The Induced Blanket Reactor (IBR) is a continuous upflow anaerobic digester capable of treating animal manure and food waste. The IBR system is simple, extremely reliable and requires minimal energy to run a largely passive operation.

The unique design of Andigen's Induced Blanket Reactor (IBR) makes it possible to reduce cycle times to as low as 5 days while maintaining excellent solids destruction levels and exceptional gas production. This is accomplished by increasing bacterial concentration within the reactor and by directing the incoming waste stream through a vertical column of the bacteria rich material. By increasing the exposure of incoming organic solids to a 'sludge bed' or 'sludge blanket' of bacteria an accelerated digestion process is achieved.

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The IBR employs a septum and a rotating apparatus to trap methanogenic bacteria. The septums, submerged in tanks 10 metres high by 4 metres wide, induce a blanket or bed of living bacteria in the lower portion of the tank. Waste passing through the blanket is converted into methane by the bacteria. The tanks are installed above ground in a 38°C enclosure ensuring optimal microbial processing of the waste.

The IBR has a number of patented apparatuses which holds the 'sludge blanket' in place whilst the organic matter moves through the bed. This prevents plugging, a common issue for most other continous flow digester systems.

Upflow anaerobic digestion for use with animal waste and food processing wastes results in a digestion cycle that is five times faster than competitor technologies while having a smaller footprint. IBR systems are modular multi-tank designs, facilitating easy expansion and isolation of tanks for scheduled maintenance.


(L-R) Assembled IBR tanks prior to commissioning, Construction of a multi-tank IBR system.