The BioBarrier® system is a membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment system designed for primary settling, fecal coliform, BOD, TSS, and nitrogen reduction (if needed) through aeration, anoxic zones, and membrane filtration. It is contained in locally supplied tanks, which can be a two- or three-compartment tank or multiple tanks, with the membrane module always in the last compartment. The membrane module consists of flat sheet membranes arranged in a cartridge. A high mixed liquor suspended solids concentration in the aeration zone facilitates biological treatment and nitrification. The final effluent, or permeate, is extracted by a permeate pump through the MBR membranes, leaving behind large organic and inorganic particles for further digestion or wasting.
Function Description:
The BioBarrier® system operates automatically and continuously. It processes wastewater from single residences and can be configured for nitrogen reduction and restricted indoor/unrestricted outdoor urban water reuse. The system's design for nitrogen removal involves three compartments or at least three tanks. The first compartment provides primary treatment (sedimentation and separation of floatables and solids) and is equipped with an outlet screening device called SaniTEE®. Wastewater then flows into the second compartment, where denitrification occurs under anoxic conditions. The third compartment, the aeration/membrane zone, is separated from the anoxic zone by a baffle wall, allowing nitrified waste to enter the anoxic area for denitrification. If nitrogen removal is not needed, the system consists of a tank with two compartments or two separate tanks, with the first compartment providing primary treatment and the second being the aeration/membrane zone.
Important Technical Specifications:
- NSF/ANSI Certifications:
- Std. 40 Class 1: Certified for single residence wastewater treatment devices (BioBarrier® 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 0.5-N, 1.0-N, 1.5-N).
- Std. 245: Certified for nitrogen reduction (BioBarrier® 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 0.5-N, 1.0-N, 1.5-N).
- Std. 350 Class R (Residential): Certified for restricted indoor and unrestricted outdoor urban water reuse.
- Restricted Indoor Urban Reuse Water: Capable of treating residential wastewater for toilet and urinal flushing. Requires a holding tank and plumbing system for reuse water, proper backflow prevention, and protection against cross-connections. Additional disinfection may be needed to prevent microorganism growth in the treated reuse water storage tank.
- Unrestricted Outdoor Urban Reuse Water: Acceptable for surface and subsurface irrigation, including edible crops (without direct contact with treated water). A reuse tank may be required if the irrigation system needs it, along with proper backflow prevention. Additional disinfection may be considered.
- ETL Certified: All BioBarrier® products are ETL certified for safety (electrical, environmental, etc.).
- Models:
- NSF/ANSI Std. 40 Class 1 / 245 / 350 Class R: BioBarrier® 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 0.5-N, 1.0-N, 1.5-N.
- Non-NSF/ANSI certified: BioBarrier® 2.0, 2.5, 3.0.
- BioBarrier® HSMBR®: 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 9.0.
Usage Features:
- Minimal Operator Attention: Designed for simplicity in the onsite wastewater market.
- Effluent Quality: A properly loaded and operated system produces effluent that looks like tap water.
- Seasonal/Intermittent Use: The system functions normally even after extended periods without wastewater flow. For short absences, the power should remain on. For extended seasonal shutdowns (e.g., summer use only), the system can be shut down and restarted upon return. For weekend-only use, it's best to leave the system on continuously unless an extended absence (3+ weeks) is anticipated. A slight odor may occur for a few days during system return to normal operation.
- Alarm System: The alarm can be silenced using the "RESET" button on the control panel.
- Substance Introduction: The system can process most household waste, but large amounts of harmful or antibiotic substances can reduce efficiency or destroy biomass. Prohibited substances include automotive fluids, harsh detergents, pesticides, medications, paints, solvents, cat litter, cigarette butts, plastic objects, paper towels, and RV waste. Limited-use substances include water softener discharges (if allowed by local regulations) and garbage disposal waste (which may increase pump-out frequency).
- Water Usage: Spreading wash loads throughout the week and using low-suds, biodegradable, low-phosphate detergents are recommended. Leaking fixtures should be repaired promptly to maximize system life.
- Drainage Diversion: Drains from garages/workrooms should be diverted away from the septic system. Roof downspouts, pavement runoff, and sump pump/house footing drains should also be diverted away from the septic tank or drainfield.
- Traffic and Landscaping: Avoid driving over any part of the system (tank, piping, drain field) except for normal yard traffic. Tanks (H-20) can be made for under roadways/driveways. Deter traffic with a fence or landscaped area with shallow-root plants. Do not plant trees near any part of the system (within 30 feet). Do not build patios, carports, or other structures over any part of the septic system.
Maintenance Features:
- Regular Inspections: The BioBarrier® system should be inspected and tanks pumped as necessary.
- Blower Operation: The blower makes a constant humming noise, similar to a refrigerator, and should last 5+ years. Do not turn off the blower for more than 30 minutes, as this can reduce treatment quality and drain field life.
- Vent and Intake Cleaning: Keep the system's vent clear of debris (leaves, snow). Do not block blower housing louvers. Clean the blower's inlet filter at least annually.
- Record Keeping: Keep copies of all system drawings, plans, installed equipment, and service records.
- Septic Tank Additives/Enzymes: These are unnecessary as the wastewater contains all required bacteria for proper operation; they may do more harm than good.
- Paper Products: Use single- or double-ply, non-quilted, white toilet paper. Avoid colored dyes, non-bleached paper, paper towels, napkins, and wipes.
- Biosolids (Sludge) Removal: A maintenance provider should measure biosolids in the tank(s) regularly to determine when pump-out is required.
- Service Policy (NSF Certified Systems):
- Initial Service: Includes a two-year service agreement (two calls per year) with the initial purchase price for BioBarrier® 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 0.5-N, 1.0-N, and 1.5-N models. This covers inspection of the blower, visual inspection of effluent clarity, cleaning the blower intake, and ensuring proper control panel function. Other septic system components are not covered.
- Extended Service: Available for purchase through local distributors or service providers beyond the initial two years. This policy should provide the same services as the initial NSF service policy and any additional services required by local regulation. Extended service on NSF certified systems should be performed twice per year.
- Safety Precautions:
- DO NOT ENTER THE SEPTIC TANK. Hazards include lethal gases, high voltage electricity, and infectious organisms.
- Keep tank openings covered at all times. Only authorized service personnel should open access ports/covers.
- Immediately wash and disinfect exposed areas if contact with wastewater occurs, and contact a personal physician.
- DO NOT use flame or spark near septic tank access points due to explosive gases.
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