supplementation
  • Phosphoric acid for phosphorus
  • Maintains BOD:N:P at 100:5:1 ratio
  • Flow-paced dosing from influent Q
  • Day tanks with level alarms
UreaH3PO4100:5:1Auto-Dose
Safety
Safety Equipment

Emergency shower and eyewash. Chemical spill containment tray. Fire extinguisher and first aid kit.

  • Emergency safety shower with tempered water
  • Eye wash station with foot pedal
  • Chemical spill containment tray
  • Fire extinguisher (CO2 or foam)
  • First aid kit and safety signage
EmergencyShowerSpill Tray
Sludge Tank
Sludge Holding Tank

Thickened sludge storage with slow-speed mixer. Tanker connection for off-site disposal. Level alarm.

  • Thickened sludge storage with mixer
  • Tanker connection for licensed disposal
  • High-level alarm and overflow protection
  • SS316 construction for corrosive service
  • Heating jacket option for cold climates
MixerTanker PortLevel Alarm
MCC PanelVFD Drives
Motor Control Centre

VFD drives for all pumps and blowers. Full motor protection. IP65 enclosure with ventilation fan.

  • VFD drives for pumps and blowers
  • Overload and short-circuit protection
  • IP65 enclosure with ventilation fan
  • Profinet integration to SCADA
  • Star-delta starters for large motors
VFD DrivesOverloadIP65Ventilated
pH Correct
pH Correction

Effluent pH adjustment with inline probe and mixer. Maintains pH 6.5-8.5 for discharge compliance.

  • Inline pH probe with auto-cleaning
  • Acid/alkali dosing with closed-loop
  • Static mixer for rapid dispersion
  • Maintains pH 6.5-8.5 for discharge
pH 6.5-8.5Inline ProbeAuto-Dose
Sampling
Sample Point

Inlet, process, and effluent sampling. Flow-through cells for online COD, NH4, TSS analysers.

  • Inlet raw wastewater sample point
  • Mid-process MBBR sample point
  • Final effluent sample point
  • Online analyser flow-through cells
COD/NH4/TSSOnlineFlow Cell
SCADA
MBBR Reactor
Aeration
Chemicals
Pumps
Tanks
Sludge
Screening

Detailed Process Specifications

Parameter10–25 m³/h25–50 m³/h50–100 m³/h100–200 m³/h
MBBR Media Volume15–25% fill, 500 m²/m³20–30% fill25–35% fill30–40% fill per train
MLSS (MBR)8–12 g/L8–12 g/L10–15 g/L10–15 g/L
SRT15–30 days15–30 days20–40 days20–40 days
HRT4–8 hours4–8 hours6–10 hours6–10 hours
DO Control2-point (aerobic/anoxic)Cascade 3-pointCascade 3-point + VFDFull cascade + VFD per zone
BOD Removal>95% (MBBR) / >98% (MBR)>95% / >98%>95% / >98%>95% / >98%
Nitrogen Removal80–90% (if anoxic zone)85–95%90–95%90–95%
Phosphorus RemovalBio-P + chemical precipitationBio-P + chemicalBio-P + chemicalBio-P + chemical
Post-TreatmentClarifier + sand filter + UVClarifier + disc filter + UVDisc filter + GAC + UV/OzoneDisc filter + GAC + UV/Ozone
Power18–30 kW30–50 kW55–90 kW100–180 kW
SCADATier 2–3: AdvancedTier 3: AdvancedTier 3–4: EnterpriseTier 4: DCS

Typical Applications

Brewery Wastewater

High-BOD effluent from brewing, mashing, and cleaning operations.

Poultry Processing

High-BOD, high-TSS wastewater from slaughter and processing.

Dairy & Cheese Production

Milk processing washwaters with high organic loading.

Food Manufacturing

Bakery, confectionery, and prepared food production waste.

Winery & Distillery

Fermentation waste with high COD and seasonal flows.

Municipal Package Plant

Small community sewage treatment with nutrient removal requirements.

Related Process Trains

MBR Systems

For direct reuse applications requiring membrane-quality effluent.

Anaerobic + Aerobic

For very high COD/BOD (>3000 mg/L) with energy recovery.

DAF

Pre-treatment for oil removal before advanced biological treatment.

Operating Principle

Process Mechanism

Pre-engineered systems installed in standard ISO shipping containers for rapid deployment. Factory-tested before dispatch with minimal site installation requirements.

Performance Monitoring

Integrated sensors and PLC control provide real-time visibility into operational efficiency, enabling predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics.

Fail-Safe Design

Redundant safety systems and emergency shutdown protocols protect personnel and equipment in all operating conditions.

Adaptive Control

SCADA-compatible control architecture automatically adjusts parameters to match influent variations, maintaining consistent effluent quality.

Construction & Materials

Manufactured inside reinforced ISO shipping containers with climate control, lighting, and spill containment. All process equipment is skid-mounted and pre-piped for plug-and-play operation. Container modifications include personnel doors, ventilation, and lifting lugs for rapid deployment and relocation.

ISO Container

Standard 20ft or 40ft ISO containers with CSC certification for global shipping and road transport.

Climate Control

Insulation and HVAC systems maintain internal temperature for equipment protection in extreme environments.

Plug & Play

Pre-wired control panels and pre-piped process skids. Connect inlet, outlet, and power to commence operation.

Related Pages & Equipment

Equipment Catalogue

Browse our full range of water treatment equipment and systems.

View Page

DAF Systems

Dissolved air flotation for solids and oil separation.

View Page

Lamella Clarifiers

High-rate settling for primary and secondary clarification.

View Page

Biological Treatment

Activated sludge, MBBR, and SBR systems for organic removal.

View Page

Sludge Dewatering

Belt press, centrifuge, and screw press dewatering.

View Page

Chemical Dosing

Automated coagulant, flocculant, and pH correction systems.

View Page

Pilot Testing

Validate process performance with on-site pilot trials.

View Page

Speak to Our Engineers

Request a consultation or quotation for your project.

View Page

Aeration & Oxygen Transfer

Aeration accounts for 50–70 % of a biological plant’s electrical Operating expenditure — designing it well is the single largest lifetime saving.

Need Detailed Specifications?

Our engineers provide detailed P&ID drawings, container layouts, and equipment specifications for your selected Process.

Industries We Serve

Our expertise spans multiple industries with sector-specific water treatment solutions.