{"id":1283,"date":"2026-07-17T16:39:13","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T13:09:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hormonex.online\/?page_id=1283"},"modified":"2026-07-19T04:53:40","modified_gmt":"2026-07-19T01:23:40","slug":"ifas-wastewater-treatment-package","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/polypayesh.com\/en\/ifas-wastewater-treatment-package\/","title":{"rendered":"IFAS Wastewater Treatment Package"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

IFAS Wastewater Treatment Package<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

An IFAS wastewater treatment package is one of the hybrid biological treatment methods that combines the activated sludge process with biofilm growth on special media. In this system, part of the microorganisms operate in suspension in the activated sludge, and the other part operate attached to the media.<\/p>\n\n

IFAS stands for Integrated Fixed-Film Activated Sludge. This process is suitable for projects that need to increase treatment capacity, reduce the pollution load, improve the stability of the system, or upgrade an existing treatment plant \u2014 without necessarily needing a significant increase in the tank volume.<\/p>\n\n

By reviewing the wastewater analysis, the inlet flow rate, the pollution load, the available space, the condition of the current treatment plant, and the required output effluent quality, Poly Payesh designs and builds the IFAS wastewater treatment package to suit the conditions of each project.<\/p>\n\n

What Is the IFAS System?<\/h2>\n

The IFAS system is a hybrid wastewater treatment process that simultaneously uses two types of microbial growth:<\/p>\n\n

    \n
  • Suspended growth (activated sludge)<\/li>\n
  • Attached growth (biofilm on media)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

    In a conventional activated sludge system, most of the microorganisms are present in suspension in the aeration tank. But in an IFAS wastewater treatment package, in addition to the activated sludge, special media are also placed inside the reactor or aeration tank to provide a suitable surface for the formation of biofilm.<\/p>\n

    Biofilm is a layer of microorganisms that grows on the surface of the media. The presence of this layer increases the biological growth surface, increases the population of beneficial microorganisms, and improves the treatment capacity within a given tank volume.<\/p>\n

    For this reason, IFAS is one of the important options for upgrading existing activated sludge treatment plants, projects with space limitations, wastewaters with a variable pollution load, and projects that need greater stability in the biological process.<\/p>\n\n\"\"\n\n

    How Does an IFAS Wastewater Treatment Package Work?<\/h2>\n

    In the IFAS process, the wastewater enters the aeration tank. In this tank, air is supplied by a blower and diffuser, and the conditions necessary for the activity of aerobic microorganisms are provided.<\/p>\n

    Simultaneously with the activity of the activated sludge, the biological media present in the tank also create a bed for biofilm growth. In this way, two microbial populations play a role side by side in treating the wastewater:<\/p>\n\n

      \n
    • The suspended microorganisms in the activated sludge<\/li>\n
    • The microorganisms attached to the media<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

      This combination increases the biological capacity of the system, and part of the pressure applied to the activated sludge is absorbed by the biofilm on the media.<\/p>\n

      Finally, the mixture of water and sludge enters the secondary settling unit. In this section, the sludge is separated from the effluent, and part of it is returned to the aeration tank. Depending on the required standard, the output effluent can also enter the disinfection stage, supplementary treatment, or a storage tank.<\/p>\n\n

      Operating Stages of the IFAS Package<\/h2>\n\n

      1. Wastewater Inlet and Pre-treatment<\/h3>\n

      The wastewater first enters the receiving or pre-treatment section. In various projects, equipment such as a screen, grit chamber, grease trap, equalization tank, or pH adjustment may be used before entering the IFAS tank.<\/p>\n

      The goal of this stage is to reduce the entry of coarse materials, control flow fluctuation, reduce hydraulic shocks, and prepare the wastewater for entering the biological process.<\/p>\n\n

      2. Wastewater Entering the Aeration Tank<\/h3>\n

      After the initial stage, the wastewater enters the aeration tank. In this tank, the activated sludge and the biological media come into contact with the wastewater.<\/p>\n

      The design of the tank volume, the retention time, the amount of aeration, the media fill percentage, and the mixing method must be done based on the wastewater quality and the project capacity.<\/p>\n\n

      3. Activity of the Activated Sludge<\/h3>\n

      The microorganisms suspended in the wastewater consume the decomposable organic matter. This process helps reduce part of the wastewater’s BOD and COD.<\/p>\n

      The performance of the activated sludge depends on factors such as dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, the food-to-microorganism ratio, the sludge age, the organic loading, and the operating conditions.<\/p>\n\n

      4. Activity of the Biofilm on the Media<\/h3>\n

      The IFAS media provide a large surface for the growth of microorganisms. Bacteria grow on the surface of the media and form a biological layer or biofilm.<\/p>\n

      The presence of biofilm means that part of the treatment process is carried out by a population of microorganisms that are more stable against short-term fluctuations in conditions.<\/p>\n

      The media can be designed as fixed, modular, or floating; but they must be chosen and maintained in a way that their exit from the tank is controlled and they have a suitable distribution in the reactor.<\/p>\n\n

      5. Aeration and Oxygen Supply<\/h3>\n

      In the aerobic section, a blower and diffuser supply the oxygen required by the microorganisms. Proper aeration is very important in the IFAS package, because in addition to supplying oxygen, it also helps mix the wastewater and media properly.<\/p>\n

      A lack of aeration can cause a decline in biological performance, reduced efficiency in removing organic matter, and disruption of the proper growth of biofilm.<\/p>\n\n

      6. Secondary Settling<\/h3>\n

      After the mixture of wastewater and sludge exits the aeration tank, the flow enters the secondary settling unit or clarifier.<\/p>\n

      In this stage, the activated sludge is separated from the water. The clearer effluent exits from the upper part, and the settled sludge is collected in the lower part of the tank.<\/p>\n\n

      7. Sludge Return and Excess Sludge Disposal<\/h3>\n

      Part of the settled sludge is returned to the aeration tank through a RAS pump (return activated sludge pump) to maintain the population of active microorganisms.<\/p>\n

      Another part of the sludge also leaves the system as excess sludge (WAS). Correct management of the excess sludge is essential to prevent an increase in solids, a decline in efficiency, and problems in settling.<\/p>\n\n

      8. Disinfection and Supplementary Treatment<\/h3>\n

      If the project requires it, the output effluent enters the disinfection stage after settling. Chlorination, UV, or other suitable methods can be used to reduce the microbial pollution.<\/p>\n

      If the output effluent standard is stricter, supplementary treatment units such as a sand filter, carbon filter, UF, RO, or other suitable processes may also be needed.<\/p>\n\n\"\"\n\n

      The Role of the Media in the IFAS System<\/h2>\n

      The media is one of the most important components of the IFAS wastewater treatment package. These parts are usually made of durable polymeric materials and provide a suitable surface for biofilm growth for the microorganisms.<\/p>\n

      The main role of the media in IFAS includes the following:<\/p>\n\n

        \n
      • Increasing the effective surface for microorganism growth<\/li>\n
      • Increasing the biological capacity of the system within a given volume<\/li>\n
      • Helping the stability of the process against changes in the pollution load<\/li>\n
      • Improving the possibility of growth for slower-growing microorganisms<\/li>\n
      • Helping upgrade some existing activated sludge treatment plants<\/li>\n
      • Reducing the need to increase the tank volume in some projects<\/li>\n
      • Increasing the flexibility of the biological process design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

        The choice of media type, the fill percentage, the method of retaining the media, the aeration system, and the screen or media-retention equipment must be done in an engineered way.<\/p>\n\n

        Advantages of the IFAS Wastewater Treatment Package<\/h2>\n

        The IFAS wastewater treatment package can have important advantages in suitable projects:<\/p>\n\n

          \n
        • Increasing the biological capacity within a given tank volume<\/li>\n
        • Suitable for upgrading existing activated sludge treatment plants<\/li>\n
        • Helping improve the stability of the process against fluctuations in flow rate and pollution load<\/li>\n
        • Increasing the surface for microorganism growth<\/li>\n
        • Helping improve the removal of decomposable organic matter<\/li>\n
        • The ability to be designed to reduce nitrogen compounds, with correct process design<\/li>\n
        • The possibility of use in projects with installation space limitations<\/li>\n
        • The possibility of combination with pre-treatment and supplementary treatment units<\/li>\n
        • The ability to be executed in metal, polyethylene, fiberglass packages, or a concrete structure<\/li>\n
        • The ability to be used in new treatment plants or existing-system upgrade projects<\/li>\n
        • The ability to be equipped with an electrical panel, PLC, and process monitoring systems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

          Limitations and Important Points in Choosing IFAS<\/h2>\n

          The IFAS package is not the best option for every project. Choosing this process must be done after a technical review.<\/p>\n

          Some important points are:<\/p>\n\n

            \n
          • The aeration design must meet the oxygen needs of both the activated sludge and the biofilm.<\/li>\n
          • The media must be properly retained and controlled inside the tank.<\/li>\n
          • The unwanted exit of media from the system must be prevented with suitable equipment.<\/li>\n
          • The secondary settling and the performance of the activated sludge are still very important.<\/li>\n
          • In wastewaters containing fat, oil, toxic substances, or inhibitory materials, pre-treatment may be essential.<\/li>\n
          • The quality and fluctuation of the inlet wastewater have a direct effect on the system’s performance.<\/li>\n
          • Operation, sludge control, aeration adjustment, and equipment servicing must be done periodically.<\/li>\n
          • For phosphorus removal or reaching specific standards, supplementary processes may be needed.<\/li>\n
          • The cost of the media, retention equipment, and aeration must be included in the project’s economic estimate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

            The Difference Between IFAS and Conventional Activated Sludge<\/h3>\n

            In a conventional activated sludge system, the main part of the treatment is carried out by the microorganisms suspended in the wastewater.<\/p>\n

            But in IFAS, in addition to the activated sludge, the biofilm on the media also plays a role in the treatment process. Therefore, IFAS is a hybrid system of suspended growth and attached growth.<\/p>\n

            This structure can create an advantage in projects that need increased capacity, greater stability, or an upgrade of an existing treatment plant.<\/p>\n

            However, the amount of capacity or efficiency increase depends on factors such as the type of wastewater, the media percentage, the dissolved oxygen, the retention time, the settling condition, and the design of the whole system.<\/p>\n\n

            The Difference Between IFAS and MBBR<\/h3>\n

            Both the IFAS and MBBR processes use media for biofilm growth, but their structure is different.<\/p>\n

            In IFAS, the media are placed alongside the activated sludge in an activated sludge system. In this method, both suspended growth and attached growth are active simultaneously.<\/p>\n

            In MBBR, the main part of the process is usually designed based on biofilm growth on moving media, and its operating structure is different from IFAS.<\/p>\n

            In summary:<\/p>\n\n

              \n
            • IFAS: a combination of activated sludge and biofilm on media<\/li>\n
            • MBBR: more focus on biofilm on moving media<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

              The choice between IFAS and MBBR must be made according to the wastewater analysis, the project space, the operating conditions, the output standard, the execution cost, and the possibility of future expansion.<\/p>\n\n

              The Difference Between IFAS and EAAS (Extended Aeration)<\/h3>\n

              In the EAAS or extended aeration process, treatment is mainly carried out based on suspended activated sludge, and aeration continues for a longer time.<\/p>\n

              But in IFAS, in addition to the activated sludge, biological media are also present in the process, and biofilm forms on them.<\/p>\n

              In projects where an existing extended aeration process has reached its final capacity or there is a need to increase capacity without building a new tank, IFAS can be considered as one of the upgrade options.<\/p>\n\n

              Applications of the IFAS Wastewater Treatment Package<\/h2>\n

              The IFAS package can be considered for various projects, including:<\/p>\n\n

                \n
              • Urban and semi-centralized wastewater treatment plants<\/li>\n
              • Large residential complexes<\/li>\n
              • Towns and organizational complexes<\/li>\n
              • Large hotels and lodges<\/li>\n
              • Projects for developing or upgrading an existing treatment plant<\/li>\n
              • Food industries, after reviewing the wastewater analysis<\/li>\n
              • Chemical and manufacturing industries with biodegradable wastewater<\/li>\n
              • Projects with installation space limitations<\/li>\n
              • Projects with fluctuation in flow rate or pollution load<\/li>\n
              • Industrial units that need to reduce the pollution load before supplementary treatment<\/li>\n
              • Projects that need to improve nitrification or nitrogen control<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                In any industrial project, choosing IFAS must be done after a careful review of the wastewater composition, the levels of COD, BOD, TSS, fat, pH, inhibitory materials, and the output standard.<\/p>\n\n

                The IFAS Package for Upgrading an Existing Treatment Plant<\/h2>\n

                One of the most important applications of IFAS is upgrading existing activated sludge treatment plants.<\/p>\n

                In some projects, the old treatment plant cannot meet the increase in flow rate or pollution load in terms of tank volume, aeration capacity, or treatment power. Building a new treatment plant or increasing the tank volume may be costly, time-consuming, or impossible due to space limitations.<\/p>\n

                In such conditions, using media in the existing reactor can be one of the options to consider for increasing the biological capacity of the system.<\/p>\n

                Before implementing IFAS in an existing treatment plant, the following must be reviewed:<\/p>\n\n

                  \n
                • The current volume of the aeration tank<\/li>\n
                • The real capacity of the blowers and diffusers<\/li>\n
                • The condition of the secondary settling<\/li>\n
                • The quality of the inlet wastewater<\/li>\n
                • The condition of the activated sludge<\/li>\n
                • The possibility of installing a screen or media-retention system<\/li>\n
                • The space required for auxiliary equipment<\/li>\n
                • The need for changes in the sludge return system<\/li>\n
                • The intended output effluent standard<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\"\"\n\n

                  Main Components of the IFAS Wastewater Treatment Package<\/h2>\n

                  An IFAS wastewater treatment package can include the following equipment:<\/p>\n\n

                    \n
                  • Screen (trash rack) and initial pre-treatment<\/li>\n
                  • Equalization tank if needed<\/li>\n
                  • Aeration tank<\/li>\n
                  • IFAS biological media<\/li>\n
                  • Media-retention system or screen<\/li>\n
                  • Aeration blower<\/li>\n
                  • Diffuser and air distribution network<\/li>\n
                  • Mixer if the design requires it<\/li>\n
                  • Secondary settling unit or clarifier<\/li>\n
                  • Sludge return pump (RAS)<\/li>\n
                  • Excess sludge disposal pump (WAS)<\/li>\n
                  • Disinfection system<\/li>\n
                  • Treated effluent storage tank if needed<\/li>\n
                  • Electrical panel and control system<\/li>\n
                  • PLC, level sensor, dissolved oxygen sensor, and instrumentation equipment if needed<\/li>\n
                  • Inspection manhole, inlet and outlet piping, and vent<\/li>\n
                  • Sewage pumping station if the project requires it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                    How Is the Capacity of the IFAS Wastewater Treatment Package Determined?<\/h2>\n

                    The capacity of the IFAS package must be determined based on the real data of the project. The important factors in the design are:<\/p>\n\n

                      \n
                    • The average and maximum wastewater flow rate<\/li>\n
                    • The levels of BOD, COD, and TSS<\/li>\n
                    • The nitrogen compounds and ammonia<\/li>\n
                    • The fluctuation of the pollution load over the day and night<\/li>\n
                    • The type of wastewater: domestic, sanitary, or industrial<\/li>\n
                    • The space available for installation<\/li>\n
                    • The volume of existing tanks in upgrade projects<\/li>\n
                    • The capacity of the aeration system<\/li>\n
                    • The required standard for the output effluent<\/li>\n
                    • The need for nitrogen removal or supplementary treatment<\/li>\n
                    • The operation and maintenance conditions<\/li>\n
                    • The plan for future capacity expansion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                      Correct capacity design plays an important role in preventing a decline in efficiency, an increase in operating cost, and performance problems.<\/p>\n\n

                      What Factors Does the Price of the IFAS Wastewater Treatment Package Depend On?<\/h2>\n

                      The price of the IFAS package depends on the capacity and technical conditions of the project. The most important factors affecting the price are:<\/p>\n\n

                        \n
                      • The design flow rate and pollution load of the wastewater<\/li>\n
                      • The type of use of the project<\/li>\n
                      • The volume and material of the tanks<\/li>\n
                      • The type and volume of the IFAS media<\/li>\n
                      • The media-retention system<\/li>\n
                      • The blower capacity and diffuser type<\/li>\n
                      • The need for an equalization tank or pre-treatment<\/li>\n
                      • The type of pumps and the sludge return system<\/li>\n
                      • The electrical panel, PLC, and instrumentation equipment<\/li>\n
                      • The need for supplementary treatment or disinfection<\/li>\n
                      • Whether the system is buried or above-ground<\/li>\n
                      • The cost of transport, installation, piping, and commissioning<\/li>\n
                      • The need to upgrade an existing treatment plant or design a new package<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                        To provide an exact price, information such as the wastewater flow rate, the effluent analysis, the type of industry or use, the project space, and the required output effluent quality must be reviewed.<\/p>\n\n

                        Design and Construction of the IFAS Package by Poly Payesh<\/h2>\n

                        Poly Payesh designs the IFAS wastewater treatment package based on the real needs of the project. In the technical review stage, the following are evaluated:<\/p>\n\n

                          \n
                        • The quality and type of the inlet wastewater<\/li>\n
                        • The amount of the pollution load and its fluctuations<\/li>\n
                        • The required capacity of the project<\/li>\n
                        • The execution space limitation<\/li>\n
                        • The condition of the existing tanks or the possibility of building a new package<\/li>\n
                        • The aeration equipment required<\/li>\n
                        • The type of media and the fill percentage<\/li>\n
                        • The need for nitrogen control<\/li>\n
                        • The possibility of buried or above-ground execution<\/li>\n
                        • The operation and maintenance conditions<\/li>\n
                        • The need for future capacity expansion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                          The goal is to choose a process that, in addition to meeting the treatment need, is also aligned with the project’s conditions in terms of execution cost, operation, energy consumption, and maintainability.<\/p>\n\n

                          To receive specialized consultation, a technical review of your project, and a price quote for the IFAS wastewater treatment package, get in touch with the experts at Poly Payesh.<\/strong><\/blockquote>\n\n

                          Frequently Asked Questions About the IFAS Wastewater Treatment Package<\/h2>\n\n

                          What is IFAS?<\/h3>\n

                          IFAS stands for Integrated Fixed-Film Activated Sludge. This system combines the activated sludge process with biofilm growth on media.<\/p>\n\n

                          What is the difference between IFAS and activated sludge?<\/h3>\n

                          In conventional activated sludge, the microorganisms operate mainly in suspension. In IFAS, in addition to the activated sludge, biofilm also grows on media and plays a role in the treatment.<\/p>\n\n

                          Is IFAS suitable for upgrading an old treatment plant?<\/h3>\n

                          Yes. In many activated sludge treatment plants facing a capacity shortage or space limitation, IFAS can be one of the options to consider for increasing the biological capacity of the system.<\/p>\n\n

                          Are IFAS and MBBR the same?<\/h3>\n

                          No. In IFAS, the activated sludge and the biofilm on the media operate simultaneously. In MBBR, the process is designed more based on biofilm on moving media.<\/p>\n\n

                          Is IFAS suitable for industrial wastewater?<\/h3>\n

                          For some biodegradable industrial wastewaters, after a careful review of the effluent analysis, IFAS can be used. In wastewaters containing fat, chemicals, or inhibitory materials, pre-treatment may be essential.<\/p>\n\n

                          Does the IFAS package need electricity?<\/h3>\n

                          Yes. The blowers, pumps, electrical panel, control equipment, and in some projects the PLC system need electricity for the package to operate properly.<\/p>\n\n

                          What information is needed to request a price for the IFAS package?<\/h3>\n

                          The wastewater flow rate, the type of use, the effluent analysis, the levels of BOD and COD, the available space, the condition of the current treatment plant, the required output effluent quality, and the need for buried or above-ground execution are important pieces of information for design and price estimation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                          IFAS Wastewater Treatment Package An IFAS wastewater treatment package is one of the hybrid biological treatment methods that combines the activated sludge process with biofilm growth on special media. In this system, part of the microorganisms operate in suspension in the activated sludge, and the other part operate attached to the media. IFAS stands for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1283","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/polypayesh.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1283","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/polypayesh.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/polypayesh.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/polypayesh.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/polypayesh.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1283"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/polypayesh.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1283\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2268,"href":"https:\/\/polypayesh.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1283\/revisions\/2268"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/polypayesh.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}