Comparison of: EcoSBR vs. MBR

Choosing a sewage treatment plant should be a data-driven process, and a comparison of two leading advanced wastewater treatment technologies is being presented so that an informed decision can be made by a customer. A critical balance of performance, cost, and operational reality is critical in choosing the right suitable option.

Cross Process Methadology
EcoSBR: The Batch Process

All treatment phases occur sequentially in a single tank, offering inherent flexibility and simplicity.

1. Fill & React (Aerate)

2. Settle (No Aeration)

3. Decant Clear Water

Cycle Repeats

MBR: The Continuous Flow

Wastewater flows continuously through biological zones, followed by physical membrane separation.

1. Biological Treatment

2. Membrane Filtration

3. High-Quality Effluent Out

Continuous Process

Parameters of comparison

All treatment phases occur sequentially in a single tank, offering inherent flexibility and simplicity.

1. Fill & React (Aerate)

2. Settle (No Aeration)

3. Decant Clear Water

Cycle Repeats

MBBR

Wastewater flows continuously through biological zones, followed by physical membrane separation.

1. Biological Treatment

2. Membrane Filtration

3. High-Quality Effluent Out

Continuous Process

Parameters of comparison

All treatment phases occur sequentially in a single tank, offering inherent flexibility and simplicity.

1. Fill & React (Aerate)

2. Settle (No Aeration)

3. Decant Clear Water

Cycle Repeats

MBBR

Wastewater flows continuously through biological zones, followed by physical membrane separation.

1. Biological Treatment

2. Membrane Filtration

3. High-Quality Effluent Out

Continuous Process

Cost and Energy Comparison
> Cost of Ownership Comparison

MBR's higher capital costs for membranes and significant operational costs for energy and maintenance create a stark contrast with EcoSBR's more economical profile.

> Energy Consumption

MBR requires 2-3x more air for biological treatment and constant membrane scouring, resulting in significantly higher energy use.

Operations

A major differentiator: EcoSBR's automation minimizes human intervention, while MBR demands constant, skilled oversight.


EcoSBR Low / Fully Automated


MBR High / Extremely Demanding

MBR's primary challenge is membrane fouling, requiring intensive chemical cleaning and eventual replacement.

EcoSBR

Minimal maintenance. No in-tank moving parts and air-lift pumps prevent clogging.

MBR

High maintenance. Constant battle with membrane fouling requires chemicals and skilled labour.

Parameters of comparison

Minimal maintenance. No in-tank moving parts and air-lift pumps prevent clogging.

MBBR

High maintenance. Constant battle with membrane fouling requires chemicals and skilled labour.

Parameters of comparison

Minimal maintenance. No in-tank moving parts and air-lift pumps prevent clogging.

MBBR

High maintenance. Constant battle with membrane fouling requires chemicals and skilled labour.

EcoSBR's batch process inherently handles fluctuating loads better than MBR's continuous flow, which is less adaptable to low-flow or shock-load events.

While both systems produce high-quality treated water, MBR's physical membrane barrier provides a superior level of purification, often eliminating the need for tertiary treatment.

Parameter

BOD (mg/L)

TSS (mg/L)

Nutrient Removal

Tertiary Treatment

Pathogen Removal

EcoSBR

< 10

< 10

Superior (Single Basin N & P)

Sand/ Multigrade filter

Requires Disinfection

MBR

< 5

< 1 (Virtually Free)

Enhanced (High Biomass)

Not required due to integrated filtration in membranes

High- However disinfection is required for reuse and recycle

Parameters of comparison

BOD (mg/L)

TSS (mg/L)

Nutrient Removal

Tertiary Treatment

Pathogen Removal

MBBR

< 10

< 10

Superior (Single Basin N & P)

Sand/ Multigrade filter

Requires Disinfection

MBR

< 5

< 1 (Virtually Free)

Enhanced (High Biomass)

Not required due to integrated filtration in membranes

High- However disinfection is required for reuse and recycle

Parameters of comparison

BOD (mg/L)

TSS (mg/L)

Nutrient Removal

Tertiary Treatment

Pathogen Removal

MBBR

< 10

< 10

Superior (Single Basin N & P)

Sand/ Multigrade filter

Requires Disinfection

MBR

< 5

< 1 (Virtually Free)

Enhanced (High Biomass)

Not required due to integrated filtration in membranes

High- However disinfection is required for reuse and recycle

EcoSBR

✔ Low Operational & Capital Costs

✔ Simplicity & Low-Skill Operation

✔ Resilience to Variable Loads

✔ Low Maintenance & Energy Use

MBR

✔ Highest Possible Effluent Quality

✔ Minimum Physical Footprint

✔ Resilience to Variable Loads

✔ Discharge to Sensitive Environments

Parameters of comparison

✔ Low Operational & Capital Costs

✔ Simplicity & Low-Skill Operation

✔ Resilience to Variable Loads

✔ Low Maintenance & Energy Use

MBBR

✔ Highest Possible Effluent Quality

✔ Minimum Physical Footprint

✔ Resilience to Variable Loads

✔ Discharge to Sensitive Environments

Parameters of comparison

✔ Low Operational & Capital Costs

✔ Simplicity & Low-Skill Operation

✔ Resilience to Variable Loads

✔ Low Maintenance & Energy Use

MBBR

✔ Highest Possible Effluent Quality

✔ Minimum Physical Footprint

✔ Resilience to Variable Loads

✔ Discharge to Sensitive Environments