OxyMem MABR Deployment and Retrofit
As easy as one, two, three…
OxyMem MABR is and extremely easy means of enhancing treatment on an existing wastewater treatment plant. Upgrading and enhanced ammonia removal has never been easier. Individual modular MABR units (modules) are easy to load, transport and deploy. How and why?
OxyMem MABR (Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor) is a unique attached growth biofilm (fixed film) aeration system for wastewater treatment which allows for low-energy delivery of oxygen from the carrier side.
Instead of having only suspended and dispersed microbial cells within a biological reactor, where traditionally oxygen from bubbles has had to make it's inefficient way into the suspended biomass to sustain life and reduce pollutants, OxyMem has engineered a more natural, preferred way for the bacteria to exist and obtain oxygen – biofilm layers attached to an array of gas-permeable membranes, housed within a robust portable modular unit. The OxyMem solution provides a surfaces where biofilm are happy to grow and obtain oxygen in an extremely efficient manner..
As this all has been neatly designed into a relatively small size module (check dimensions here), which fits perfectly into commonly-used shipping containers. Following dispatch, the MABR modules are received on site by clients and easily deployed:
Watch our video explainer (40 seconds animation).
ONE: DROP IN
Drop in the module into existing WWT Plant
OxyMem MABR module is easy to transport and install thanks to its shape, size and other purposely designed-in features.
Typically no additional civil works, process downtime or over-pumping is needed.
Tanks may not require draining; negating need for confined space entry.
You can simply drop in one or more modules into "live" operational tanks without interfering with the current day to day operating processes on site. Effluent is not at risk during upgrade.
Environmental licenses to discharge untreated or partially treated wastewater may not be required as your plant is being improved, thus minimizing any potential negative impact on the surrounding ecological environment and receiving watercourse. .
You can place modules in multiple ways. A few noted below:
- Hang from cross beams
- Support from the floor; frame or blocks
- Attach to the side of the tank; frame or outstands
- Where necessary it may be possible to stack modules, to provide even more intense performance within a limited plan area of tank.
After step one: ‘Drop in’ is completed, and modules are dropped in into your wastewater treatment plant, you only need to…
TWO: TURN ON
Turn on small blower, 10m3 air will do the job thanks to the extremely efficient bubbleless aeration!
10m3 of air is more than sufficient for oxygenation.
The reason for it is that MABR uses hollow tubes to deliver oxygen directly to bacteria growing on the membranes, with little resistance. In comparison, any conventional system relies on the complicated dynamics of moving oxygen molecules across a bubble surface into a bulk liquid and in turn into suspended biomass that needs to be mixed and kept in suspension to avoid settlement. In addition to multiple physical and chemical limitations, and consideration of alpha factors etc, traditional aeration systems need a lot of pressure to even create a single ~1mm diameter bubble 5 or 6 meters under water. This process is energy intensive and often sees up to 70% of the delivered oxygen going off to atmosphere without having reached the dispersed bacteria, that requires oxygen to live and grow.
OxyMem MABR gives a low energy delivery of oxygen directly to bacteria growing in 3-dimentional biofilm structure.
THREE: START
Start the enhanced biological treatment
Within a short time from immersing OxyMem MABR modules into your wastewater, a biofilm establishes. When mature this intense attached-growth biofilm inventory can considerably improve your wastewater treatment. Both treatment intensity and bioligical treatment capacity is expanded; with the bacteria accumulating, converting, and consuming wide range of water pollutants.
In addition to targeting enhanced nitrification, OxyMem MABR units may be considered where clients seek COD reduction and SND (simultaneous nitrification and denitrification).
Contact us to learn more about other OxyMem MABR benefits and how it can work for your wastewater treatment plant.
