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India’s diverse landscape, from sprawling urban centers to thriving industrial hubs and rural villages, faces a growing challenge in managing its wastewater. With over 72,000 million litres of sewage generated daily, effective Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are vital for protecting public health, preserving water resources, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
At SKF Elixer, we are committed to addressing this challenge with our advanced wastewater treatment plants, powered exclusively by Anaerobic-Aerobic Baffled Reactor (AABR) technology. Our systems are designed to meet the unique needs of India’s residential, industrial, hospital and rural communities, delivering efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions.
This blog explores the various types of STP systems available in India, their working principles, and how SKF Elixer’s AABR-based STPs stand out as a reliable choice for domestic and industrial applications.
Whether you’re a housing society manager in Pune, an industrial operator in Gujarat, or a panchayat leader in Bihar, our insights will help you navigate the world of sewage treatment to find the best solution for your needs.
The Importance of Sewage Treatment in India
India’s wastewater is not adequately treated, with a lot of sewage polluting rivers, lakes, and groundwater, contributing to waterborne diseases. Domestic sewage treatment plants are critical for urban and rural households, while industrial sewage treatment plants ensure compliance with stringent Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) norms, preventing fines of ₹1–5 lakh for non-compliance.
For a residential society of 200 households generating 40,000–60,000 litres of sewage daily, untreated discharge can lead to health costs of ₹5–10 lakh annually. Similarly, industries like textiles or pharmaceuticals, producing 500,000 litres of effluent daily, face environmental and regulatory challenges without proper treatment.
STP systems vary in design and application, each suited to specific needs based on scale, pollutant load, and space constraints. SKF Elixer’s AABR-based STPs offer a versatile, energy-efficient solution, but understanding the broader landscape of STP technologies helps stakeholders make informed decisions.
Types of Sewage Treatment Plants in India
Several STP technologies are used in India, each with unique mechanisms and applications. Below, we outline the most common types, their STP plant working principles, and their suitability, with a focus on how SKF Elixer’s AABR technology compares.
- Anaerobic-Aerobic Baffled Reactor (AABR) STP
AABR STPs, like those offered by SKF Elixer, use a series of baffled chambers combining anaerobic and aerobic processes to degrade organic matter. Wastewater flows through anaerobic zones, where microbes break down pollutants without oxygen, followed by aerobic zones with fixed biofilm media for further treatment.
This dual process achieves 90–95% BOD and COD reduction, producing effluent with BOD <20 mg/L, compliant with CPCB norms. For a 50 KLD plant, AABR treats 45,000–48,000 litres daily, using roughly 30% less energy than conventional systems, saving ₹50,000–₹1 lakh annually. Its compact design and low maintenance make it ideal for residential areas and small industries.
- Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) STP
MBBR systems use floating plastic media to support biofilm growth, combined with aeration to degrade organic matter. They achieve 80–85% BOD reduction and require separate settling tanks, increasing space needs by 20–30% compared to AABR.
MBBR is suitable for medium-scale applications but produces effluent with higher TSS (20–30 mg/L) than AABR or MBR systems.
- Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) STP
SBR operates in batches, cycling through aeration, settling, and decanting in a single tank. It achieves 85–90% BOD reduction and is space-efficient. However, SBR’s complex automation increases operational costs by ₹1–2 lakh annually compared to AABR.
It’s popular for residential complexes but less effective for high organic loads in industrial settings.
- Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) STP
MBR combines activated sludge with membrane filtration (0.01–0.4 microns), producing high-quality effluent (BOD <10 mg/L, TSS <5 mg/L). It’s ideal for urban residential buildings but requires 50–60% more investment and higher maintenance costs due to membrane cleaning.
MBR’s compact design suits space-constrained areas but is less energy-efficient.
- Activated Sludge Process (ASP) STP
ASP, a traditional method, uses aeration tanks and settling basins to treat sewage, achieving 75–80% BOD reduction. It requires large footprints and high energy.
ASP is common in older municipal systems but less suited for modern, space-limited applications.
Difference Between STP and ETP
While STPs focus on domestic sewage treatment, Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) handle industrial wastewater with high chemical and organic loads. For example, a textile factory in Surat generates 500,000 litres of effluent daily with COD up to 1,000 mg/L, requiring specialized ETPs with chemical dosing and advanced filtration.
How Does an STP Plant Work in Residential Areas?
The STP process in residential areas typically involves:
- Screening and Pre-Treatment: Removes debris and solids (2–4 kg per 10,000 litres) to protect downstream systems.
- Biological Treatment: Microbes degrade organic matter, with AABR systems using baffled chambers for 90–95% BOD reduction.
- Secondary Clarification: Settles sludge, producing clear effluent (BOD <20 mg/L).
- Disinfection: UV or ozonation eliminates 99.99% of pathogens, ensuring safe discharge or reuse.
- Sludge Management: Dewatering reduces sludge to 50–100 kg daily for a 50 KLD plant, usable as fertilizer.
For a 200-unit housing society generating 40,000 litres daily, an AABR-based STP treats wastewater for reuse in flushing or gardening, saving ₹1–2 lakh annually on water costs.
AABR-Based STP Solutions
AABR STPs offer solutions for India’s diverse needs:
- Residential Applications: 10–100 KLD STPs treat 8,000–90,000 litres daily, occupying 20–50 square meters. They save ₹50,000–₹1 lakh annually in energy costs, ideal for societies in Delhi or Bengaluru.
- Small-Scale Industries: 50–200 KLD STPs handle high organic loads, saving ₹2–3 lakh annually in compliance and water reuse costs, suitable for food processing units in Punjab.
- Rural Communities: Compact 10–50 KLD systems support decentralized treatment, costing ₹50,000–₹1,00,000 annually to maintain, aligning with Swachh Bharat Mission goals.
Cost of Setting Up STP Plant in India
The cost of setting up an STP varies by technology and capacity. A 50 KLD AABR STP costs marginally less than MBBR, while MBR costs higher. Operational costs for AABR are lower (₹50,000–₹1 lakh annually), with AMCs starting at ₹50,000 per year ensuring 98% uptime. Subsidies under government schemes could offset 20% of costs, making AABR a cost-effective choice.
Why Choose SKF Elixer as Your STP Plant Supplier?
As a leading STP plant supplier, SKF Elixer offers BIS and CPCB-certified AABR STPs designed for India’s diverse climates. With years of expertise, we provide end-to-end solutions, including installation, training, and support.
Our energy-efficient systems and options make sustainable wastewater treatment accessible for residential and industrial clients across India.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of sewage treatment plants in India empowers stakeholders to choose the right solution for their needs. From AABR to MBR, each technology offers unique benefits, with SKF Elixer’s AABR STPs standing out for their efficiency, affordability, and sustainability.
By adopting our systems, communities and industries can achieve cleaner water, regulatory compliance, and a greener future.
Ready to transform your wastewater management? Contact SKF Elixer to explore our AABR-based STP solutions and find the perfect fit for your needs.
FAQs
- What are the different types of sewage treatment plants in India?
Common STP types include AABR, MBBR, SBR, MBR, and ASP. AABR, used by SKF Elixer, combines anaerobic-aerobic processes for 90–95% BOD reduction, while MBR offers high-clarity effluent (TSS <5 mg/L). Each suits specific needs, from residential to industrial applications. - How does an STP plant work in residential areas?
An STP in residential areas screens debris (2–4 kg per 10,000 litres), uses biological treatment (e.g., AABR for 90% BOD reduction), clarifies effluent, and disinfects with UV for reuse or discharge. A 50 KLD plant saves ₹1–2 lakh annually through water reuse. - What is the difference between STP and ETP?
STPs treat domestic sewage (BOD 200–300 mg/L), while ETPs handle industrial effluent with high COD (up to 1,000 mg/L). AABR STPs can be adapted for small-scale industries, saving ₹2–3 lakh annually in compliance costs for a 100 KLD plant. - What is the difference between SBR and MBBR sewage treatment systems?
SBR uses batch processing in a single tank (85–90% BOD reduction), while MBBR uses floating media with separate settling (80–85% BOD reduction). SBR is more automated but costlier (₹1–2 lakh more annually), while MBBR requires more space than AABR or MBR. - What is the cost of setting up an STP plant in India?
Costs vary as a 50 KLD AABR STP costs less than MBBR, and MBR. AABR saves ₹50,000–₹1 lakh annually in energy costs, with AMCs (starting from ₹50,000/year) ensuring 98% uptime, making it the best STP technology for small-scale industries.
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