A moving bed biofilm reactor is a biological wastewater treatment process, meaning it is a natural process that uses biofilm to remove waste from wastewater. Microorganisms attached to media in the water consume unwanted waste, leaving water cleaner.

This technology emerged in the late 1980s in Norway and has since become a popular means of wastewater treatment due to some significant benefits it offers. This process provides a safe and environmentally sustainable means of removing organic substances, measured in terms of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), as well as achieving nitrification and denitrification.

MBBR can function as a standalone process, but it is often part of a more comprehensive regimen for wastewater treatment. It is typically not the first nor the last method of treatment for wastewater but performs a vital function as part of a multi-step method for purification. This is why many MBBR process flow diagrams you’ll find include other steps, such as grit removal or disinfection in addition to the MBBR aeration tank.

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In MBBR wastewater treatment, a reactor, or basin, is filled with water and thousands of small plastic pieces, known as carriers or media. These media look like hexagonal wheels and are specially designed to provide the perfect surface for waste-consuming microorganisms to thrive. These pieces form a biofilm that provides the solution for removing waste in the water.

The plastic material these carriers are made out of has a density similar to that of water, which allows the media to be evenly suspended throughout the water. Additionally, at the bottom of the reactor, an aeration grid causes the media to remain active throughout the wastewater so they can come into contact with all of the waste in the water. As these pieces flow through the wastewater, the microorganisms living on the media consume the waste in the water. A sieve keeps the media from escaping through the exit of the tank.

– Perfect wastewater solution for space constraints

– Easy to use for inexperienced plant operators

– Resistant to shock loads

– Works quickly with a low hydraulic retention time

MBBR is the only process that uses large number of bio carriers and hence are more robust as compared to SBR & MBR process.

MBBR, SBR and MBR all use RCC process tanks have a life of 30+ years.

Smallest MBBR STP is of 25 KLD for  factories and small hotels, resorts etc.

Pre-fabricated MBBR  is a modular STP. Maximum capacity in single module is 100 KLD. Typically collection tank is provided in underground RCC Tanks. Process Tanks are made of MS with internal FRP lining.

Large capacity MBBR STP can go up to few millions of litres per day and process tanks are constructed in RCC

MBBR process comes with Chlorination, Sand Filter and Activated Carbon Filter. If it is planned to re-use treated water for toilet flushing, then it is advisable to add Disc Filter or Ultra Filtration.