MABR –

Membrane Aerated
Biofilm Reactor
A revolution in the economics
of wastewater treatment
HIGHLIGHTS
Conventional aerobic wastewater treatment is an energy-
intensive process. A large portion of a wastewater
treatment plant’s operational cost is spent on energy
for aeration. Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactors
(MABR) have recently been introduced to the general
wastewater treatment market after decades of research
and development. Emefcy’s MABR dramatically reduces
energy consumption as well as sludge yield and removal
costs. These two components account for 75% of a
WWTP’s operating costs. In cases where nitrogen limits
are low, the Emefcy MABR enables compliance with
simple operation and less addition of an external
carbon source.
HOW IT WORKS
The Emefcy MABR is a spirally wound sleeve with an
internal air-side spacer, through which low pressure air is
blown, and an external water side spacer between wraps
of the spiral. The spiral is submerged in a tank, to which
wastewater is fed continuously and effluent
is discharged by overflow. This solution saves
significant energy by eliminating the need to blow
compressed air into the depth of the water for
aeration, through the implementation of Emefcy’s
patented passive aeration process.
Mixing of the water in the tank is performed by turning
on aeration through coarse bubble diffusers disposed
on the bottom of the tank. The aeration is turned on
periodically, maintaining conditions of a fully mixed tank.
However, the low aeration duty cycle is negligible in
terms of energy consumption.
The process requires a secondary clarifier from which
secondary effluent is discharged, and sludge is returned
to the inlet of the biological process.
Similar to other advanced biological treatment processes
(MBR, MBBR), MABR requires fine screening as part
of the pre-treatment train. Tertiary treatment is optional,
according to requirements, and may include media
filtration and disinfection.

Simultaneous Nitrification and De-Nitrification

Power Consumption Comparison:

Emefcy’s MABR and Activated Sludge
Case description Comparison
Parameter Value Units Emefcy’s Activated
Process Units
Design Temperature 16 (61) °C (°F) MABR Sludge
Wastewater Flow 1000 (0.26) m3/d (MGD) Power
2.7 25.5 kW
consumption
Influent BOD 400 mg/l
Specific power
Influent Ammonia 43 mg/l 0.065 0.612 kWh/m3
consumption
Effluent BOD 10 mg/l
Effluent TN 10 mg/l Power consumption reduction 90%
BENEFITS
Up to 90% less energy required for aeration
Up to 50% reduction in the amount of excess sludge
compared to conventional processes
Inherent simultaneous nitrification and de-nitrification
requiring less operator attention and less external
carbon addition
Modular design which enables
gradual implementation and easier expansion
Odorless and noiseless encapsulated
Simple operation and maintenance
Remotely controlled

Typical Process Flow Diagram

Results of MABR Plant Treating Municipal Wastewater

Decentralized treatment for Flow rate in the range

Application Range neighborhoods, rural villages, of 100 - 1000m3/d
hotel resorts and more
ABOUT EMEFCY GROUP LIMITED
Emefcy offers commercially-proven wastewater
treatment solutions potentially influencing large existing
markets and addressing the growing global need for
clean water in municipal and industrial plants.
Emefcy’s highly skilled multidiscipline team design and
manufactures advanced energy efficient wastewater
treatment while retaining a practical and cost-effective
approach to the needs of the customer.
The company’s initial technology – the Spiral Aerobic
Biofilm Reactor is a modular decentralized wastewater
info@emefcy.com │ www.emefcy.com
treatment solution using 90% less energy than
conventional technologies.
Emefcy’s advanced manufacturing facilities are
equipped with state of the art production machinery,
enabling the company to meet quality and quantity
requirements of its partners and customers.
With several global innovation awards and a strong
scientific background, Emefcy is at the forefront of the
next generation of wastewater treatment.
Emefcy is a public company (ASX: EMC) since 2015.