Description of Technology

The System is a Secondary Treatment Unit (STU) that includes a circuitous flow train through a primary sedimentation compartment, anaerobic treatment compartment, and aerobic contact/ filtration compartment all within the treatment tank.

The Bio-Microbics BioBarrier® MBR and HSMBR are membrane bioreactor (MBR System), designed to remove BOD, TSS, nitrogen and Fecal Coliform. The system is installed before the soil absorption system (SAS), designed and constructed in accordance with 310 CMR 15.100 – 15.279. The HSMBR® models can be used in a Single Train -SN or a Dual Train – DN.

The System is in a three compartment tank. The membrane module always in the last compartment and the anoxic zone connected to the aeration zone via a baffle wall. The wastewater from a facility enters the system’s settling zone in the first compartment for primary sedimentation and floatables retention. On the outlet side in this first compartment is a SaniTEE® screen, to provide screening. The second compartment serves as the anoxic zone and contains a mixing pump. The third compartment is the aeration zone containing the membrane module, a permeate pump and an air supply from the System’s remote installed blower unit. The membrane module consists of flat sheet membranes arranged in a cartridge. A high mixed liquor suspended solids concentration in the aeration zone provides biological treatment and nitrification. A portion of the nitrified wastewater is returned to the anoxic chamber for denitrification by the mixing pump action via patent pending ports in the baffle wall separating the two zones. The final effluent or permeate is pulled out by the permeate pump through the MBR membranes leaving behind large organic and inorganic particles for further digestion or wasting.

The System may be equipped with chemical feed to provide a carbon source for anoxic denitrification when required by the wastewater constituents. The aeration system runs when the permeate pump is activated by a float system. The aeration system provides scouring for the membranes and oxygen to the biological process. When the permeate pump is not running the aeration system runs on a timer that activates the blower based on a pre-determined time. The off time provides a resting period for the MBR unit. The rest periods allow the membranes to relax which helps in membrane filtration capability. When the aeration operates the solids are broken up by turbulence.

Massachusetts Technology Approvals

Approval Type	General	Remedial	Provisional	Pilot
Secondary Treatment
Nitrogen Removal Credit
Phosphorus Removal Credit

Please check the Title 5 Innovative/Alternative Technology Approval Letters webpage at Massachusetts DEP for the most up-to-date information.

Real-World Data

Test Center Reports & Data