About Technologies Ecofixe
Specializing in the biological treatment of wastewater, Technologies Ecofixe Inc. designed the ECOFIXE and BIOFIXE fixed-bed media modules to augment and upgrade capacity of aerated ponds and reactors to intensify their removal of BOD (ECOFIXE) and ammonia even in cold water (BIOFIXE).

THE BIOFIXE SYSTEM
BIOFIXE is a modular fixed-bed media biological wastewater treatment system that intensifies the treatment capacity of ammoniacal nitrogen in aerated ponds and other biological reactors including SBR, activated sludge and oxidation ditch. The BIOFIXE system is a major innovation in the removal of ammoniacal nitrogen in cold water (below 4⁰C). It achieves yields of 98% removal throughout the year and effluent discharge of less than 1 mg NH4 + / L. This cold weather performance is achieved through a patented protective coating on the media which allow the bacteria to survive and continue treating ammonia in temperatures that would typically disable them. The fixed-bed media provides extensive surface area for the beneficial microbes to settle and thrive, and are more easily retained when fixed to a surface. This attached-growth biomass will prevent washout, remove more BOD and/or ammonia and contribute less sludge than suspended growth free-floating bacteria. The treatment capacity is upgraded without needing to upgrade biosolids management.

ADVANTAGES OF THE BIOFIXE SYSTEM
• No additional land or construction required;
• Easy upgrade for existing lagoon or reactor;
• No chemicals;
• Fast and simple installation;
• Modularity allows for phasing;
• Over 50% can be locally manufactured
• Sturdy;
• Energy efficient;
• Low operating cost;
• Treats 100% of the flow;
• Stable and constant performance;
• Significant GHG avoidance

THE BIOFIXE TECHNOLOGY
The BIOFIXE system is composed of modules that are installed directly in the pond/reactor where treatment intensification is desired. The enclosure contains fixed media on which the nitrifying biomass develops, even in cold water. Optimal nitrification will occur when it is installed downstream – typically just after the last aerated zone of the last pond. The module’s stainless steel enclosure is equipped with a flotation system. The media is composed of partially recycled polyethylene with a UV inhibitor. The system is anchored to either the bank of an aerated pond or the base of a reactor. Four fine-bubble aerators under each module ensure maximum oxygen transfer to the biomass and prevent development of preferential pathways within the modules. A simple cleaning protocol is done every 4-6 weeks: 2/3 of aerators are turned off; the increased pressure in the remaining 1/3 cleans the media. This is then rotated to the other 2/3. The modules can be installed between existing aerators (no infrastructure change required) and can be installed without stopping operations of the WWTP. The modules do not interfere with sludge removal operations which can be done with the modules in place. The intensified treatment extends SRT without increasing sludge, so there will be no increase in clarifier loading or sludge removal requirements. The ECOFIXE system is self-sufficient and does not require an operator to be present.