What is the technology?
We call it MagnaTree
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It's a reimagined membrane bioreactor (MBR) - ours uses biofilms developed on coarse meshes, i.e., "dynamic membranes"
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It's also a new-style of hybrid bioreactor - much of the biological treatment can happen in the biofilms, which are entirely active!
Why is this meaningful?
The mesh is much less susceptible to severe fouling than conventional MF/UF membranes - this means no chemical cleans or sparging! Little to no operator intervention is required!
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Unlike conventional biofilm systems, this isn't diffusion-limited.
How do costs compare?
OPEX: 25 - 50% reduction relative to MBR
CAPEX: 50+% reduction relative to MBR
What is the current status?
Bench-scale validation of:
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400+ days of low-pressure filtration of wastewater w/ order(s) of magnitude lower fouling rate than MBR. ref
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100s of days of filtration of food waste and sludge without employing membrane cleaning.
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Pilot-scale system
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Deployment at the Ann Arbor WRRF starting Fall '23
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