Sequencing Biological Reactor (SBR)

The Corix Water Systems' Sequencing Biological Reactor (SBR) is the latest refinement of the proven activated sludge technology and uses modern electronics and instrumentation. Typical applications are larger subdivisions, towns, industrial plants, and institutions. An SBR provides tertiary treatment in one reactor.


  • simple construction
  • reliable operation
  • steel tankage shown (concrete also available)
  • nitrogen and phosphorus reduction

How Sequencing Biological Reactors work

A typical SBR consists of two parallel tanks, each about 12 - 14 ft (3.7 - 4.3 m) deep with the two tanks alternating in operation. The raw sewage passes through a bar screen and then enters one of the two tanks where it is aerated and mixed for approximately two hours per cycle. The large biological colony in this tank consumes the organic fraction of the wastewater, reducing the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and the ammonia. After aeration, which is controlled by dissolved oxygen sensors, the air is shut off, the incoming sewage is diverted to the adjacent tank and the mixed liquor is allowed to settle under perfectly quiescent conditions. After a period of settling, a mechanical decanter draws off the treated supernatant. This effluent can be disposed directly or filtered and/or disinfected prior to disposal or re-use. After the decant cycle is complete, the inlet valve opens to receive the next batch of sewage and the cycle repeats itself with the other tank going into the settle mode.

Advantages and key features

  • nearly unlimited capacities for built-in-place units
  • very effective sewage treatment, including denitrification and biological phosphorous removal
  • package plants are constructed of corrosion-free marine grade aluminum or epoxy coated steel
  • can treat a wide variety of wastes
  • PLC controls and intelligent, experienced programming allow optimal performance
  • single source responsibility from an experienced package manufacturer

Sizing and selection information

All of our packaged sewage treatment plants are custom designed to suit our customer's specific requirements. The important sizing criteria include:

  • average daily flow
  • strength of the incoming wastewater, (BOD5, TSS, ammonia and phosphorus)
  • source of the wastewater, ie., residential subdivision, campground or RV park, commercial development or industrial development
  • flow variations during the day
  • effluent quality required, (BOD5 and TSS) as set by the local health department or environment department
  • requirement for disinfection and preferred technology (chlorination, UV or ozone)
  • additional requirements would include items such as effluent pumps, flow meters, inlet bar screens or comminutors
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