Proteus MB
Built for High-Strength Wastewater, Proven in the Field
The fundamental biological reaction for BOD removal in this system is:
Organic matter (BOD) + O₂ ➔ CO₂ + H₂ O + New cells
Resilience and Stability: The attached biofilm makes the system naturally resistant to shock loads and flow fluctuations, ensuring stable operation even under variable loading conditions.
Proven Efficiency: Our systems typically achieve 90% to 95% BOD removal.
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Enables much smaller reactor sizes for the same organic loading.
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Up to 50% Smaller Footprint.
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Because microorganisms are attached as a biofilm, MBBR is highly resistant to shock loads and flow fluctuations—a common challenge in industrial wastewater treatment.
COMPACT, RESILIENT BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT FOR HIGH-STRENGTH AND VARIABLE WASTEWATER
The Proteus MB (MBBR) is an advanced, attached-growth biological wastewater treatment process designed for high-efficiency organic removal. By utilizing specialized plastic carriers that move freely within a reactor, this technology provides a high surface area for microorganisms to grow as a robust biofilm.
How It Works
The core principle of the MBBR process involves microorganisms consuming organic matter while protected within the surface area of moving media. The system operates through a streamlined five-step process:
Influent: Raw wastewater is introduced into the MBBR reactor tank.
Aeration: A dedicated diffuser system supplies oxygen and keeps the media in constant motion.
Biofilm Treatment: Microorganisms attached to the media carriers rapidly consume BOD and COD.
Screening: Specialized outlet screens ensure the media carriers remain inside the reactor.
Effluent: Treated water exits for final clarification or polishing.
Why The Proteus MB (MBBR) Excels at BOD Removal
High Treatment Capacity: The system maintains a very high biomass concentration, allowing for much higher organic loading compared to conventional activated sludge systems.
Rapid Biodegradation: MBBR is highly efficient at breaking down proteins, sugars, and soluble organics, making it the ideal choice for high-strength wastewater.
Key Advantages
Case Study
From $4M in Surcharge Fees to Nearly Zero
Tomorrow Water converted six unused shipping docks into a fully permitted industrial wastewater treatment facility, turning a cost liability into a competitive advantage for one of the nation's leading tofu manufacturers.
Tofu Manufacturing Industry
Fullerton, California
The Challenge
End customer doubled its Fullerton tofu production facility - adding 100,000 sq ft - generating 300,000 GPD of high-strength food processing wastewater.
Already paying >$1 million/year in sewer discharge fees
Projected cost would escalate to $4 million/year without treatment
No available land for a conventional wastewater treatment plant
Tight timeline to avoid manufacturing disruption
300K
GPD
Wastewater flow treated daily
>75%
Cost Reduction
Annual sewer discharge fees
The Solution
Tomorrow Water identified six underutilized shipping docks and engineered a complete wastewater treatment facility within the existing footprint, with zero new construction footprint required.
Full turnkey scope: permitting, engineering, equipment supply, construction
The Proteus MB (MBBR) selected for high-strength organic removal in compact space
Integrated DAF for pre-treatment and solids separation
Screw press dewatering to minimize sludge disposal costs
6
Shipping Docks
Repurposed into the treatment facility
100%
Turkey
Permit, Design, Build, Commission
“It’s been great working with them. They are very professional and responsible with how they conducted their work here. They were really open to any conversations, and they were open to addressing any problems and any questions that we had. Working with them continually has been a good experience overall.”
-Daniel No, EHS Specialist, Pulmuone Foods USA
Performance Expectations
Under typical conditions, particularly in food and beverage applications, the system achieves the following removal rates:
BOD Removal: 90% – 95%
COD Removal: 85% – 92%
TSS Reduction: 75% – 85%
NH3-N Removal: 80% – 90%
Applications
MBBR is particularly effective for high-strength wastewater and is an ideal choice for retrofitting existing underperforming plants.
Food & Beverage
Pulp & Paper
Chemical & Pharmaceutical
Oil & Gas
Municipal Upgrades
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