MBBR Technology and Biofilm Carries
MBBR technology is based on the biofilm principle with an active biofilm growing on small specially designed plastic carriers that are kept suspended in the reactor. The technology utilizes the advantages of both activated sludge and other biofilm systems (e.g. biofilters, biorotors etc.) without being restrained by their disadvantages.
The carriers are designed to provide a large protected surface area for the biofilm and optimal conditions for the bacteria culture when the carriers are suspended in water.
Solutions based on MBBR technology is mainly used in the following applications:
+ For new plants, especially those requiring a small footprint and easy operation, for BOD/COD and nitrogen removal
+ As a high loading system in front of existing biological treatment - roughing reactor
+ To increase the amount of nitrifying bacteria in existing activated sludge system using the WOCK OLIVER carrier in a hybrid plant to meet ammonia limits
+ To implement post-treatment to existing plants for process improvements
MBBR Technology
Technical Details
The aerated MBBR uses, as the activated sludge process, the whole volume of an open tank. It is defined as a biofilm system, as the biomass is growing on carriers that move freely within the reactor volume and are kept within the reactors by a sieve at the reactor outlet. The system can be used either for aerobic or anoxic processes. In aerobic processes the biofilm carriers are kept in suspension by the agitation created by air from aeration diffusers, while in anoxic processes a mixer keep the carriers in movement. A schematic of the principle in an implementation of the WOCK OLIVER MBBR technology is shown below
(Figure 1).
Figure 1: Schematic showing the principle of the MBBR
Small Boss MBBR Biofilm Carries
We supply a range of biofilter media, This product is sold by the cubic metre. These products are suited to fluidized or moving bed tank systems. These are also called "Biofilm Reactor (MBBR)"systems and are used for treatment of water and wastewater.
Self cleaning due to turbulence:
Due to the turbulent movement of the biofilter media in suspension,the filter media is self-cleaning ,requiring no maintenance.This allows the filter to reach optimum effeciveness without the disturbance of periodic maintenance,avoiding unnecessary loss of bacteria within the filter.This allows stable,low levels of ammonia and nitrite within the water.
The first few of these products are similar to the patented kaldnes media used in fish farming and waste treatment .The design creates an environment for effective nitrification to take place .Twater flow is created by aeration tha circulates the media throughout the vessel .This high suface area of these products traslates into a small physical area needed for the biofiltration unit.
Due to vigorous mixing of the kaldnes-like media through aeration,the media is self-cleaning,Requiring no maintenance.This allows the filter to reach optimum effectiveness
Periodic maintenance is not necessary,preventing the unnecessary loss of bacteria and subsequent ammonia and nitrite spikes in the system.
Media volume needed:
with good turbulence and aeration, a feed rate of between 0.25 kgs and 0.75 kgs of 40% protein food per day requires 50 litres of media.
| Model |
Size(mm) |
Specific Surface Area(m2/m3) |
Bio-film formation Duration
(days) |
Nitrification Efficiency |
Preferential Temperature (ºC) |
Services life(years) |
Number of unites per m3 |
| PE01 |
Φ12×9 |
>800 |
5-15 |
400-1200 |
<65 |
≥10 |
>630,000 |
| PE02 |
Φ11×7 |
>900 |
5-15 |
400-1200 |
<65 |
≥10 |
>930,000 |
| PE03 |
Φ10×7 |
>1000 |
5-15 |
400-1200 |
<65 |
≥10 |
>100,000 |
| PE04 |
Φ16×10 |
>800 |
5-15 |
400-1200 |
<65 |
≥10 |
>3340,000 |
| PE05 |
Φ25×12 |
>500 |
5-15 |
400-1200 |
<65 |
≥10 |
>135,000 |
| PE06 |
Φ25×12 |
>500 |
5-15 |
400-1200 |
<65 |
≥10 |
>97000 |
| PE07 |
Φ35×18 |
>350 |
5-15 |
300-800 |
<65 |
≥10 |
>33000 |
| PE08 |
Φ5×10 |
>3500 |
5-15 |
500-1400 |
<65 |
≥10 |
>2000000 |
| PE09 |
Φ15×15 |
>900 |
5-15 |
500-1400 |
<65 |
≥10 |
>230,000 |
| PE10 |
Φ25×8 |
>1200 |
5-15 |
500-1400 |
<65 |
≥10 |
>140,000 |
Density:0.96g/cm3~0.98g/cm3
The core of the MBBR technology are the biofilm carriers. They are designed to provide a large protected surface area for the biofilm and optimal conditions for the bacteria culturea when the carriers are suspended in water.
Small Boss has developed several types of carriers with different shape, size and surface area. This gives us the flexibility to use the best suitable carrier depending on wastewater characteristics, pretreatment, discharge standards and available volumes. Currently we have ten different types of carriers
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