The ANITA Mox process, an advanced ammonia removal technology, is engineered specifically for high-ammonia waste streams like reject water from anaerobic digestion at municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), landfill leachates, and certain industrial wastewaters. ANITA Mox utilises MBBR (Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor) and Hybas technology, allowing over 90% ammonia and 75-85% total nitrogen removal without added carbon sources, using less energy than traditional nitrification-denitrification processes.
THE PRINCIPLE OF ANOXKALDNES ANITA MOX
The ANITA Mox process integrates two steps:
1. aerobic nitritation
2.anoxic ammonia oxidation using anammox bacteria.
These steps occur in one-stage MBBR technology—a biofilm process with nitritation in the biofilm’s outer layer and anammox in the inner layer. Supported by AnoxKaldnes carriers, the biofilm ensures stable and efficient nitrogen removal with a reduced footprint.
The Advantage of IFAS (Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge)
The IFAS (Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge) approach complements the MBBR wastewater treatment process. It retains suspended growth, allowing enhanced nitrite production, which is crucial for higher anammox conversion rates. Some benefits include:
- 2-2.5x higher nitrogen removal rates, reducing system footprint
- Lower operational DO, saving energy
- Greater resilience against influent COD variations
- Lower effluent ammonia levels
REJECT WATER TREATMENT
High-ammonia reject water, often recirculated back into the main wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), demands substantial resources for treatment. ANITA Mox provides a cost-effective alternative by treating nitrogen at a low energy and chemical cost, lowering the nitrogen load on the main line. This method is especially useful for upgrading overloaded treatment plants affordably.
A KEY ELEMENT: THE PLASTIC CARRIERS
A critical component of the MBBR technology used in ANITA Mox are the AnoxKaldnes carriers. These carriers come in different sizes and shapes, such as K3, K5, and BiofilmChip™ M, each designed for specific applications. Their surface areas (ranging from 500 to 1,200 m²/m³) provide optimal biofilm growth for efficient ammonia removal from wastewater.
- K3, with a protected surface area of 500 m2/m3
- K5, with a protected surface of 800 m2/m3
- BiofilmChip™ M, with a protected surface area of 1,200 m2/m3
The BIOFARM Concept For New ANITA Mox Plants
The Biofarm concept supports rapid start-up for new ANITA Mox plants worldwide. Using pre-seeded carriers from existing ANITA Mox plants significantly reduces the start-up period, from 9-19 months to just 2-5 months. At the Sjölunda WWTP in Sweden, the Biofarm supports continuous innovation, allowing flexibility in aeration and mixing methods to optimise MBBR wastewater treatment.
- Medium bubble or fine bubble aeration systems
- Three different types of mixers
- AnoxKaldnes BiofilmChip™ M, K3 or K5 media
This first-of-its-kind Biofarm was designed to treat 200 kg NH₄-N per day, achieving 85% total nitrogen and 95% ammonia removal. With ANITA Mox, facilities in Australia and New Zealand can achieve efficient, low-cost ammonia removal from their wastewater processes.
ANOXKALDNES ANITA MOX FAQs
How does ANITA Mox ensure efficient ammonia removal?
ANITA Mox utilises a single-stage de-ammonification process based on the Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) technology. This system combines ammonia-oxidising bacteria (AOB) and anaerobic ammonium-oxidising bacteria (anammox) within biofilms attached to specialised carriers. This configuration enables the efficient conversion of ammonia into nitrogen gas, achieving ammonia removal efficiencies exceeding 90% without the need for an external carbon source.
Can ANITA Mox be tailored to specific wastewater characteristics?
Yes, ANITA Mox is adaptable to various wastewater characteristics. Its design allows for customization to handle different ammonia concentrations and flow rates, making it suitable for diverse applications, including municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. The system's flexibility ensures optimal performance across a range of operational conditions.
Does ANITA Mox have any eco-friendly features?
ANITA Mox is environmentally friendly due to its low energy consumption and minimal chemical usage. By eliminating the need for an external carbon source and reducing oxygen requirements by approximately 60% compared to conventional nitrification-denitrification processes, it lowers greenhouse gas emissions and decreases the overall environmental footprint of wastewater treatment operations.
Is ANITA Mox suitable for large-scale wastewater treatment plants?
Yes, ANITA Mox is designed for scalability and can be implemented in large-scale wastewater treatment facilities. Its modular design allows for easy expansion to accommodate higher treatment capacities, making it suitable for both small and large installations.
Can ANITA Mox be integrated into existing wastewater treatment infrastructure?
ANITA Mox can be retrofitted into existing wastewater treatment plants. Its flexible design allows for integration with current systems, enhancing ammonia and nitrogen removal efficiencies without the need for extensive modifications.
What kind of monitoring and control systems are used by ANITA Mox to determine water quality?
ANITA Mox employs advanced monitoring and control systems to ensure optimal performance. These systems continuously monitor parameters such as ammonia concentration, dissolved oxygen levels, and pH. Automated controls adjust operational conditions in real-time to maintain efficient treatment and consistent effluent quality.
How does ANITA Mox contribute to odour control in corporate wastewater treatment processes?
By efficiently removing ammonia and reducing the production of odorous compounds, ANITA Mox contributes to improved odour control in wastewater treatment processes. Its effective nitrogen removal capabilities minimise the release of malodorous gases, enhancing the overall environmental quality of treatment facilities.
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