MagnaTree - harnessing biofilms for improved bioreactor efficiency
Lab-scale MagnaTree Prototype
How it Works
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The MagnaTree structure is implemented submerged in a bioreactor
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Wastewater is recirculated through the MagnaTree structure
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Biofilms on the structure's meshes metabolize pollutants
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Bioreactor bulk liquid is filtered through dynamic membranes (biofilm layer that forms on meshes)
Benefits
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Small footprint - operates like a membrane bioreactor
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Improves biofilm treatment - advective rather than diffusion-limited substrate transport
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Very low-energy fouling control - sparging not required
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Simple implementation - designed to be drop-in cassettes for retrofit or as modular treatment systems for decentralized applications
Applications
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Applicable for low to high strength wastewater
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No heating required to date for high methane yields (operation has been around 21 C)
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Strong performance shown at lab-scale for dilute municipal wastewater and high-strength food waste
Ideal for:
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Food & Bev. Industry
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Dairy Processing Industry
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Municipalities in Temperate Climates
Anaerobic Digestion
Municipal Retrofits
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Increase capacity by reducing clarifier solids load (or completely eliminating clarifier need)
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Increase capacity by adding biomass inventory
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Little operational complexity for maintaining dynamic membrane filtration
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Can be used for carbon oxidation and nitrogen/phosphorous removal
Ideal for:
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Secondary Process Intensification (aerobic and anoxic possibilities)
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Primary Filtration