North American manufacturer of decanter centrifuges and advanced biosolids treatment technologies Centrisys/CNP has been awarded the contract to integrate the PONDUS Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP) for Capital Region Water (CRW) in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, US, as part of the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility (AWTF) energy recovery improvement project.
“PONDUS is a THP suitable for facilities of any size,” said CNP president Gerhard Forstner. “It enhances the solids loading capacity in digesters, optimises thermal energy efficiency, generates sustainable energy, and cuts down disposal expenses, all with a low polymer dosage. The process will ensure that the anaerobically digested sludge reaches a flow of 50gpm and captures 95% at 25% dry solids. CRW updated system is set for completion in 2024.”
Additional attributes of PONDUS THP are that no steam and no pressure are required with this digester pre-treatment process. Plant operators are said to operate, maintain and repair PONDUS without additional training and certifications.
The CRW AWTF is reportedly one of the largest wastewater facilities in the region. The focal point of the project is the AWTF energy recovery improvement. Utilising methane produced in CRW AWTF anaerobic digestion process, the energy is harnessed as fuel for boilers and two 400HP, combined heat and power units (CHPs), consequently producing electricity sold to the grid. This system, set up in 1984, has not only provided heat for the AWTF campus anaerobic digesters and buildings but has also contributed to the grid. The ongoing maintenance challenges and available parts required a change.
Incorporating Centrisys/CNP PONDUS technology, the AWTF project will reportedly entail enhanced thickening of waste activated sludge, integration of alkaline thermal hydrolysis, biogas compression conditioned to pipeline quality, advanced facilities for high strength waste management, and on-site emergency power generation.
The AWTF project was driven by the need for optimised biosolids management, sustainable energy production, and carbon footprint reduction. A visit to the PONDUS installation at the Kenosha Water Utility in Wisconsin showcased the system’s capabilities and influenced the AWTF’s decision to integrate PONDUS. By allying with a local energy provider, the challenge of finding an outlet for the produced energy has been addressed.
Forstner added, “Collaborating with our manufacturer representative, Kappe Associates, and the expert engineers at Arcadis, we are ensuring that Harrisburg AWTF harnesses technologies to meet its sustainable goals. Our vision is a testament to the commitment we have towards environmental responsibility and community welfare.”
