Technologies & Licensing
From Burden to BenefitOur patented technologies work together to turn biosolids from a problem into a useful product.
The Growing Biosolids Challenge
Every day, wastewater treatment plants across America face the challenge of managing tons of biosolids. Without proper dewatering systems in place, municipalities are faced with higher transportation costs to haul away the heavier, wet material.
Landfills are reaching capacity, and facilities are struggling with growing volumes and increasing regulations. Alternatives like incineration are costly and harmful to the environment.
As challenges grow, communities need safer, more sustainable, and efficient long-term solutions.
A Smarter Approach to Biosolids Management
In our 40+ years in the biosolids management industry, Merrell Bros. has worked with nearly every Class A and Class B treatment technology on the market.
That experience has given us a unique perspective on what works, what doesn’t, and where municipalities need better solutions.
This is why we set out on a mission to create forward-thinking technologies that reduce costs, ease operational burdens, and provide real, sustainable alternatives to traditional disposal methods.
Our Patented Technology Solutions
Merrell Bros., Inc. currently holds 7 U.S. patents for biosolids processing technologies, with 6 additional patents pending.
These services (or systems/processes/technologies) incorporate proprietary technologies protected by one or more patents or pending patent applications.
Engineered In-House. Proven in the Field.
Our technologies are developed and refined by Merrell Bros.’ internal R&D and engineering teams, who remain at the forefront of responsible, performance-driven biosolids management. Our patented systems reflect continuous advancement in sustainable biosolids treatment and long-term infrastructure performance.
Solar-Thermal Pasteurization
Solar-Thermal Pasteurization uses enclosed greenhouse drying and a specialized oven system to dry out biosolids, significantly reducing transportation costs while creating a safe, Class A fertilizer product.
Double Drum Drying
Double Drum Drying uses steam-heated rotating drums and a specialized oven system to dry out biosolids, significantly reducing transportation costs while creating a safe, Class A fertilizer product.
Pelletization
Pelletization transforms treated biosolids into clean, uniform fertilizer pellets for efficient storage and distribution. Our pelletization system easily connects to any wastewater facility with dewatering capabilities.
Benefits for Municipalities & Wastewater Treatment Facilities
✅ Lower hauling and disposal costs
✅ Meet Class A standards
✅ Less landfill waste
✅ Environmentally friendly
✅ Long-term sustainability
✅ Higher cost-savings over time
✅ Beneficial Re-use
✅ Fertilizer pellets allow for easier handling and less dust pollution
✅ Produces a marketable nutrient-rich fertilizer product
✅ Backed by patented, proven systems
✅ Better odor control
✅ Meets increasingly strict and ever-changing regulatory standards
✅ More predictable numbers and better forecasting
✅ Increased operational efficiency
✅ Merrell Bros. does all the heavy-lifting
✅ Avoid costly emergency cleanouts & less frequent lagoon cleanouts needed
Ask us about Public-Private Partnerships
Many Merrell Bros. projects are delivered through Public–Private Partnerships, combining the strengths of municipal ownership with private-sector innovation and operational expertise. This approach allows cities, counties, and utilities to implement advanced biosolids treatment and reuse technologies without bearing the full financial or technical burden upfront.
Through these partnerships, Merrell Bros. provides the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the biosolids processing systems, while the public partner retains oversight and long-term benefit. This structure ensures accountability, performance guarantees, and measurable results that protect both ratepayers and the environment.
The result is a shared investment model that delivers long-term savings, regulatory compliance, and community value — turning a traditional waste challenge into a sustainable public asset.
Licensing
Our licensing partners receive full support, from permitting assistance and training to long-term maintenance and service. We don’t just provide technology, we provide peace of mind.
Flexible
The costs for technology licensing can be capitalized up front or paid on an annual basis.
Assistance
We’ll provide levels of assistance for your design and construction team. Assistance includes: facility layout, process flow, equipment and machinery selection, materials, review of design and construction submittals.
Operation
We can mobilize staff on-site to share experience with efficient operation of the technology and adapt operation and maintenance literature to your unique facility.
Marketing
We can develop a marketing plan that includes outlets, pelletization and retail bagging.
Permitting
Merrell Bros. has experience with treatment technology regulatory approval, marketing and distribution schemes and state registration of Class A biosolids as fertilizer.
Licensing follows the life of the facility and includes 20 years of annual support and improvements to the technology.
Proven, Field-Tested results
Today, those innovations are helping utilities across the country turn a growing challenge into a reliable, sustainable opportunity. See some of our case studies to learn more about how MB Technologies are helping municipalities acrossed the United States.
Pasco County partnered with Merrell Bros. to implement our Solar-Thermal Pasteurization technology, transforming biosolids management…
Kokomo, IN partnered with Merrell Bros. to deploy our Double-Drum Drying technology system to deliver a long-term, sustainable solution to…
The City of Kennewick, WA partnered with Merrell Bros. to modernize its biosolids operation with our Solar-Thermal Pasteurization and…
Are you ready to be at the forefront of sustainable biosolids management?
We’re confident that our technologies can improve your operation and reduce the headaches you face each day. Our team is always here to answer questions and help you determine if our technology is the right fit for your operation.