BIO-MICROBICS BioBarrier 0.5 User manual

BioBarrier
®
Owner’s Manual
FOR USE WITH
NSF/ANSI Std. 40 Class I / 245 / 350 Class R
BioBarrier®0.5, 1.0, and 1.5
NSF/ANSI Std. 40 Class I / 245 / 350 Class R
BioBarrier®0.5-N, 1.0-N, and 1.5-N
non-NSF/ANSI certified
BioBarrier®2.0, 2.5, and 3.0
BioBarrier®HSMBR®1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0 and 9.0
BioBarrier Owner’s Manual © 2015 Bio-Microbics, Inc. Revised April 2015.
BioBarrier and HSMBR are registered trademarks owned by Bio-Microbics, Inc.
Other trademarks used are registered by their respective owners.

OWNER’S MANUAL
FOR USE WITH
NSF/ANSI Std. 40 Class I / Std. 245 / Std. 350 Class R
BioBarrier®0.5, 1.0, and 1.5
BioBarrier®0.5-N, 1.0-N, and 1.5-N
Non-NSF certified
BioBarrier® 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0
BioBarrier®HSMBR®1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 9.0
GENERAL INFORMATION
The BioBarrier®0.5, 0.5-N, 1.0, 1.0-N, 1.5 & 1.5-N membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment systems are certified by the NSF
International/ American National Standards Institute Organizations to meet NSF/ANSI Standard 40, Class 1 certification for single
residence wastewater treatment devices, NSF/ANSI Standard 245 for nitrogen reduction, and NSF/ANSI Standard 350 Class R for
restricted indoor and unrestricted outdoor use, such as toilet, urinal flushing and surface and subsurface irrigation. All BioBarrier®products
are ETL certified for safety (electrical, environmental, etc.). If you have questions regarding any Bio-Microbics products please contact us
at: 800-753-FAST (3278) or [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
Dear BioBarrier®System Owner
Congratulations! You have a BioBarrier®membrane bioreactor
wastewater treatment system installed on your property.
At the forefront of green technology, the BioBarrier®System by
Bio-Microbics meets the highest industry treatment standards.
Based on environmentally sound and simple scientific principles,
the BioBarrier®process is our continued commitment to improve
small onsite treatment capabilities. You can take pride in knowing
that, with the BioBarrier®system, you will help ensure a clean
environment for future generations.
Please take time to read this BioBarrier®Owner’s Manual, you will
learn important safety precautions, review detailed information on
proper use and care of your system. Designed for minimal
operator attention, the BioBarrier®System is designed for the
simplicity that the onsite wastewater market requires. By
consistently following a maintenance schedule and being mindful
of what can go down your drains, you can enjoy the lasting
benefits of the BioBarrier®membrane bioreactor wastewater
treatment system for decades to come.
If you should desire any further assistance, please
contact Bio-Microbics at [email protected] or
call us at 800-753-3278.
Thank you again for using BioBarrier®!
Sincerely,
Bio-Microbics Team
Topthingsyoucandotoprolong
thelifeofyoursystem:
1.Have the BioBarrier®system inspected and
tank pumped as necessary.
2.Keep track of the substances entering your
system, please review the list of Do’s & Don’ts
3.Keep the BioBarrier®System operating - do
not turn off the blower.
4.Care for your drain field or irrigation system (if
incorporated into your BioBarrier®System).

THE BIOBARRIER® SYSTEM
The BioBarrier®System, is a membrane bioreactor providing primary settling, fecal coliform, BOD, TSS and nitrogen reduction (if needed)
using aeration and anoxic zones, and membrane filtration. The system is contained in locally supplied tanks, either in a two or three
compartment tank, or multiple tanks, with the membrane module always in the last compartment/ tank of the system. The membrane
module itself consists of flat sheet membranes arranged in a cartridge. A high mixed liquor suspended solids concentration in the aeration
zone provides biological treatment and nitrification. The final effluent or permeate is pulled out by the permeate pump through the MBR
membranes leaving behind large organic and inorganic particles for further digestion or wasting.
If nitrogen removal is not needed the system consists of a tank with two compartments or two separate tanks. The first compartment or
tank provides primary treatment - sedimentation and separation of floatables and solids, and is equipped with an outlet screening device
called SaniTEE®. From this screened compartment or tank, the wastewater will flow into the second compartment or tank, which is the
aeration/membrane zone.
If nitrogen removal is needed the system consists of a tank with three compartments, or two tanks totaling at least three compartments,
with exactly two compartments in the second or final tank. The first compartment or tank provides primary treatment - sedimentation and
separation of floatables and solids, and is equipped with an outlet screening device called SaniTEE®. The second and third compartments
must be in the same tank, and the second compartment is where denitrification takes place under anoxic conditions. The third
compartment, the aeration/membrane zone, is separated from the anoxic zone by a baffle wall between the two zones to allow nitrified
waste to enter into the anoxic area for denitrification.
NSF Standard 350 Class R Restricted Indoor Urban Reuse Water
The BioBarrier®system has been tested under NSF Standard 350 Class R (Residential) and is capable of treating residential wastewater
for restricted indoor urban water reuse, which is toilet and urinal flushing. The system design requires a holding tank and plumbing system
for reuse water and shall meet all applicable codes; have proper backflow prevention and protection against cross connections; and is the
responsibility of the local designer/installer. When the reuse water is used for toilet and urinal flushing, additional disinfection should be
considered to provide adequate assurance in preventing microorganism growth in the treated reuse water storage tank and as required by
applicable codes.
The reuse tank shall be located after the BioBarrier®system. This tank shall also incorporate an overflow that allows excess reuse water
to be dispersed in a locally approved soil dispersal system or released into a sanitary sewer system. A potable water make up system
shall also be available to supply water when treated reuse water is not available. This potable water make up system shall include a
properly designed backflow preventer that meets all applicable codes.
NSF Standard 350 Class R Unrestricted Outdoor Urban Reuse Water
The BioBarrier® system has been tested under NSF Standard 350 Class R (Residential) and is capable of treating residential wastewater
for unrestricted outdoor urban water reuse, which is acceptable for use in surface and subsurface irrigation, including irrigation of edible
crops without the edible portion being in direct contact with the treated water. A reuse tank may be required if the irrigation system
requires it. The holding tank and plumbing system for reuse water shall meet all applicable codes; have proper backflow prevention and
protection against cross connections; and is the responsibility of the local designer/installer. Additional disinfection should be considered
A.Tank
B.SaniTEE®
C.Blower & Housing
D.Control Panel
E. Vent
F. Float Tree
G.BioBarrier Reactor
H.Mixing Device
(Optional)
I. Anoxic Baffle Wall
(Optional)
A
B
C
I
G
H
D
E
F

to provide adequate disinfection to prevent microorganism growth in the treated reuse water storage tank and as required by applicable
codes.
If a reuse tank is required for irrigation, it shall be located after the BioBarrier® system. This tank shall also incorporate an overflow that
allows excess reuse water to be dispersed in a locally approved soil dispersal system or released into a sanitary sewer system. If a potable
water make up system is required for irrigation, it shall include a properly designed backflow preventer that meets all applicable codes.
ONGOING SERVICE
DO NOT ENTER THE SEPTIC TANK. Hazards exist in a septic system. All precautions must be followed when inspecting the system.
Keep tank openings covered at all times. Only authorized service personnel should service a septic system. Lethal gases, high voltage electricity,
and other deadly hazards associated with the system.
Only qualified service staff should open access ports and/or covers. Infectious organisms exist in a septic tank. If any contact with wastewater,
immediately wash and disinfect all exposed areas and contactpersonal physician.Failure to do so could result in severe sickness or death.
The BioBarrier® wastewater treatment system operates automatically and continuously. See SERVICE MANUAL for proper maintenance
procedures for the user of the BioBarrier® wastewater treatment system include keeping the vents and the blower housing clear of debris.
The homeowner should monitor the status of the system, substances introduced into the system, and the frequency of required pump-out
as determined by the service provider.
A general evaluation of a BioBarrier® system’s performance can be made using some simple observations which are outlined in the
“Trouble Shooting” guide below. Normal operation of the system would include the following:
INTRODUCING SUBSTANCES INTO THE SYSTEM: While
the FAST®wastewater treatment system will process most
waste produced by the average household, introducing large
amounts of subatances into the system may reduce the
efficiency of the system or stop the treatment process by
destroying the biomass. These substances can be grouped as:
prohibited substances and limited-use substances. Please refer
to the “
DO’S AND DON’TS” list to get familiar with
What You Can Put Down the Drain to maximize the system’s
efficiency and reduce the time period between septic tank
pump-outs.
IN GENERAL: If a substance is harmful to humans or is anti-
biotic in nature, it should not be put into any septic system -
including BioBarrier®. If you have a question regarding the
effect of a particular substance on the BioBarrier® system, call
your Bio-Microbics service technician
NSF CERTIFIED SYSTEMS SERVICE POLICY
All NSF Standard 40, Class 1 certified wastewater treatment
systems (BioBarrier® 0.5, 1.0, 1.5) have an initial service
agreement for two years (two calls per year) included with the
system’s initial purchase price. This service is performed by the
company listed on the blower housing or control panel label.
The NSF service calls ONLY cover NSF Standard 40 certified
systems. Other components of the septic system are NOT
covered.
During an NSF service call, the service company shall inspect
the blower for proper operation, visually inspect the system’s
effluent for clarity, clean the blower intake and assure proper
function of the control panel. If these service calls are not
performed on your NSF certified system, or not all of the items
are checked, please call Bio-Microbics toll-free at 800-753-3278
or [phone].
ONGOING SERVICE
Continual service (or extended service for NSF certified systems
beyond the first two years) is available and may be purchased
through your local Bio-Microbics distributor or current service
provider. This service policy should provide the same services
as the initial NSF service policy, and perform any additional
service that may be required by local regulation.
SEASONAL/INTERMITTENT USE PROPERTIES
The BIOBARRIER® wastewater treatment system will function
normally even if wastewater does not enter the system for an
extended period of time. The power to the system should be left
on during short periods when there is no wastewater flow to the
system. Suggestions for intermittent use (Check with local
regulations before attempting): If the property is going to be
used seasonally and shut down completely for an extended
period of time (e.g. summer use only and then abandoned for
the winter), we suggest that the BioBarrier system be shut
down. The system should be re-started upon return to the
property. Your local service provider may be contacted to
perform this operation. If the property will be used on weekends
only, it is best to leave the system ON continuously throughout
the season for use until an extended period of absence is
anticipated (extended period being at least 3 weeks or more). A
slight odor may be detected for a couple of days while the
system returns to normal operation.
NORMALOPERATINGCONDITIONS
SOUND The BioBarrier®system's blower makes a constant humming noise, much like a household refrigerator. Under normal conditions,
the blower should last 5+ years without need for replacement. If an unusual noise is heard, refer to the Trouble-Shooting Guide.
SMELL A musty, earthy-type of odor is normal. However, if a sewage odor (rotten egg smell) is detected, refer to the Trouble-Shootin
g
Guide.
SIGHT A properly loaded and operated BioBarrier®system will produce effluent that looks like tap water. If the effluent is turbid, opaque,
or suddenly changes, refer to the Trouble-Shooting Guide.

DO’S AND DON’T’S – What can I put down the drain?
Please refer to the list below for important information on how to help keep your treatment system performing as it
should. Regular Maintenance should be performed by a qualified service company for ensuring the long life of
your system.
DON’T PUT THESE ITEMS DOWN THE DRAIN
FOOD WASTES
ANIMAL BONES / EGG SHELLS
COFFEE GROUNDS / CORN COBS
FRUIT PEELS & RINDS
SKIN / HOME BREWERY WASTE
PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS
BANDAGES / CONDOMS
DISPOSABLE DIAPERS
SANITARY NAPKINS
WET WIPES
CHEMICALS/TOXINS
AUTOMOTIVE FLUIDS
CAUSTIC CLEANERS
HARSH DETERGENTS
FLOOR STRIPPER
HERBICIDES / PESTICIDES
MEDICATIONS / DRUGS
PAINTS - OIL-BASED
QUATERNARY AMMONIA
SOLVENTS / THINNERS
OTHER PRODUCTS
CAT LITTER
CIGARETTE BUTTS
CLOTH TOWELS / RAGS
FILM DEVELOPING WASTE
METAL / PLASTIC OBJECTS
MODELING CLAY
PAPER TOWELS / SCRAPS
PLASTIC BAGS
RV WASTE
STRING / YARN / NYLON
STICKS / YARD WASTE
RECORD KEEPING
Keep copies of all system drawings/plans of the
site/installed equipment/service records with all other
home appliance documents. Record all applicable
information.
LAUNDRY/WATER USAGE
Spread wash loads throughout the week. Instead of
liquid fabric softener, dryer sheets should be used.
Use low-suds, biodegradable and low phosphate
detergents, like Mighty Mike®from Scienco/FAST
(www.sciencofast.com).
LEAKY FIXTURES
Large quantities of water are added to your
wastewater system when you have leaking fixtures.
Timely detection and repair can help to maximize the
life of your system, especially the drain field.
WATER SOFTENERS
The process may tolerate discharge from properly
operating softeners that backwash as needed based
on water usage (DIR) vs. timer operated systems, if
allowed by your local regulatory authority. However,
these discharges can possibly damage other parts of
the septic system.
FOOD WASTES
Garbage disposal waste is acceptable - if allowed by
your local regulatory authority. However, it may lead
to more frequent removal of solids from your septic
tank. For large quantities of food, please dispose of in
the garbage.
FATS, OILS, & GREASE
Be aware grease (i.e. animal fats, vegetable oils, lard,
etc) down the drain may overload or prevent the
bacteria from fully breaking down the waste.
DRAINS FROM GARAGE/WORKROOMS
Should be diverted away from your septic system.
Items like petroleum-based oils, gas, and saw dust
should never enter the system.
DISINFECTANTS / CLEANERS
Use citric acid, chlorine, and/or other biodegradable
cleaners according to the manufacturer’s
recommendations. Products containing quaternary
ammonia or pine oil-based cleaners should not be
used. Use drain cleaners as a last resort to unclog
pipes.
MEDICINES
DO NOT FLUSH THEM DOWN ANY DRAIN. All
antibiotic medicines are harmful to treatment quality.
Unused medications should be returned to the
pharmacy, doctor, or thrown away in the trash.
NOTE: As the human body absorbs ≤20% of these
medications, please notify your service provider of
medicines in the house. This could reduce
troubleshooting efforts and possibly your maintenance
bill.
SEPTIC TANK ADDITIVES / ENZYMES
The wastewater in the system contains all the
required bacteria for proper operation. Additives are
unnecessary; and may do more harm than good.
PAPER PRODUCTS
Use single- or double-ply, non-quilted, white toilet
paper products. Some color dyes in the paper cannot
be eaten by natural bacteria. Non-bleached paper
(brown in color) takes longer to break down and can
therefore increase your biosolids pump out frequency.
Avoid flushing paper towels, napkins, wipes, or other
thicker paper material.
PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING - failure to
do so could result in severe sickness or death:
Only qualified service persons should open any access port on a septic system.
Always secure all access covers of the tank, control panel and blower, so that
people cannot enter without the use of proper tools.
Gases emanating from septic tanks can explode if ignited and is deadly if
inhaled. DO NOT use flame or spark near a septic tank access points and
never enter the septic tank.
Infectious organisms exist in a septic tank. Persons coming in contact with
wastewater must immediately wash anddisinfect all exposed areas and contact
their personal physicians.

DO’S AND DONT’S – in the yard
Always secure all access covers in place so that people cannot enter the tank, control panel or blower without the use of proper tools. DO NOT use flame or spark
near a septic tank’s access points. Gasses emanating from septic tanks can explode if ignited or deadly if inhaled.
Only qualified service persons should open any access port or cover on the system. Hazards such as electric shock and Infectious organisms exist in these areas.
Persons coming in contact with wastewater, must immediately wash and disinfect all exposed areas and contact your personal physician. Failure to do so could result in severe sickness or death.
BLOWER OPERATION
DO NOT turn off the blower for periods longer than 30 minutes.
Treatment quality and drain field life could be reduced. If the
blower appears to be
functioning improperly,
reference the Trouble
Shooting guide in this
manual. If the property
is being vacated for an
extended period (> 3
weeks), see the section
of this manual titled
“Intermittent Use”.
DOWN SPOUTS
Anywhere water is collected, i.e. roof downspouts, pavement
runoff, or sump pump/house footing drains, the water should be
diverted away from the septic tank or drainfield.
TRAFFIC / LANDSCAPING
Do not drive over any portion of your system
(tank, piping, drain field) except for normal
yard traffic, i.e. lawn mowers, etc. Tanks (H-
20) can be made for under roadways,
driveways. If possible, deter traffic by using a
fence or create a landscaped area with
shallow root plants (ornamentals, bushes,
decorative grasses, and/or flowers). Don’t plant trees near any
portion of your system (within 30’).
ALARM
The alarm may be silenced using the “RESET” button on the
panel’s front. Service assistance may be obtained from the local
Bio-Microbics distributor or Bio-Microbics, Inc. Information
located on the control panel labels may be required to obtain
accurate assistance.
VENTS / INTAKES
Keep the BioBarrier®
system’s vent clear of debris
such as leaves and snow. Do
not allow the blower housing
louvers to become blocked
with any debris. Clean the
blower’s inlet filter at least
annually.
STRUCTURES
Do not build patios, carports, or other structures over any part of
your septic system; as this may cause damage.
BIOSOLIDS (SLUDGE) REMOVAL
To determine when pump out is required; a maintenance
provider should measure the biosolids in the tank(s) on a regular
basis. Please see the service manual for specific procedures.
NSF®INTERNATIONAL
CERTIFIED SYSTEMS SERVICE POLICY
All NSF (National Sanitation Foundation)/ANSI Standard 40 Class I / Standard 245 / Standard 350 Class R certified wastewater
treatment systems (BioBarrier®0.5, 0.5-N, 1.0, 1.0-N, 1.5, and 1.5-N) have an initial two-year service agreement included with the
system’s initial purchase price (two service calls per year). The NSF service calls ONLY cover NSF certified systems; other
components of the septic system are NOT covered.
If there are any deficiencies in the BioBarrier®system’s operation or components, the service person will notify the owner in writing and
detail when these deficiencies can be fixed.
The company listed on the blower housing or control panel label performs this service. During an NSF service call, the service
company shall inspect the blower for proper operation, visually inspect the system’s effluent for clarity, clean the blower air filter and
assure proper function of the control panel. If these service calls are not performed on your NSF certified system, or not all of the items
are checked, please call Bio-Microbics at: 800-753-FAST(3278) or [phone]
For continual service of NSF certified systems beyond the first two years, an extended service agreement is available through your local
Distributor or current service provider. This policy should provide the same services and may include any additional services that are
required by local regulation.

LIMITED WARRANTY
Bio-Microbics, Inc. warrants every new residential BioBarrier®system against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years after installation or three years from the
date of shipment, subject to the following terms and conditions, and commercial BioBarrier HSMBR®system for a period of one year after installation or eighteen months from date of
shipment, whichever occurs first, subject to the following terms and conditions:
During the warranty period, if any part is defective or fails to perform as specified when operating at design conditions, and if the equipment has been installed and is being operated and
maintained in accordance with the written instructions provided by Bio-Microbics, Inc., Bio-Microbics, Inc. will repair or replace at its discretion such defective parts free of charge.
Defective parts must be returned by owner to Bio-Microbics, Inc.’s factory postage paid, if so requested. The cost of labor and all other expenses resulting from replacement of the
defective parts and from installation of parts furnished under this warranty and regular maintenance items such as filters or bulbs shall be borne by the owner. This warranty does not
cover general system misuse, aerator components which have been damaged by flooding or any components that have been disassembled by unauthorized persons, improperly
installed or damaged due to altered or improper wiring or overload protection. This warranty applies only to the treatment plant and does not include any of the house wiring, plumbing,
drainage, septic tank or disposal system. Bio-Microbics, Inc. reserves the right to revise, change or modify the construction and/or design of the BioBarrier®system, or any component
part or parts thereof, without incurring any obligation to make such changes or modifications in present equipment. Bio-Microbics, Inc. is not responsible for consequential or incidental
damages of any nature resulting from suchthings as, but not limited to, defect in design, material, or workmanship, or delays in delivery, replacements or repairs.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. BIO-MICROBICS SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
NO REPRESENTATIVE OR PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY OTHER WARRANTY OR TO ASSUME FOR BIO-MICROBICS, INC., ANY
OTHER LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE OF ITS PRODUCTS.
Contact your local distributor for parts and service.
SERVICE AFTER THE FIRST TWO YEARS
An Extended Service Policy is available and may be purchased through your local Bio-Microbics distributor. The extended service policy should provide the same service checks as the
initial NSF service policy, sludge accumulation levels inthe septic and FAST tanks, and perform any additional service required by local regulation. Extended service on NSF certified
systems should be performed twice per year.
BioBarrier ID