Mobilized Film Technology (MFTSM)

Ecovation has developed an ultra high-rate, anaerobic treatment process known as Mobilized Film Technology (MFT).

In both cost and efficiencies, Ecovation’s patented MFT improves on the expanded and fluidized bed technologies, resulting in the optimal system for removing organic material from high-strength wastewater.

Our patented technology provides the foundation for the Ecovation Edge in the treatment of high-strength organic waste streams.

Ecovation’s MFT demonstrates measurable advantages over other processes:

• Wider applicability to a variety of waste streams, temperature ranges, and loading rates
• Higher treatment efficiency
• Simple system configuration; smaller footprint
• Streamlined and efficient system
• Even distribution of waste stream
• Ability to handle solids (as much as 10,000 mg/l TSS and up to 500 mg/l FOG)

A combination of three features inherent to the MFT distinguish it from competing technologies (click terms or illustrations for expanded definitions):

	1) Immobilization (small footprint populated with highly viable biomass)
	2) Integration (complete biomass management and no build-up of solids)
	3) Plug Flow (lower effluent concentrations than completely mixed systems)

The MFT’s key distinctions allow for the following:

High solids loadings
The high density of biofilm-coated media, compared to wastewater-suspended solids, promotes the passing of undegraded suspended material from the reactor without displacing the active biomass. The MFT can effectively handle total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations that greatly exceed the levels tolerated by other anaerobic technologies. The MFT has successfully managed TSS levels of 10,000 mg/l.

Resilience to shock loadings
The biofilm-coated media can tolerate both shock loadings as well as continous excessive loading rates. The attached microbial films have enough active biomass to handle the high loads and are of such a density that the associated biogas flux rates will not carry them out of the system.

Minimal alkalinity, macro and micro nutrient requirements
Nutrients and alkalinity are blended into the wastewater before introduction into the MFT. Anaerobic microorganisms require approximately 0.005 lbs of nitrogen and 0.001 lbs of phosphorous for every pound of COD converted. Ecovation designs its MFT system to incorporate nitrogen, phosphorous, and any other macro nutrients which may be deficient in the influent waste stream. Additionally, Ecovation uses a proprietary blend of micronutrients in order to provide the MFT with the most balanced diet for maximum removal efficiencies.

Maximum methane production
For every pound of COD converted, 5.61 ft³ of methane gas is produced which can be be used as a renewable fuel source to offset natural gas consumption. Given the greater conversion rates achieved by the technology, pound for pound, the MFT produces more useable renewable energy than competing technologies.