Biological Treatment is essential for environmental sustainability, regulatory compliance, and reliable plant performance. Biological Treatment systems are the core of secondary treatment, using microbial activity to remove organic pollutants from wastewater.
At AIMEQUIP, we offer fully integrated, turnkey biological treatment systems, engineered to meet stringent performance criteria across municipal, industrial, and remote applications. Our solutions are modular, scalable, and compliant with EPA, ANZECC, and other international discharge standards.
Understanding Biological Treatment
Biological treatment processes utilize the metabolic activity of microorganisms to convert organic and inorganic pollutants into harmless end-products such as carbon dioxide, water, and stabilized biomass (sludge). These processes fall into two main categories:
- Aerobic Treatment: Microorganisms require oxygen to metabolize pollutants. Suitable for BOD removal and nitrification.
- Anaerobic Treatment: Microorganisms function without oxygen, converting organics into methane-rich biogas. Suitable for high-strength wastewater and energy recovery.
Our systems are supported by advanced automation, real-time monitoring, and smart control systems, ensuring high operational efficiency and low lifecycle costs.
Activated Sludge Systems (ASP)
The activated sludge Biological Treatment process is a widely adopted aerobic treatment system that uses suspended microbial biomass to degrade biodegradable organics in wastewater. The process involves aerating the influent in large tanks to promote microbial activity, allowing bacteria and protozoa to form flocs that metabolize organic matter. After treatment, the mixture flows to a clarifier where the biomass settles out as sludge, part of which is recirculated (RAS) while excess (WAS) is wasted.
AIMEQUIP’s activated sludge systems are designed for high removal efficiencies of BOD (>95%), COD, and TSS, and can be integrated with anoxic and anaerobic zones to achieve biological nutrient removal (BNR). These systems can handle wide variations in flow and organic loading, making them suitable for municipalities and industries. Our designs emphasize aeration efficiency, with energy-optimised diffusers or surface aerators and advanced DO control.
Key Features:
- Continuous-flow or extended aeration configurations
- Fine bubble or surface aeration systems
- Integrated nutrient removal (N and P)
- Return Activated Sludge (RAS) and Waste Activated Sludge (WAS) loops
- SCADA-integrated process control
Applications:
- Municipal WWTPs
- Industrial plants (textiles, food & beverage, pulp & paper)
- Facilities requiring stringent BOD, COD, and TSS limits
Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR)
MBBR Biological Treatment systems represent a modern fixed-film biological treatment method. Instead of relying solely on suspended microbial populations, MBBR uses thousands of small, specially designed plastic carriers that float freely in the aeration tank. These carriers provide a large protected surface area for biofilm growth, allowing high microbial density in a compact footprint. Air is continuously supplied to support aerobic conditions and keep the carriers in motion.
AIMEQUIP supplies MBBR systems with custom-designed carrier media and tailored tank geometries to maximise biofilm performance and reduce reactor volume requirements. These systems are particularly effective for retrofitting existing activated sludge tanks with increased capacity.
Key Features:
- High-rate BOD and ammonia removal
- Resistant to hydraulic and organic shock loads
- Retrofittable into existing tanks
- Lower sludge production compared to ASP
Applications:
- Retrofit/upgrade of underperforming ASP systems
- Industrial wastewater with high variability
- Space-limited installations
Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBR)
SBR Biological Treatment operates in time-sequenced batches rather than continuous flow. A single tank performs all treatment steps of filling, aeration (reaction), settling, and decanting, under automated control. This flexible approach enables excellent control over treatment parameters and is especially useful in areas with flow variability or limited space.
AIMEQUIP’s SBR systems are engineered with fully automated valve systems, decanter arms, and intelligent controllers that manage all cycle phases. These systems deliver high performance in BOD (>95%), nitrogen (>85%), and phosphorus removal (>70%), and can be configured for simultaneous nitrification-denitrification (SND) and enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR). SBRs are ideal for regional councils, mining camps, and seasonal resorts where reliability and flexibility are critical.
Key Features:
- Simplified layout with minimal tankage
- Excellent nutrient removal (simultaneous nitrification/denitrification)
- Fully automated with programmable logic controls (PLCs)
Applications:
- Small to medium-sized communities
- Mining and remote facilities
- Industrial sites with batch-based discharge
Anaerobic Treatment Systems
Anaerobic Biological Treatment is a biological process that operates in the absence of oxygen and is highly effective for treating high-strength organic wastewater. Through sequential stages of hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis—complex organics are broken down into simpler molecules, eventually forming methane-rich biogas. This gas can be captured and used as a renewable energy source, making anaerobic systems a sustainable choice for industries generating large organic loads.
AIMEQUIP provides a range of anaerobic systems, including UASB reactors, EGSB units, and covered anaerobic lagoons, with COD removal efficiencies between 70–90%. These systems feature granular sludge technology, gas-solid-liquid separators, temperature control, and biogas collection domes. Industries such as food processing, distilleries, and pulp and paper plants benefit from low energy demand, reduced sludge generation, and the potential for CHP (combined heat and power) integration.
Key Features:
- Biogas collection and reuse systems (for CHP integration)
- Low energy input with high COD removal rates
- Reduced sludge generation and lower operational costs
Applications:
- Food and beverage industries
- Agricultural wastewater
- Biowaste-to-energy projects
Membrane Bioreactor Systems (MBR)
MBR Biological Treatment combines conventional biological treatment with membrane filtration to achieve exceptionally high effluent quality. Microorganisms digest organic material in the bioreactor, while ultrafiltration or microfiltration membranes physically separate treated water from suspended solids and pathogens. The result is an effluent stream that often exceeds regulatory discharge standards and is suitable for direct reuse.
AIMEQUIP’s MBR systems feature high-flux hollow fiber or flat-sheet membranes, continuous air scouring to prevent fouling, and automated membrane cleaning (CIP). These systems deliver near-complete removal of TSS (100%), BOD (>98%), and pathogens (>99.99%), enabling safe water reuse in irrigation, toilet flushing, industrial processes, or environmentally sensitive discharges.
Key Features:
- Compact design with high mixed liquor concentrations
- Excellent pathogen and virus removal
- Modular membranes (hollow fiber or flat sheet)
- Fully automated cleaning-in-place (CIP) functions
Applications:
- Water reuse and recycling
- Hospitals, hotels, and commercial buildings
- Wastewater discharge to environmentally sensitive areas
System Integration and Automation
All AIMEQUIP biological treatment systems include:
- Intelligent process control (via PLCs/SCADA)
- Online instrumentation (DO, ORP, pH, TSS, NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻ sensors)
- Remote monitoring and alerts
- Energy-efficient blowers, pumps, and mixers
We also offer system commissioning, operator training, and ongoing maintenance agreements to ensure long-term performance.
Why AIMEQUIP?
With years of experience in environmental engineering and industrial process design, AIMEQUIP offers:
✅ End-to-end project delivery: From design to commissioning
✅ Custom design: Engineered for your influent profile and site constraints
✅ High-performance materials: Corrosion-resistant and long-lasting
✅ Operational support: Maintenance, remote monitoring, and troubleshooting
✅ Compliance assurance: Designed to meet Australian and global standards
Let AIMEQUIP help you develop a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable biological wastewater treatment solution.
📞 Contact our engineering team today to discuss your project requirements or request a detailed proposal.