The A-stage, or adsorption stage is the most innovative component of the process. It is not preceded by primary treatment.  Influent organic matter is removed in the A-stage mainly by flocculation and sorption to sludge due to the high loading rates (2–10 g BOD • g VSS • d) and low sludge age (typically 4–10 h). Hydrolysis of complex organic molecules occurs improving biodegradability of the influent of the B-stage. High loading rates and low sludge age favours development of dynamic biocoenosis with a large fraction of microorganisms present in the exponential growth phase. Diverse sludge biocoenosis increase variety of organic compounds that can be degraded in the A-stage and makes the process more stable towards the shock loads. Altogether, up to 80% of the influent organic matter can be removed in the A-stage. The required reactor volume and oxygen supply are lower if compared to the removal in the conventional activated sludge process.
The B-stage, or bio-oxidation stage, is a typical low-loaded activated sludge process, where biodegradation of the remaining organic material occurs. The B-stage can be designed for nitrogen and/or phosphorus removal by alternating aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic zones in the reactor.