HySmart® SBR

Sequencing Biological Reactors (SBRs) are renowned as being one of the most robust and reliable biological systems available for Industrial wastewater treatment due to their enormous flexibility in operating protocol to enable effective treatment of organics and nutrients under a vast range of influent conditions – all in a single vessel.

A wastewater treatment plant at a poultry processing plant in Fiji using SBR technology to treat the wastewater prior to environmental discharge.

Some of the main features of the Hydroflux HySmart® Sequencing Batch Reactor include:

  • Anoxic zones, aeration zones and settlement of biomass all occur in a single tank
  • Minimal Footprint
  • No Clarifier Required
  • No mixed liquor return required
  • Easily configured for high efficiency nutrient removal

Find out more

How the SBR works
SBR Aeration
Applications and Capacities
Photos
Design and Construct

The HySmart® SBR is configured to allow the biological treatment stages of anoxic, aerobic and biomass separation to occur in a single vessel as shown in the diagram below:

 

 

There are six Phases to the HySmart® SBR treatment system being;

Phase Details
1 Anoxic Fill Phase This is the fill stage where wastewater is transferred into the base of the SBR and mixes with the biomass. This causes denitrification and alkalinity recovery to occur.
2 Aeration Fill Phase Filling continues and aeration commences. The aeration phase is where oxygen is introduced into the SBR to encourage the multiplication of aerobic bacteria.
3 Aeration Reaction Phase This stage continues the multiplication of aerobic bacteria and is where the BOD is consumed.
4 Settlement Phase In the settlement phase biomass  is settled in the reactor so that a clear supernatant can be decanted from the top of the SBR
5 Decant Phase Treated wastewater is removed via a floating decanter.
6 Sludge Waste Phase Some  excess biomass is removed from the reactor before the cycle restarts

There are many ways in which an SBR can be configured and in each case, setting of the various sequencing and timing options will depend on the specific wastewater characteristics and the treatment requirements for organics and nutrients.

HySmart® SBRs can be configured in above ground tanks or ponds using various types of aeration methods including fine bubble diffusers, surface aerators and submersible aerators.

Our preference is to utilise fine bubble diffusers where possible as they offer the most sustainable solution in terms of power demand,  although the most suitable means of aeration will always depend on the size and configuration of the aeration basin and the oxygen requirements.

Left: Installation of fine bubble diffusers into an SBR constructed in a lagoon. Right: Submersible aerators are suitable for smaller applications

Left: Surface aerators are most suited to pond systems. Right: Installation of fine bubble diffusers in an SBR tank

HySmart® SBR systems are ideally suited for the treatment of industrial wastewater and to remove organics and nutrients. Hydroflux has installed SBR systems in numerous industry sectors including:


  • Meat and poultry industry
  • Dairies
  • Beverage sector
  • Fruit and vegetable processing
  • Potato and potato chips


  • Vegetable oil processing
  • General Food industry
  • Manufacturing
  • Industrial laundries
  • Paper, cardboard and prinintg


A pond based HySmart® SBR using fine bubble diffusers during filling and commissioning.

Capacities

There is no limit on the capacity of the HySmart® SBR system as the size of the main SBR vessel is dependent on the influent characteristics and output requirements and operated to suit. Hydroflux has constructed SBR systems to treat from 20 KL/day to 10 ML/day.

For larger systems, the HySmart® SBR is usually configured in ponds or multiple tanks to reduce construction costs.

SBR in aeration mode at a food processing facility. SBR in aeration mode at a food processing facility.
Installation of Aerostrip diffusers in an SBR tank. Installation of Aerostrip diffusers in an SBR tank.
SBR lagoon during commissioning. SBR lagoon during commissioning.
Testing of Aerostrip diffusers in an SBR tank. Testing of Aerostrip diffusers in an SBR tank.
Installation of Aerostrip diffusers in an SBR lagoon. Installation of Aerostrip diffusers in an SBR lagoon.
SBR designed in a lagoon with surface aeration. SBR designed in a lagoon with surface aeration.
One of many types of SBR decanter designed and constructed by Hydroflux. One of many types of SBR decanter designed and constructed by Hydroflux.
One of many types of SBR decanter designed and constructed by Hydroflux One of many types of SBR decanter designed and constructed by Hydroflux
Huber Screw presses being used to dewater waste activated sludge from large SBRs. Huber Screw presses being used to dewater waste activated sludge from large SBRs.
Dewatered waste activated sludge from an SBR produced by a Huber screw press. Dewatered waste activated sludge from an SBR produced by a Huber screw press.

Hydroflux employs qualified civil, mechanical, chemical and electrical engineers plus a team of experienced project managers, site supervisors, commissioning engineers and service technicians based in offices in most capital cities providing a local presence throughout the duration of the project.

All projects are conducted under externally approved occupational health and safety, and environmental management systems.

Hydroflux is Australia’s first Water-tech company to achieve Climate Active certifications which means his means you are engaging with a carbon neutral organisation without increasing your carbon footprint and you are supporting positive and verified action on climate change.

Construction of a turnkey wastewater treatment plant at a new food production facility in SA.

Hydroflux can complete all the following works in house which are typically required to construct a wastewater treatment plant.

  • Process design, development of PID’s and HAZOPS reviews
  • Establishment of the most suitable wastewater treatment plant layout
  • Equipment and component selection
  • Civil and building designs including preparation of documentation for council or other regulators
  • Electrical design and programming
  • Project management and site supervision
  • Environmental / Occupational health and safety plans and report
  • Quality assurance plans
  • Earthworks, civil works, building works, mechanical and electrical installation
  • Commissioning, training and documentation as required.

Stainless steel panel tanks are often used for aeration tanks.