R&D THE KEY TO PRODUCT DIFFERENTIATION
Since its founding in 2006, EcoHidro has completed ten R&D projects, reflecting that research and development are key elements in the DNA of our company. These projects have not only enabled us to explore and adopt new technologies but have also led to new commercial products that are now part of EcoHidro’s solution catalog. These advancements have been fundamental in ensuring that our treatment plants remain at the forefront of the industry and meet the growing demands of the market.
EcoHidro’s strategy in Research, Development, and Innovation is closely tied to the company’s ongoing growth and development. We believe that research is not a one-time effort, but a constant that must be present at every stage of our evolution. Our mission is to continue generating knowledge and innovative solutions that allow us not only to stay competitive but to lead the change in the water treatment sector.
Over the years, we have invested in the development of technologies that not only improve the efficiency of our processes but are also more sustainable, efficient, and adaptable to changing regulations and the evolving needs of our clients. In this way, research becomes a key differentiating factor, allowing us to offer increasingly advanced solutions in a globalized environment where water treatment plays a crucial role in protecting the environment and public health.
Our commitment to innovation also responds to the growing importance of water treatment technologies in the global context, driven by environmental challenges and the health risks associated with water access and quality. At EcoHidro, we believe that staying at the forefront of research allows us not only to offer more effective solutions tailored to current problems but also to anticipate future needs — always aligned with the principles of sustainability and efficiency that guide our work.
Looking ahead, research and innovation will continue to be the pillars on which we build our growth, aiming not only to improve our products and services but also to contribute to the development of cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally friendly technologies. At EcoHidro, we remain committed to continuous improvement and the pursuit of solutions that ensure a more sustainable future for all.
R&D Projects We Have Developed at EcoHidro
CDINA PROJECT 2025
Capacitive Deionization for Sodium Removal in Drainage Water from Hydroponic Cultivation.
COLLAB: TECNALIA
Project in process
CYER PROJECT 2023
Development of an Energy Recovery System from Brine Resulting from Brackish and Low-Salinity Water Desalination Processes
Collab: UPCT – Department of Thermal and Fluid Engineering Professor: Antonio Viedma (Chair in Fluid Mechanics)
Objectives Achieved
- Significant energy savings of around 30–40% compared to the same installation without the recovery unit, achieved through brine generation in reverse osmosis processes under the required conditions for treating low- and medium-salinity brackish water.
- Versatility to facilitate installation in any existing or newly built desalination plant.
- Wide operating range
- Competitive manufacturing cost
- Increased feed flow to membranes
- Reduced electrical energy consumption
- Must avoid the use of consumables and minimize maintenance as much as possible.
- Robust design that is easy to operate by unqualified personnel.
HIDROSURVIVE (2020-2022) (CDTI Dual):
Survival Water Purification Backpack
Collab: Leuman Sistemas de Defensa S.L.
Objectives Achieved
- Guaranteed supply of potable water that meets the quality standards set by the WHO.
- Easily transportable to remote or hard-to-reach locations.
- Manual operation with no need for electrical power.
- Includes a self-cleaning system that effectively restores the filtering media.
- Robust design, easy to use by anyone without specific qualifications.
UFAA (2016-2018) (CDTI):
Development of an Innovative, HIGH-EFFICIENCY Cleaning Process for Ultrafiltration Membranes
COLLAB: CEBAS-CSIC
Objectives Achieved
- Testing with complex water: loaded with solids, detergents, oils, and greases.
- Testing of various pretreatments on ultrafiltration membranes.
- 50% reduction in water consumption during cleaning processes.
- Shorter cleaning times, resulting in increased water production.
- 15% reduction in energy consumption.
SEARRISOST (2018-2021) (CDTI):
NEW TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES FOR A SUSTAINABLE IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT WITH DESALINATED SEAWATER
COLLAB: Nutricontrol S.L., IMIDA y UPCT.
Objectives Achieved
- Treatment of Product Water from a Desalination System Containing Boron, for Irrigation Use
- Proven effectiveness of a second reverse osmosis stage for its removal, as well as the study of ion exchange resins.
- Adaptive irrigation with fertilizer recipes based on the time of year, types of fertilizers, water source, soil type, and more.
FILTERCANTER (2014-2015) (CDTI):
Development of a PROTOTYPE for the MINIMIZATION / ELIMINATION of the SECONDARY SETTLER in an MBBR Wastewater Treatment System
Objectives Achieved
- Alternative removal of suspended solids and inclusion of air-assisted systems for water savings.
- Achieves a 25% reduction in settler volume with a filtration stage.
HIDROSTATION (2014-2015) (CDTI)
Comprehensive Water Treatment System for Isolated Service Stations
Objectives Achieved
- Design and development of an integrated solution for the supply, management, treatment, and recovery of water in isolated service stations.
- Treatment of greywater, degreased water from vehicle washing, treated water, and rainwater.
- Water from cleaning processes at all treatment stages is directed to the head of the treatment plant.
- Containerized solution with minimal space requirements, insulation, protection, and installation requiring minimal civil works.
HidroBIO (2009-2011) (CDTI)
Study of Biological Treatment of Urban Wastewater Using Suspended Beds.
COLLAB: CETEC
Objectives Achieved
- Design and development of a microbial support to increase the treatment capacity of existing wastewater treatment plants operating with Activated Sludge systems.
- Achieved treatment efficiency greater than 97%.
- Greater treatment capacity in much less space.
- Optimization of the design of supports for organic matter.
- Development of a product range (MBBR).
BioECO (2012-2013) (CDTI):
ECOefficient Compact Wastewater Treatment Plant designed for optimal purification performance and energy efficiency. Intended for the treatment of wastewater from small population centers and industries, fully self-supplied with solar energy..
COLLAB: CTCON
Objectives Achieved
- Energy consumption in the treatment plant was optimized, but it was not possible to reduce it by eliminating or replacing equipment.
- High-efficiency solar panels were installed to make the final equipment design as compact as possible, with an autonomy of 16 hours.
- The system is capable of supplying the needs of 100 equivalent inhabitants.
MicroETAP (2006-2007)
(Instituto de fomento de la Región de Murcia)
Modular Water Purification Station
Objectives Achieved
- Incorporation of membrane technology (UF_RO)
- Study of suitable materials.
- Optimization of initial membrane cleaning systems.
HidroTAR (2008-2009)
(Instituto de fomento de la Región de Murcia)
Design and Development of a Tap Water Purification System
COLLAB: CETEC
Objectives Achieved
- Optimization of operating parameters
- Study of suitable materials and installation sites.
- Improvement of organoleptic properties and mineral quality of drinking water.
- Improvement in long-term operating costs.