Econvert-IR®

Your challenges

Econvert IR reactor for anaerobic industrial wastewater treatment

Strict discharge regulations and high discharge fees

Discharge regulations of wastewater in the sewer system are becoming stricter, and the discharge fees for discharging wastewater are continuously increasing. Econvert-IR^®reduces pollutants in the wastewater, enabling compliance with regulations while lowering your carbon footprint.

High wastewater treatment costs

Aerobic treatment systems often have high energy demands and sludge handling costs. Due to low aeration needs, minimal sludge production, and reduced chemical consumption, Econvert-IR^® offers lower operational costs.

Rising energy costs

Energy costs continue to rise. Econvert-IR^® converts wastewater into biogas, which can be used on-site to generate electricity, heat or fuel – increasing energy self-sufficiency.

Sustainability and carbon footprint goals

There is pressure for companies to become more sustainable and to achieve certain sustainability goals. Econvert-IR^® helps reduce emissions and allows companies to recover energy, helping you toward reaching net-zero targets or green certifications.

Space limitations

Industrial sites often struggle with space limitations for production and logistics. Our reactors can be built over 30 meters tall, making anaerobic treatment possible in very compact footprints. Flexible sizing options allow integration even in constrained environments.

Do you want to know how our innovative wastewater treatment and biogas desulphurization solutions can benefit your business?

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The process

Wastewater (influent) is diluted with recirculated effluent and enters the reactor via the standpipe. In the mixing chamber, it blends with the internal recirculation flow, creating ideal conditions for COD degradation. The influent distribution system ensures even distribution to avoid disturbances in the granular sludge bed, consisting of anaerobic biomass.

The Econvert-IR^® reactor has two compartments with settling stages. In the lower compartment, a fluidized bed converts COD/BOD into biogas, and granules form. Due to high up-flow velocity (~16 m/h), smaller granules rise and are partly captured in the first settler. Others move to the second compartment with lower up-flow, where they grow and eventually settle back to the lower compartment, making it both a granule incubator and polishing step. Biogas and wastewater rise through the reactor via the airlift effect and are separated at the top. Biogas is collected for treatment and use; wastewater is recirculated to the bottom, supporting dilution and high up-flow velocity.

Our positive impact

The high performer – even under challenging conditions.

High performance under all circumstances

The Econvert-IR^® reactor treats up to 35 kg COD/m³ per day, thanks to its intensive mixing. Additionally, the mixing energy is provided by the internal recirculation which is driven by a gas-lift principle. This “free” energy ensures mixing as well as dilution of the wastewater through its unique mixing cone principle.

Low footprint

Due to its design the Econvert-IR^® can be built up to a height of 31 meters. The height of the reactor in combination with the high volumetric loading rates, makes it the reactor with the lowest footprint on the market.

Easy operation

Due to the internal recirculation of wastewater within the Econvert-IR^®, the mixing and dilution of the reactor is increased when the load of the reactor is increased. This automatic system driven by biogas production provides the right amount of mixing and dilution at all times.

Built for challenging wastewater types

Econvert-IR^® is designed to continue operation under extreme scaling conditions with high calcium or struvite precipitation. The reactor includes robust sludge roofs and a heavy-duty sludge removal system, ensuring uptime even in difficult operating environments.

"With the Econvert-IR® we've not just got a reactor, we have got a solution to our wastewater problem. It's reliable and performs beyond expectations "

Stora Enso Narew Sp. Z.o.o

Ostrołęka, Poland

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

An Internal Recirculation (IR) reactor is a specialized anaerobic wastewater treatment system that treats wastewater via internal recirculation. The IR reactor is an evolution of UASB and EGSB installations. An IR reactor consists of an internal recirculation system. The driver for the internal recirculation is the biogas production resulting in an automatic dilution of the influent via internal recirculation. Due to this, the reactor can be operated at the highest Volumetric Loading Rate (VLR) and withstand severe scaling conditions.