This article explores how MBBR technology functions in mobile applications, why it suits remote settings, and what operational advantages it brings to decentralized wastewater management.
What Is MBBR Technology?
MBBR (Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor) is a biological wastewater treatment process that uses free-floating plastic media to support the growth of microbial biofilms. These biofilms are responsible for breaking down organic pollutants and nutrients such as nitrogen.
Unlike conventional activated sludge systems, MBBR does not rely on recycling sludge. Instead, it maintains a stable population of microorganisms attached to the media, which remain in constant motion within the aeration tank, driven by either aeration or mechanical mixing.
Why MBBR Is Well-Suited to Remote and Mobile Applications
- Compact, Modular Design
MBBR systems require relatively small tank volumes for the level of treatment they provide. In mobile applications, the entire process can be housed in shipping containers or skid-mounted units, which simplifies transport and deployment.
This is ideal for remote work camps that are often:
- Pop-up or seasonal in nature
- Operating with limited space for infrastructure
- Needing fast installation and commissioning
- Adaptability to Variable Loads
Remote camps—particularly in the oilfield—often experience fluctuating wastewater volumes depending on the number of personnel on site. MBBR systems are highly adaptable to load changes, maintaining performance during peak periods as well as during low occupancy.
- Low Operational Oversight
MBBR systems are self-regulating, which reduces the need for backwashing and makes operation easy. This is particularly important in camps where skilled wastewater technicians may not be readily available.
- Resilience in Harsh Climates
In northern regions or during winter operations, MBBR systems can be installed inside insulated containers with integrated heating and climate controls. The biofilm process itself is also relatively stable in cold temperatures, making it viable in sub-zero environments common to many oil and gas sites in Canada.
- Reliable Effluent Quality
MBBR systems are capable of meeting stringent regulatory discharge limits, including for BOD (biochemical oxygen demand), TSS (total suspended solids), and nitrogen compounds. Advanced systems may include additional polishing steps such as UV disinfection or post-filtration, depending on the receiving environment and regulations.
Conclusion
The Canwest Tanks’ MBBR systems represent a practical, efficient, and technically sound approach to wastewater treatment in remote work camps. Their adaptability, compact design, and operational resilience make them well-suited to the variable and often demanding conditions found in oilfield and industrial camp settings.
As regulatory standards tighten and environmental stewardship becomes more central to industrial operations, the use of biologically robust, mobile treatment systems like MBBR will likely continue to grow—providing clean water solutions even in the most remote locations.