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AIRR Wastewater Recovery System

The AIRR Wastewater Recovery/Treatment System (Alternating Intermittent Recirculating Reactor) has provided high quality treatment since it's inception in 1977. The AIRR clear water discharge average is as follows:

The AIRR technology process is a biological treatment of effluent by controlling biological/bacterial activities on the surface area of media in combination with high oxygenation. This process is an excellent method of treating domestic type septic tank effluent.

An AIRR facility/process is composed of a septic tank, dosing tank, AIRR secondary and tertiary sections, recirculation tank and a type of discharge for the clear water. The loading rate on the media beds (secondary and tertiary sections) is based on five (5) to twenty (20) gallons per square foot per day. The SPEC controller/monitor processing the incoming influent on a timed/volume design basis to totally control the delivery of the influent to the secondary and tertiary sections.

Primarily treated effluent is delivered to a dosing tank containing a pump(s) which deliver a timed, discrete volume of effluent to a manifold and distribution piping which has orifices of a specific size located at specific points, placed in the secondary treatment section media for biological treatment. The media is gravel or rock screened to SPEC Industries particular specifications. After a designed period, the partially treated effluent is discharged from the secondary treatment section to a recirculation tank containing a pump(s) which delivers a discrete volume, in a calculated time, by overhead spray nozzles over both the secondary and tertiary sections. The partially treated water that is sprayed over the treatment sections brings oxygen and moisture into the treatment media that causes hyperactivity by the bacteria. The treated water that falls on the secondary treatment section is reprocessed and collected in the recirculation tank for recirculation later. That water that falls upon the tertiary section (never received untreated effluent) then brings moisture and oxygen into the media for final polishing before discharge.

Benefits include reduced length of leachfields and separation to groundwater, rejuvenation of failed drainfields, re-use of the AIRR-recovered water for irrigation or drip irrigation, double plumbing, etc. Note: odor-free AIRR treatment facilities allows for installations to be almost anywhere, such as under patios, tennis courts, etc. or attached to or near occupied buildings.

AIRR recovered water (treated effluent) can be re-used in double plumbing situations or recycled for industrial uses as well as irrigation of plants, yards, golf courses, crops, etc. or disposed to either subsurface or to surface water bodies with a NPDES permit.

Drainfield Sizing and Separation to Ground Water: SPEC recommendations for leachfield/drainfield lengths and separation to groundwater is based on the high quality AIRR discharge water (not the untreated effluent from septic tanks), therefore, the leachfield/drainfield lengths and separation to ground water are reduced to account to the quality of water. The constrains of bad soil sites for drainfields and groundwater separation sites are drastically reduced. The AIRR discharge has rejuvenates failed drainfields and bio-matted ponds. The AIRR process also produces nitrogen reduction, etc.

None except through local or state regulations. AIRR units can be built above ground, part above and part below or completely below ground. AIRR units have been constructed under house patios, buildings, parking areas, etc. Architecturally designed to blend in with the other local buildings. If below the ground surface level, then structures, tennis courts, parking areas, gardens, etc. can constructed on top of the AIRR facility.

The AIRR system has been installed to serve cluster housing, subdivisions, mobile home parks, villages, etc., as well as installations in single-family homes. Modular designs provides for village, subdivision future expansion.

There have been no AIRR process/system failures from the first installation in 1977. Odor is not a problem for any of the AIRR installations. The average life of pumps in AIRR installations is well over eight years, and some have not been replaced in twenty years. If media is not supplied as specified, it may need to be replaced or washed in the AIRR unit (if possible) depending on the quality of the media.

AIRR owners provide their own inspections and operation of the unit. The manufacturer recommends that the home owner inspect the unit once annually. Inspection and monitoring agreements are available to meet governmental requirements.

Climatic Conditions: AIRR facilities have been constructed in all climatic zones of cold, temperate, desert and tropical conditions. All AIRR installations process the influent as designed and produce a high quality clear water discharge.

100 years (plus). Since 1977 (1st installation) there have been no process failures.

Single Family Units: Delivery time is approximately one to two weeks for the kit components. Installation/ construction will depend on local labor, but AIRR facilities should be completed in approximately two days with 2-two to three people and equipment for tank installations.

Larger Designed Units: Delivery is approximately two to four weeks after order is received.

Several installations in Vermont and in other U.S. States. International facilities. Contact the manufacturer for more information.

Technology Training: Complete design and construction training is available at SPEC's offices or in the field. Operator's manuals and training are available for both single family units, community or village sized units.

Design Services Available: Complete design/engineering services are available to engineers and clients. SPEC provides design support services for designers and engineers to provide a complete AIRR facility package to their clients.

SPEC's literature, cost estimates, drawings, reports and technical information are available upon request. Please contact SPEC Industries, Inc.