What Is MBBR?
Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) is a biological wastewater treatment process in which small plastic carrier media are kept in suspension inside an aeration tank. Microorganisms colonize the surface of the media and form a biofilm that breaks down organic pollutants in the wastewater. The media moves continuously through the tank, driven by coarse bubble aeration — hence the name "moving bed."
How MBBR Works
The process is straightforward:
- Wastewater enters the MBBR tank, which is partially filled (30–70%) with plastic bio-media carriers.
- Coarse bubble diffusers at the bottom provide the oxygen needed for biological reactions and keep the media suspended.
- A biofilm of aerobic bacteria (and sometimes anoxic zones for nitrification-denitrification) grows on the carrier surface.
- Organic matter (BOD/COD) and ammonia are consumed by the biofilm as wastewater passes through.
- A screen at the outlet retains the media inside the tank while treated water exits.
MBBR vs Conventional Activated Sludge Process (ASP)
| Parameter | MBBR | Conventional ASP |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint | Compact (high biomass per m³) | Larger clarifier needed |
| Sludge recycle | Not required | Required (RAS) |
| Shock load tolerance | High (biofilm is robust) | Lower |
| Operator attention | Low | Higher |
| Upgrade of existing STP | Easy — add media to existing tank | Major civil work |
| Capital cost | Moderate | Lower initially |
What Is Quachip MBBR Media?
Quachip is a high-performance MBBR bio-media carrier manufactured for use in moving bed biofilm reactors. It provides a large protected surface area (typically 500–900 m²/m³ of effective surface) for biofilm growth, is made from food-grade HDPE for chemical resistance, and is specifically designed to remain buoyant and freely moving in an aerated tank.
QuaSys Inc. supplies Quachip MBBR media for new STP/ETP construction and for capacity enhancement of existing treatment plants.
MBBR Applications in India
- Municipal sewage treatment plants (STP)
- Industrial effluent treatment plants (ETP)
- Hotel, hospital, and commercial building STP
- Dairy, food processing, and pharmaceutical effluent
- Upgrading existing ASP plants to meet tighter CPCB norms
To discuss media sizing or a full MBBR system, contact QuaSys at +91 11 29531287.
