Van Dijk heating introduces new generation of water Disinfectors
The new Ecoster E uses 50% less electricity to disinfect
Van Dijk Heating is launching its upgraded ECOSTER E drain water disinfector at GreenTech Amsterdam 2025. With new technology, this electrically powered disinfector is at least as effective as the old version, but uses as much as 50% less energy. The water is cooled further after disinfection, which is a big plus for many crops, especially in the summer season.
ECOSTER has enjoyed a reputation for reliable water disinfection since 1990. These robust systems heat the water rapidly and efficiently, so viruses and other pathogens have no chance of survival and drain water can be reused safely. The ECOSTER is available in several different models.
- ECOSTER (gas-fired)
- ECOSTER K (using the central heating system via the boiler, CHP or buffer tank)
- ECOSTER E (heated electrically)
The new ECOSTER E: more efficient and more powerful
Thanks to innovative technology, the ECOSTER E now uses up to 50% less electricity. A portion of this savings potential is used to raise the disinfection rate even more: drain water is now heated for at least 40 seconds at 96°C (previously: 30 sec at 95°C), killing 99.95% of viruses and other pathogens (previously: 99.5%).
The cooling system has also been improved. The conventional disinfector cools the water down to 5°C above the supply temperature after treatment. The new ECOSTER E cools down to just 2°C above the supply temperature. That means that more heat is extracted from the treated water and returned to the disinfection process. This is part of what makes its energy consumption much lower.
Growers really appreciate the more effective cooling. Water consumption and drainage volumes are relatively high, especially in hotter periods. Water temperatures that are too high can cause all kinds of problems for cultivation and for the roots of the crops.
Guaranteed results, smaller footprint
With this upgrade, Van Dijk Heating is responding to the growing demand for sustainable solutions for disease prevention and efficient use of water and fertilizers. Managing Director Ton van Dijk: “In high-tech greenhouse horticulture, closed cultivation systems that fully reuse drain water are the new norm. To do this safely, the drain water needs to be disinfected first, to prevent plant pathogens from spreading through the water system. Some technologies can be susceptible to disruptive influences and have variable results, for example due to contamination or organic particles that make the drain water less clear. Such limitations are not an issue when the water is heated. With the ECOSTER E, growers can disinfect their water even more efficiently and reduce their environmental footprint even more."
For small and large volumes
The new, energy-efficient ECOSTER E will be available worldwide starting in June 2025, in capacities of 5, 10, 15 and 20 m3/hour.
For companies that place less importance on a lower drain water temperature, there is also a version available for the smallest two models with a ΔT of 4°C. These are slightly less expensive to purchase, but they consume about twice as much electricity. Installers can advise buyers on the most appropriate type for their business.
Visitors to GreenTech Amsterdam 2025 (June 10-12) can get more information about the new ECOSTER E at Van Dijk Heating's booth 01.135 or visit vandijkheating.com/en/ecoster.
